A review by corrina_milito
A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara

challenging dark emotional sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Perhaps the most deeply tragic book I’ve ever read, A Little Life is a beautifully written heartbreaker. The abuse and violence relentlessly endured by the protagonist, Jude, is so unimaginable that at moments it seems egregious, salacious even, and almost distracting. The beauty and perseverance of deep and meaningful friendship, however, kept  me coming back for more. The depth and dimension of Yanagihara’s characters is profound but I did find myself asking she wrote this book.  I love that she is unapologetic about her novels but I still don’t have an answer to my question. The story would’ve been just as moving with only half the atrocities. I will definitely read more of her work. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Car accident, Medical content, Rape, Suicide, Suicide attempt, Body shaming, Violence, Mental illness, Blood, Sexual content, Death, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Suicidal thoughts, Eating disorder, Domestic abuse, Torture, Emotional abuse, Terminal illness, Physical abuse, Trafficking, Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Chronic illness, Kidnapping, Pedophilia, Self harm, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence

Moderate: Eating disorder, Addiction, Ableism, Vomit, Fire/Fire injury, and Body shaming

Minor: Drug abuse, Bullying, Stalking, Drug use, Classism, Infidelity, Death of parent, Dementia, Fire/Fire injury, Forced institutionalization, and Panic attacks/disorders