A review by cossty
A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara

challenging dark emotional reflective sad 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

It's a truly exceptional book. The story follows the life of Jude, from his traumatic childhood to his adult years, and it's an emotionally charged journey that left me feeling drained yet fulfilled. 

One aspect that sets this book apart is its unique format. Unlike most novels that focus on a specific period in a person's life, "A Little Life" spans decades, allowing readers to witness Jude's growth, struggles, and triumphs from start to finish. The time skips are seamless and natural, making it feel like a continuous, albeit tumultuous, journey. 

The character development in this novel is outstanding. Jude, in particular, is a deeply complex character, and the author does an incredible job of getting inside his head and revealing his innermost thoughts and feelings. His backstory is heartbreaking, and the way the author slowly unfolds it throughout the book makes it even more impactful. 

While the story primarily revolves around Jude, the supporting cast is also well-developed. However, there were moments where I wished certain characters had more depth, such as Julia, Jude's adoptive mother. Despite playing a significant role in Jude's life, she remains somewhat enigmatic, leaving me curious about her background and motivations. 

My only minor criticism of the book is that some parts felt slightly slow, but these moments are far outweighed by the engaging and emotionally charged sections. The writing is exquisite, and the author's ability to convey the complexity of human emotions is remarkable. 

In conclusion, "A Little Life" is a powerful and moving novel that will stay with me for a long time. The characters are richly drawn, the story is captivating, and the emotional impact is profound. If you're ready for a deep and thought-provoking read, I highly recommend this book. Just be prepared to invest some time and emotional energy – it's a lengthy novel, but trust me, it's worth it. 

 

In regard to the audiobook version of "A Little Life," I must say that the narrator's delivery was somewhat inconsistent. Specifically, the voice acting for the characters remained unchanged regardless of their age, whether they were 17 or 50. While this may not be particularly bothersome in some cases, it did detract from my immersion in the story. 

It is unlikely that a 50-year-old individual would speak or act in the same manner as a 17-year-old, and thus, the narration should reflect those differences. Unfortunately, this was not done in the audiobook, which made it difficult for me to fully suspend my disbelief. 

That being said, I acknowledge that this is a personal preference, and it is possible that others may not share my viewpoint. Nonetheless, I believe that attention to detail in voice acting is essential for a truly engaging listening experience.