A Little Life

by Hanya Yanagihara
A Little Life cover
Good Books rating 4.06
Literary Fiction
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Paperback • £10.99–£12.99 Hardback • £25.00
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Format • £23.75
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Technical
  • ID: 670
  • Added: 2025-09-18
  • Updated: 2025-11-01
  • ISBN: 9781447294832
  • Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  • Published: 2016-01-01
  • Formats: 134
  • Reviews: 4

A Little Life follows four friends who move to New York City to pursue their creative dreams. Their lives become intertwined in a story that spans decades, filled with profound love, devastating loss, and the lingering scars of a brutal childhood. The novel is celebrated for its emotional depth and raw exploration of human resilience and the bonds of friendship. /n/nHanya Yanagihara's powerful prose delves into the complexities of trauma, addiction, and the enduring power of connection. The narrative is both heart-wrenching and beautifully crafted, making it a standout in contemporary literature.

Reviews
Reddit - r/books · 2023-04-21
moving 4.75

The book is deeply moving and has left a lasting impression. It is one of the few books that have moved the reviewer to tears.

The reviewer found 'A Little Life' to be an exceptionally moving and impactful read. The emotional depth of the story resonated deeply, leaving a lasting impression. While the book is heavy and emotionally challenging, the reviewer appreciates its ability to evoke such strong feelings. This novel is seen as a significant and memorable reading experience.

Quick quotes

    It is one of the few books that have moved me to tears.

    The book is deeply moving and has left a lasting impression.

    The emotional depth of the story resonated deeply.

Miss Known · 2023-02-03
heavy 3.00

This is a heavy book that shouldn't be read lightly, and the reviewer does not recommend it despite its literary merit.

The reviewer finds the book to be heavy and emotionally taxing, making it a challenging read. They acknowledge the literary merit and the powerful storytelling but ultimately decide not to recommend it due to its intense and often distressing content. The reviewer appreciates the craftsmanship but feels the emotional weight of the book is too much for most readers. They suggest that while the book is well-written, it's not a pleasant or easy read.

Quick quotes

    For the first time I'm reviewing a book I don't recommend.

    A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara is a heavy book that shouldn't be read lightly.

    The emotional toll of this book is immense, and it's not a journey I would wish on anyone.

Vox · 2015-10-14
moving 4.50

The novel is described as beautifully written and deeply moving, yet it's so intense that the reviewer wouldn't recommend it to anyone.

The reviewer is struck by the novel's beauty and emotional impact, calling it one of the most moving books they've ever read. However, they also acknowledge the book's intense and sometimes overwhelming nature. The reviewer finds the story profoundly affecting but warns that its heavy themes and graphic content make it a difficult recommendation. They admire the writing but caution potential readers about the emotional toll it might take.

Quick quotes

    A Little Life may be the most beautiful, profoundly moving novel I've ever read.

    But I would never recommend it to anyone.

    The novel is so intense and so devastating that it's hard to imagine anyone coming away from it unscathed.

The Guardian · 2015-08-18
harrowing 4.00

The book is a painful read with vivid and unrelenting descriptions of pain. It is emotionally intense and challenging.

This novel is a deeply emotional and intense experience. The reviewer found the descriptions of pain and suffering to be vivid and unrelenting, making it a difficult read. While the emotional weight of the story is heavy, it is also a testament to the power of friendship and resilience. The reviewer acknowledges the book's impact but cautions that it is not for the faint-hearted.

Quick quotes

    The book is a painful read, some passages were incredibly difficult to read as they are so vivid and unrelentless in documenting the pain.

    It is a testament to the power of friendship and resilience.

    This novel is a deeply emotional and intense experience.

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