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A review by nadia
A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
So...I didn't cry. I think years of people telling me that this was the most heartbreaking read ever and someone sharing all of the content warnings for this book with me while I was researching the feature for The StoryGraph, meant that I was somewhat mentally and emotionally prepared for it. I went in expecting the worst.
It was indeed a lot, and I did, like so many readers of this book before me have done, wonder if it was all too much at points. About halfway through I was just like: "well, this is really not enjoyable to read at all, is it?".
But...I kept on going. Nearer the beginning, I would put it down and not feel like rushing to pick it up again. As I got further in, the desire to keep going got stronger and stronger. I found myself immersed in the characters' world and forgetting they weren't real.
I understand why some people hate this book. I also understand why many say it's their all-time favourite and they want to reread it, but...they just can't. I wasn't even sure what I was going to rate this book when I was done.
Upon reflection, this book was epic and it tugged at my heartstrings in a way that ultimately led to me reflecting to no end about the characters, the story, what certain people in my life have gone through and experience every day, and what I may have to endure.
Initially, I wasn't sure what everyone was on about with the writing. By the end I thought: this writing is just amazing. Despite the difficult subject matter, the book was incredibly readable. The voices felt so natural and alive, evoking deep emotion. The imagery succinct and straightforward, and yet so evocative.
Do go into this book with extreme caution, having reviewed all the content warnings beforehand. This is a really dark, bleak, potentially traumatising book, and certainly should not be classed as a must read.
It was indeed a lot, and I did, like so many readers of this book before me have done, wonder if it was all too much at points. About halfway through I was just like: "well, this is really not enjoyable to read at all, is it?".
But...I kept on going. Nearer the beginning, I would put it down and not feel like rushing to pick it up again. As I got further in, the desire to keep going got stronger and stronger. I found myself immersed in the characters' world and forgetting they weren't real.
I understand why some people hate this book. I also understand why many say it's their all-time favourite and they want to reread it, but...they just can't. I wasn't even sure what I was going to rate this book when I was done.
Upon reflection, this book was epic and it tugged at my heartstrings in a way that ultimately led to me reflecting to no end about the characters, the story, what certain people in my life have gone through and experience every day, and what I may have to endure.
Initially, I wasn't sure what everyone was on about with the writing. By the end I thought: this writing is just amazing. Despite the difficult subject matter, the book was incredibly readable. The voices felt so natural and alive, evoking deep emotion. The imagery succinct and straightforward, and yet so evocative.
Do go into this book with extreme caution, having reviewed all the content warnings beforehand. This is a really dark, bleak, potentially traumatising book, and certainly should not be classed as a must read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide
Moderate: Drug abuse