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A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara

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"The eleventh apartment had only one closet, but it did have a sliding glass door that opened onto a small balcony, from which he could see a man sitting across the way, outdoors in only a T-shirt and shorts even though it was October, smoking.", so begins the novel, "A Little Life". This is our mini book club's pick for January 2024 (the 3rd one in our reading list).

Published: 2015
Author: Hanya Yanagihara (American)
Genre: Novel
Pages: 814
My rating: 3/5

The novel follows the lives of four college friends living in New York City. The story primarily revolves around Jude St. Francis, a lawyer with a mysterious and traumatic past. As the narrative unfolds, it delves into the complexities of friendship, trauma, and the enduring impact of one's past. The novel explores the deep emotional and psychological scars that Jude carries, while also examining the bonds and challenges within the group of friends.

What I love most about the book is how beautifully it's written and how the author patiently and empathetically describes the characters. Even though it's a long read, it never gets too boring, and you can keep going. The book really shows how tough it is to move on from a tough past, and how it affects not just you but also the people who care about you. It's just really frustrating and heartbreaking.

By the way, it's not a gay novel. Sure, the couple is two men, but that's not the main point. It's more about human connection, caring, and being there for one another.

In the book, the author doesn't shy away from describing self-harm, and I have to admit, it was pretty overwhelming to read. I typically lean towards stories that uplift, offer hope, and leave you with a warm feeling, but this book was the opposite of that. It left me feeling rather melancholy, and I prefer not to dwell on sadness. Because of this, I wouldn't recommend this book. However, if you appreciate beautifully written prose, and character-driven stories with deep exploration of trauma, you might like this book. But, be prepared for heavy themes, as the narrative delves into challenging and distressing subject matter.

Happy Reading!

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