hen I first picked up Hanya Yanagihara's "A Little Life," I didn't quite know what to expect. This novel, which has received considerable praise and numerous accolades, is often described as a deeply emotional and heart-wrenching read. I can now say without a doubt that it lived up to the hype. With this blog post, I'll share my thoughts on why "A Little Life" was a powerful, life-changing book that earned a well-deserved 5-star rating from me.
"A Little Life" follows the lives of four friends - Jude, Willem, JB, and Malcolm - over several decades, as they navigate the complexities of friendship, love, and personal struggles. While the story revolves around all four characters, it primarily focuses on Jude, who has a dark and traumatic past that continues to haunt him throughout his adult life.
"The only trick of friendship, I think, is to find people who are better than you are—not smarter, not cooler, but kinder, and more generous, and more forgiving—and then to appreciate them for what they can teach you, and to try to listen to them when they tell you something about yourself, no matter how bad—or good—it might be, and to trust them, which is the hardest thing of all." - A Little Life
Yanagihara's writing is nothing short of brilliant. Her prose is elegant and evocative, managing to convey the raw intensity of emotions experienced by the characters. The depth of the relationships between the four friends is portrayed with incredible nuance, making it easy to become immersed in their lives and to care deeply for their well-being.
Another aspect of the book that I found particularly impressive was Yanagihara's ability to confront difficult and sensitive topics, such as trauma, abuse, and mental health, with unflinching honesty and compassion. While the novel's subject matter can be heavy and challenging at times, it is ultimately a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
"And so I try to be kind to everything I see, and in everything I see, I see him." - A Little Life
Buy now on Amazon: A Little Life
It's worth mentioning that "A Little Life" is not a light read, and its emotional intensity may not be for everyone. However, if you're willing to embark on this literary journey, you'll be rewarded with a powerful, unforgettable story that will stay with you long after you've turned the final page.
In summary, "A Little Life" by Hanya Yanagihara is a masterpiece that I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone looking for an emotionally rich, deeply moving novel. It's a story of friendship, love, and resilience that will challenge you, break your heart, and ultimately leave you in awe of the human spirit. This book has earned its place among my all-time favorites, and I'm confident it will do the same for many other readers.
*Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases on affiliate links.
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