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A review by foxgame
A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I have a tendency to buy books without really knowing what they are about. I knew this book was reputed to be slightly heavy, a “proper literature” book and about the relationships between 4 grad students living in New York. However this is no Seinfeld.
I was not prepared for how confronting this book would be. There was every type of abuse covered in more than enough detail - physical, verbal, drug, sexual, self harm (animal if you’re vegan).
But the writing draws you in and outlines the story through a third person narrative, either Willem or Jude but also from Harold as a dialogue perspective. This was beautifully written and it fractured, broke and warmed my heart in its rollercoaster journey. I do not think I am the same person I was before I read this book.
But it is not an easy read, especially being the mother of primary school aged boys. Especially as knowing that parts of this fiction is some people’s reality.
I am glad I read this book. But I don’t think I could read it again knowing what happens.
I was not prepared for how confronting this book would be. There was every type of abuse covered in more than enough detail - physical, verbal, drug, sexual, self harm (animal if you’re vegan).
But the writing draws you in and outlines the story through a third person narrative, either Willem or Jude but also from Harold as a dialogue perspective. This was beautifully written and it fractured, broke and warmed my heart in its rollercoaster journey. I do not think I am the same person I was before I read this book.
But it is not an easy read, especially being the mother of primary school aged boys. Especially as knowing that parts of this fiction is some people’s reality.
I am glad I read this book. But I don’t think I could read it again knowing what happens.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Addiction, Body shaming, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Eating disorder, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Torture, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Grief, Car accident, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail