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A review by anna_amo
A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara
4.0
Honestly so relieved to be finished with this heartbreak. Have I ever read a novel (not by Hardy) that was so unrelentingly miserable? Gorgeous writing and gorgeous characters but so little hope and such small victories, it's hard to take.
One thing I thought was missing was any exploration of Jude's relationship with Julia. She's only ever present as Harold's wife and her position as Jude's adopted mother is never addressed. Considering Jude's desperate need of mothering it feels like a real hole.
Also it was disappointing when Malcolm and JB's viewpoints disappeared from the novel, especially Malcolm who just became a non character. Not that I'd have sacrificed any time with Willem but I still missed seeing then develop.
I'm not sure if I'd recommend reading it, and certainly am happy to give trigger warnings if any one wants.
One thing I thought was missing was any exploration of Jude's relationship with Julia. She's only ever present as Harold's wife and her position as Jude's adopted mother is never addressed. Considering Jude's desperate need of mothering it feels like a real hole.
Also it was disappointing when Malcolm and JB's viewpoints disappeared from the novel, especially Malcolm who just became a non character. Not that I'd have sacrificed any time with Willem but I still missed seeing then develop.
I'm not sure if I'd recommend reading it, and certainly am happy to give trigger warnings if any one wants.