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A review by emmadebussy
A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
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
4.0
I cannot in good conscience recommend this book to anybody.
Those who share my insurmountable desire to read this book should anticipate the absolute worst upon reviewing the content warnings.
For those who want to read the majority of the most traumatic events in the book but end on a happy note, stop right before Section V, Chapter 2. Rip the rest of the pages out and burn them.
This being said, I would still describe A Little Life as a beautiful work of art. There are uplifting, touching moments and others that were gut wrenching and made me feel physically ill. While the term trauma-porn undoubtably applies to this story, it so accurately depicts the potential lasting impact of trauma, the non-linear processes of healing, and the internal dialogue of those dealing with severe depression and suicidal ideation.
I disagree with the criticism that this book is against therapy. I would argue that it accurately represents many people’s resistance to therapy, that it is not as helpful for those unwilling to openly participate in the process, and that it is not an immediate or complete fix for most people.
This story is realistic in how it presents sensitive subject matter, which is what makes it so upsetting to read, and difficult process after the fact. Its primary flaw is the very real damage it could cause for some readers.
Those who share my insurmountable desire to read this book should anticipate the absolute worst upon reviewing the content warnings.
For those who want to read the majority of the most traumatic events in the book but end on a happy note, stop right before Section V, Chapter 2. Rip the rest of the pages out and burn them.
This being said, I would still describe A Little Life as a beautiful work of art. There are uplifting, touching moments and others that were gut wrenching and made me feel physically ill. While the term trauma-porn undoubtably applies to this story, it so accurately depicts the potential lasting impact of trauma, the non-linear processes of healing, and the internal dialogue of those dealing with severe depression and suicidal ideation.
I disagree with the criticism that this book is against therapy. I would argue that it accurately represents many people’s resistance to therapy, that it is not as helpful for those unwilling to openly participate in the process, and that it is not an immediate or complete fix for most people.
This story is realistic in how it presents sensitive subject matter, which is what makes it so upsetting to read, and difficult process after the fact. Its primary flaw is the very real damage it could cause for some readers.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Pedophilia, Sexual assault, Physical abuse, Sexual violence, Torture, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail, Rape, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Trafficking, Adult/minor relationship, Toxic relationship, Domestic abuse, Forced institutionalization, Grief, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Medical trauma, Stalking, Ableism, Biphobia, Body horror, Kidnapping, Car accident, Drug abuse, and Drug use
Sexual violence against children was explicit but I personally did not find it >AS< graphic as non-sexual violence, and instances carried out against adults. Self harm and suicidal thoughts are described in detail.