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A review by major_tom
A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara
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’m in a conundrum, because I agree with both 1-star and 5-star reviews.
Is it trauma porn? Yes?
Is the story questionable if you think about it? Yes
Did I enjoy the characters? Yes
Did it make me feel good reading about how adults care about each other as friends? Oh yes
But when I was reading it, it didn’t bother me much. I was more focused on some themes that resonated with me. For me, it was an interesting read, with a lot of “THERE IS MORE ABUSE HUH?”.
I read it because I saw it on TikTok, I was curious how traumatic it can be.
I wasn’t convinced by motivation for some of Jude’s behaviour as well as his friends. For me, this book wasn’t for factual inspection of trauma or abuse, or loving and healthy relationship; for me, it was a piece of fiction, which had the main theme that “sometimes your best will never be enough”.
Is it trauma porn? Yes?
Is the story questionable if you think about it? Yes
Did I enjoy the characters? Yes
Did it make me feel good reading about how adults care about each other as friends? Oh yes
But when I was reading it, it didn’t bother me much. I was more focused on some themes that resonated with me. For me, it was an interesting read, with a lot of “THERE IS MORE ABUSE HUH?”.
I read it because I saw it on TikTok, I was curious how traumatic it can be.
I wasn’t convinced by motivation for some of Jude’s behaviour as well as his friends. For me, this book wasn’t for factual inspection of trauma or abuse, or loving and healthy relationship; for me, it was a piece of fiction, which had the main theme that “sometimes your best will never be enough”.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Body shaming, Child abuse, Chronic illness, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Stalking, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Addiction