A review by rosiejode
A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara

adventurous challenging dark emotional informative inspiring lighthearted 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? It's complicated

5.0

Wow. Easily the most beautiful but most harrowing thing I’ve ever read. This book took me just under a month to read and I’m glad I spread it out over the month. It was so sad I can’t even express and I somewhat agree with the label ‘trauma porn’ that it’s been given by other people. I feel like this book will live with me for a while and I will miss all of the characters. I’d like to read it again over a shorter period of time, maybe next time I’m ready to weep uncontrollably 😢 read with caution ⚠️

9 days later - I still feel empty and can’t stop thinking about this book 😭

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Forced institutionalization, Gaslighting, Racism, Hate crime, Kidnapping, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual assault, Drug use, Eating disorder, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Terminal illness, Torture, Addiction, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, Self harm, Child abuse, Chronic illness, Death, Grief, Homophobia, Toxic relationship, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Suicide, Gore, Racial slurs, Sexual harassment, Violence, and Sexual content