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A review by whatellisreadnext
A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
What to say about this book that hasn't already been said? There's a lot of emphasis on how sad the contents are, but I feel like that is only true because of how much love the story contains as well.
There's a lot of trauma in this story, so definitely look up the triggers if you're worried, but I honestly thought it was going to be worse. I'm a person who feels stuff so deeply, and this is definitely a sad book, but it is also still just a book.
That's not to say these characters weren't beautifully built and realistic. They definitely were. When I was reading, it was as if nothing else mattered. My life didn't even exist. I have lived with these characters for 2 weeks, and I think a little part of them all will be with me for a very long time. Hanya is a genius, and I don't say this very often, but this is a once in a lifetime read.
I read the last 80 pages in one sitting, sobbing on and off for the majority of it. Once I had finished, it was definitely a sombre feeling, but also, like I'd really achieved something. It isn't very often I'll read a 720 page book that I've owned for over 3 years. Me and @jeveuxmonlivre_ think we deserve a certificate or medal 💁🏻♀️
There's a lot of trauma in this story, so definitely look up the triggers if you're worried, but I honestly thought it was going to be worse. I'm a person who feels stuff so deeply, and this is definitely a sad book, but it is also still just a book.
That's not to say these characters weren't beautifully built and realistic. They definitely were. When I was reading, it was as if nothing else mattered. My life didn't even exist. I have lived with these characters for 2 weeks, and I think a little part of them all will be with me for a very long time. Hanya is a genius, and I don't say this very often, but this is a once in a lifetime read.
I read the last 80 pages in one sitting, sobbing on and off for the majority of it. Once I had finished, it was definitely a sombre feeling, but also, like I'd really achieved something. It isn't very often I'll read a 720 page book that I've owned for over 3 years. Me and @jeveuxmonlivre_ think we deserve a certificate or medal 💁🏻♀️
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Chronic illness, Death, Eating disorder, Gore, Mental illness, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Medical content, Grief, Suicide attempt, and Injury/Injury detail