A review by tofuclown
A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara

challenging dark emotional 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

5.0

Probably one of the most traumatic books I’ve ever read. It’s definitely my favourite now but I don’t think I could ever re-read it because of how awful a lot of it is. I unfortunately related a lot to Jude and his experiences which I think is why this book hit so hard for me.

Beautiful story of life long friendships, death, loss, trauma, and looks at mental illness and suicidal ideation through a realistic lens.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Drug abuse, Dysphoria, Physical abuse, Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Eating disorder, Panic attacks/disorders, Religious bigotry, Sexual content, Grief, Death, Sexual harassment, Suicide attempt, Medical trauma, Sexual assault, Mental illness, Suicide, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Suicidal thoughts, Self harm, Emotional abuse, Sexual violence, Pedophilia, and Rape