A review by booksandhikingboots
A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara

challenging emotional inspiring sad tense medium-paced

5.0

I waited a few years to read A Little Life because I was scared it would crush me. I’d heard so much about its emotional weight and intensity that I wasn’t sure if I was ready to dive in. But when I finally did, I was captivated not by the despair, but by the depth of the characters and the way their lives intertwined. Yanagihara’s writing pulls you into the world of Jude, Willem, JB, and Malcolm, making you feel as though you’re living alongside them in New York City. The way she crafts their friendships, their love, and their struggles is nothing short of extraordinary. I fell in love with the characters, not just for their resilience but for their humanity. Despite the dark themes, there’s a profound sense of connection that drives the narrative, making the moments of joy and kindness even more impactful. Though the book did not crush me as I had feared, it did leave a lasting impression. The complexity of the characters and their relationships is something I’ll carry with me for a long time. A Little Life is a challenging, but ultimately rewarding read—one that will resonate deeply with anyone who is willing to confront its emotional truths.