carolinecaputo 's review for:

A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara

5.0

challenging dark emotional reflective sad medium-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

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A Little Life was one of the most impactful books I have read in my life. This is the first fictional story that so accurately portrays the thoughts of someone who endures several mental health problems and trauma. It reinforces to the reader that people who suffer from life’s worst, most unfathomable, incomprehensible traumas, are still deeply lovable and can deeply love others. There is 100% the presence of the most horrific trauma, so do research before reading. The writing itself is breathtaking and holds the reader close throughout the 800 page book.  

I will be kinder to everything I see because of this story. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Ableism, Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Grief, Medical trauma