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A review by pmayes
A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara is a powerful and emotionally charged novel that delves into the lives of four friends—Jude, Willem, JB, and Malcolm—as they navigate the complexities of adulthood in New York City. Yanagihara’s writing is both exquisite and haunting, drawing readers into a world of pain, love, and resilience. Some key aspects of this remarkable book for me are as follows:
Vivid Characterization: Yanagihara’s ability to create deeply layered characters is truly remarkable. Each friend has their own struggles, dreams, and past traumas. Jude, in particular, stands out as the novel’s enigmatic protagonist. His mysterious past and ongoing struggles with physical and emotional pain make him a compelling and unforgettable character. I hurt for him, yet at the same time, I was also frustrated with him. He didn't see himself for the remarkable human being he was despite all that he had been through; but isn't that life?
Emotional Intensity: The novel’s vividness extends beyond its descriptive prose. Readers are immersed in the characters’ lives, feeling their joy, sorrow, and heartache. Yanagihara doesn’t shy away from depicting raw emotions, and as a result, readers experience a rollercoaster of feelings while reading. I can't tell you the amount of times that I ranted to my roommate and others about how this book made me feel, super happy, super sad, angry, etc.
Sad Backgrounds, Amazing Lives: The friends’ backgrounds are marked by tragedy and hardship. Yet, as they grow older, they achieve professional success and build meaningful relationships. This contrast between their painful pasts and their present accomplishments adds depth to the narrative. It’s a reminder that life is multifaceted, and even amidst success, inner struggles persist. I've heard people talk about how sad this book is, but I rarely hear people discuss the amazing success that every character had in this book. I think that should be highlighted just as much as the sad parts.
Jude’s Struggles: Jude’s journey is central to the novel. His traumatic childhood, self-harm, and emotional scars haunt him throughout his life. Despite his achievements, he remains haunted by his past. This struggle resonates with readers, illustrating how our history can shape our present and future. This book definitely should come with a slew of trigger warnings. It can be a lot to take in. I had to take several breaks while reading this book; just to collect myself and digest what was happening. Indeed, Jude’s ongoing battle with his past trauma mirrors the complexities of real life. Success doesn’t erase pain, and our past experiences continue to influence us. Yanagihara captures this truth beautifully, showing that even amidst accomplishments, inner demons persist.
I will add that at times it was hard to follow what was happening within the book. The chapters or sections would start and you wouldn't know who was speaking or who's perspective was being told until you were half-way through that section. So, that made an already long read, even longer for me. I found myself rereading sections multiple times.
Also, be sure to have your dictionary handy while reading this. This book uses so many complex, but descriptive, words, that I myself had not heard of before. This may not be an accessible book for everyone; especially given the average reading level in the US is at the 3rd grade level.
In summary, A Little Life is an emotionally charged masterpiece that invites readers to grapple with the human condition. Yanagihara’s writing is both exquisite and devastating, leaving an indelible mark on anyone who ventures into the lives of these unforgettable characters. However, it is also, at times, a difficult read emotionally and literally.
Vivid Characterization: Yanagihara’s ability to create deeply layered characters is truly remarkable. Each friend has their own struggles, dreams, and past traumas. Jude, in particular, stands out as the novel’s enigmatic protagonist. His mysterious past and ongoing struggles with physical and emotional pain make him a compelling and unforgettable character. I hurt for him, yet at the same time, I was also frustrated with him. He didn't see himself for the remarkable human being he was despite all that he had been through; but isn't that life?
Emotional Intensity: The novel’s vividness extends beyond its descriptive prose. Readers are immersed in the characters’ lives, feeling their joy, sorrow, and heartache. Yanagihara doesn’t shy away from depicting raw emotions, and as a result, readers experience a rollercoaster of feelings while reading. I can't tell you the amount of times that I ranted to my roommate and others about how this book made me feel, super happy, super sad, angry, etc.
Sad Backgrounds, Amazing Lives: The friends’ backgrounds are marked by tragedy and hardship. Yet, as they grow older, they achieve professional success and build meaningful relationships. This contrast between their painful pasts and their present accomplishments adds depth to the narrative. It’s a reminder that life is multifaceted, and even amidst success, inner struggles persist. I've heard people talk about how sad this book is, but I rarely hear people discuss the amazing success that every character had in this book. I think that should be highlighted just as much as the sad parts.
Jude’s Struggles: Jude’s journey is central to the novel. His traumatic childhood, self-harm, and emotional scars haunt him throughout his life. Despite his achievements, he remains haunted by his past. This struggle resonates with readers, illustrating how our history can shape our present and future. This book definitely should come with a slew of trigger warnings. It can be a lot to take in. I had to take several breaks while reading this book; just to collect myself and digest what was happening. Indeed, Jude’s ongoing battle with his past trauma mirrors the complexities of real life. Success doesn’t erase pain, and our past experiences continue to influence us. Yanagihara captures this truth beautifully, showing that even amidst accomplishments, inner demons persist.
I will add that at times it was hard to follow what was happening within the book. The chapters or sections would start and you wouldn't know who was speaking or who's perspective was being told until you were half-way through that section. So, that made an already long read, even longer for me. I found myself rereading sections multiple times.
Also, be sure to have your dictionary handy while reading this. This book uses so many complex, but descriptive, words, that I myself had not heard of before. This may not be an accessible book for everyone; especially given the average reading level in the US is at the 3rd grade level.
In summary, A Little Life is an emotionally charged masterpiece that invites readers to grapple with the human condition. Yanagihara’s writing is both exquisite and devastating, leaving an indelible mark on anyone who ventures into the lives of these unforgettable characters. However, it is also, at times, a difficult read emotionally and literally.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Grief, Physical abuse, Self harm, Mental illness, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Body shaming, Chronic illness, Cursing, Death, Drug abuse, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, Panic attacks/disorders, Emotional abuse, Forced institutionalization, Car accident, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Rape, Ableism, Drug use, Eating disorder, and Injury/Injury detail