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A review by midnightmarauder
A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This book is one of the most challenging books I've ever read. Jude, the protagonist, is someone who has lived such a terrible life that the way his story ended didn't even surprise me. But, that doesn't mean it was any less harrowing.
In the beginning, I found myself very frustrated with Jude, my gripe lying mainly with his stubbornness and unwillingness to try to get better. He was someone that was fully aware that something was wrong with him, yet constantly ignored the people around him—the people that loved him—and their advice to seek help. But, as I continued to read, I reprimanded myself.
As the book reveals the severity of Jude's trauma, it becomes clear that he is beyond saving. I held onto hope,watched how long he had lived , how happy he had been with Willem and his job and his friends and family. But, although he had so much love and support, it was never enough. And it just wasn't enough in the very end.
Hanya Yanagihara's portrayal of Jude is both beautiful and heartbreaking. She tells a story of a broken boy who you'd hope would come out on the other end a healthy, well-rounded man. In a way, he did, but there was always a part of him that would remain broken, no matter how well things around him became.
In the beginning, I found myself very frustrated with Jude, my gripe lying mainly with his stubbornness and unwillingness to try to get better. He was someone that was fully aware that something was wrong with him, yet constantly ignored the people around him—the people that loved him—and their advice to seek help. But, as I continued to read, I reprimanded myself.
As the book reveals the severity of Jude's trauma, it becomes clear that he is beyond saving. I held onto hope,
Hanya Yanagihara's portrayal of Jude is both beautiful and heartbreaking. She tells a story of a broken boy who you'd hope would come out on the other end a healthy, well-rounded man. In a way, he did, but there was always a part of him that would remain broken, no matter how well things around him became.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Sexual violence, Sexual content, Self harm, Injury/Injury detail, Bullying, Emotional abuse, Gore, Gaslighting, Vomit, Suicide, Sexual assault, Eating disorder, Rape, Mental illness, Kidnapping, Blood, Dysphoria, Adult/minor relationship, Physical abuse, Violence, Toxic relationship, Suicide attempt, Panic attacks/disorders, Grief, Abandonment, Ableism, Domestic abuse, Child abuse, Pedophilia, Body shaming, Chronic illness, Confinement, and Death
Moderate: Vomit and Excrement
Minor: Car accident, Child death, Cursing, and Drug use