A review by raitherabbit
A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara

challenging dark emotional sad slow-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? Yes

4.0

I started this book with a healthy mental state and ended it with a relapse of my depression. I love the characters but absolutely hate what happens to them, and I loathe the author for their intention with the story. Overall, I’m not asking for a happily ever after, I wanted justification (though I guess that was her point). The writing is amazing and I enjoyed it, but the scenes at times were just too much— which was the point exactly. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Ableism, Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Body horror, Body shaming, Child abuse, Chronic illness, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Homophobia, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Torture, Violence, Blood, Excrement, Vomit, Medical content, Grief, Religious bigotry, Car accident, Suicide attempt, Gaslighting, Abandonment, Dysphoria, and Injury/Injury detail