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letstalkreads 's review for:
To Paradise
by Hanya Yanagihara
Hanya Yanagihara’s ambitious third book is not for the everyday reader- definitely prepare/commit yourself to be swept into the worlds she has created. This book does not have the deep cutting emotional range as ‘A Little Life’, but it delivers in its own unique way as a book incomparable to others. Her writing can draw you in where you don’t even realize you are reading.
Side note- IMHO the repetition of the characters’ given and surnames was a genius mindf—-!
Themes- there were so many themes overt, simple, hidden (some revealed quietly, some with massive buildup) that gives the reader an experience that is likely to be unique on a first or subsequent read.
Book 1- to me, it reminded me of a classic, like Great Expectations. I found it to be a little boring and it took me awhile to get into it. Around page 197, I was so so hooked. I really enjoyed the ending, and really wanted to know what happened.
Book 2- I enjoyed this section and did not see the 2nd half coming- I was shocked. I am still wondering about what happened in this storyline.
Book 3- must be read in one sitting, I think a lot of readers will have a hard time getting through this and will DNF for a multitude of reasons, it is not for every reader. I really enjoyed this part, but almost for different reasons than the first 2 sections. Parts written by Charlie remind of me the naive, gentle pleading of Kathy in Kazuo Ishiguro’s ‘Never Let Me Go’, as parts of her history is revealed it makes so much sense.
2 days later: I’m having a hard time wanting to read another book after this one. I read a lot, so this is highly unusual for me. I keep thinking no book will be as brilliant as this one, so why bother?
3 days later: I’ve decided HY is one of my favorite authors. I’m loving that this book creates deeper thoughts about ‘A Little Life’.
Side note- IMHO the repetition of the characters’ given and surnames was a genius mindf—-!
Themes- there were so many themes overt, simple, hidden (some revealed quietly, some with massive buildup) that gives the reader an experience that is likely to be unique on a first or subsequent read.
Book 1- to me, it reminded me of a classic, like Great Expectations. I found it to be a little boring and it took me awhile to get into it. Around page 197, I was so so hooked. I really enjoyed the ending, and really wanted to know what happened.
Book 2- I enjoyed this section and did not see the 2nd half coming- I was shocked. I am still wondering about what happened in this storyline.
Book 3- must be read in one sitting, I think a lot of readers will have a hard time getting through this and will DNF for a multitude of reasons, it is not for every reader. I really enjoyed this part, but almost for different reasons than the first 2 sections. Parts written by Charlie remind of me the naive, gentle pleading of Kathy in Kazuo Ishiguro’s ‘Never Let Me Go’, as parts of her history is revealed it makes so much sense.
2 days later: I’m having a hard time wanting to read another book after this one. I read a lot, so this is highly unusual for me. I keep thinking no book will be as brilliant as this one, so why bother?
3 days later: I’ve decided HY is one of my favorite authors. I’m loving that this book creates deeper thoughts about ‘A Little Life’.