A review by tofuclown
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

Probably one of the most traumatic books I’ve ever read. It’s definitely my favourite now but I don’t think I could ever re-read it because of how awful a lot of it is. I unfortunately related a lot to Jude and his experiences which I think is why this book hit so hard for me.

Beautiful story of life long friendships, death, loss, trauma, and looks at mental illness and suicidal ideation through a realistic lens.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Grief, Religious bigotry, Medical trauma, Suicide attempt, Sexual harassment, and Dysphoria