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A review by erikajosephison
A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book is not for everyone - very important to check all trigger/content warnings before reading. I know the book is controversial (and for good reason) but I really loved the writing and the character profiles that the author created in such a way they felt like real people, like friends I actually knew. I also loved how Time was conveyed throughout the novel as well - without specific dates or years but through occasions and references to those in flashbacks. It is a difficult book, with a lot of confronting topics (even beyond the expected) but worthwhile.
Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Trafficking, Grief, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Ableism, Body shaming, Bullying, Chronic illness, Death, Drug abuse, Eating disorder, Pedophilia, Sexual content, Suicide, Forced institutionalization, Vomit, Medical content, Fire/Fire injury, Dysphoria, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Addiction, Cursing, Homophobia, Forced institutionalization, Excrement, Car accident, Gaslighting, and Abandonment