A review by zoeferry
A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara

challenging dark emotional sad slow-paced

3.75

Hanya Yanagihara masterfully brings her story to life, capturing her characters' profound joy and deep suffering with such vivid realism that you feel immersed in their world. Her storytelling is unique, weaving together moments of tenderness and despair in a way that resonates long after you’ve turned the last page.

While the book is undeniably engaging, I struggled to empathize with Jude fully. His character is complex and often unlikable, at times oblivious to the impact of his actions on those around him. This, combined with the novel's length and some particularly drawn-out chapters, made the experience challenging, though these elements also contribute to the story's depth.

Overall, A Little Life is a powerful read that requires emotional preparation. It's a journey into heavy and often harrowing themes, and I recommend approaching it with the right mindset, ready to confront the intense emotions and complex subjects Yanagihara explores.