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A review by mmarlborough
To Paradise by Hanya Yanagihara
challenging
dark
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
It took me 3 months to read this giant book in sections with my friends, but I think this pace was good for me with the heavy themes. It allowed me to take my time and savor Yahagihara’s masterful writing.
This novel is broken up into three sections, all taking place in NYC by Washington Square Park. Part 1: 1893, wealthy David Bingham’s grandfather wants him to marry a man but he yearns for another. This is a reimagined alternative history where the Northern Free States could marry whom they wanted. Part 2: 1993, a different David Bingham is in a relationship with a much older man. The first section is his, while the second are letters from his royal father in Hawaii. Part 3: 2093, a dystopian plague riddled NYC where Charlie is struggling to find her footing after her Grandfather has passed. Alternating between her present and her Grandfather’s letters, both timelines unfold for the reader to piece together the society they live in.
My 5 star rating for this book is for Book 3, which will stay with me forever. It’s a symphony and one of the best things I’ve ever read. I enjoyed Part 1 immensely, and Part 2 started well but the letters from Hawaii slowed the book down for me. I understand the names, locations, and themes that are common threads between the separate novellas, but I don’t think they need to be and venture to say they would be more powerful as 3 separate books. Yanagihara’s explorations of societal structures, gay relationships, and family are all incredible. While this book is not the agonizing heartbreak of “A Little Life” (which I loved), it is still incredible impactful and I cried a few times in the final part. She will continue to be a must read author for me.
✨Trigger Warnings: : Racism, Homophobia, Child Death, Infertility, Pandemic, Suicidal Thoughts, Chronic Illness
This novel is broken up into three sections, all taking place in NYC by Washington Square Park. Part 1: 1893, wealthy David Bingham’s grandfather wants him to marry a man but he yearns for another. This is a reimagined alternative history where the Northern Free States could marry whom they wanted. Part 2: 1993, a different David Bingham is in a relationship with a much older man. The first section is his, while the second are letters from his royal father in Hawaii. Part 3: 2093, a dystopian plague riddled NYC where Charlie is struggling to find her footing after her Grandfather has passed. Alternating between her present and her Grandfather’s letters, both timelines unfold for the reader to piece together the society they live in.
My 5 star rating for this book is for Book 3, which will stay with me forever. It’s a symphony and one of the best things I’ve ever read. I enjoyed Part 1 immensely, and Part 2 started well but the letters from Hawaii slowed the book down for me. I understand the names, locations, and themes that are common threads between the separate novellas, but I don’t think they need to be and venture to say they would be more powerful as 3 separate books. Yanagihara’s explorations of societal structures, gay relationships, and family are all incredible. While this book is not the agonizing heartbreak of “A Little Life” (which I loved), it is still incredible impactful and I cried a few times in the final part. She will continue to be a must read author for me.
✨Trigger Warnings: : Racism, Homophobia, Child Death, Infertility, Pandemic, Suicidal Thoughts, Chronic Illness