A Little Life

by Hanya Yanagihara
A Little Life cover
Good Books rating 4.42
Literary Fiction
Technical:
  • ID: 670
  • Added: 2025-09-18
  • Updated: 2025-09-18
  • ISBN: 9781447294832
  • Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  • Published: 2016-01-01
  • Formats: 4
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £10.99–£12.99 Hardback • £25.00

A Little Life follows four friends who move to New York City to pursue their dreams, only to face the complexities of adulthood, including love, loss, and the lingering shadows of a brutal childhood. The novel delves into the profound bonds of friendship and the enduring impact of past traumas on present lives. /n/nHanya Yanagihara's powerful narrative weaves together themes of suffering, redemption, and the human capacity for both cruelty and compassion. The book is celebrated for its raw emotional depth and unflinching portrayal of the characters' struggles, making it a poignant and unforgettable read.

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.

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.

The New Yorker · 2015-04-28
brilliant 4.50

The rendering of Jude's abuse is neither excessive nor sensationalist. The novel is praised for its subversive brilliance.

The reviewer appreciates the nuanced and respectful handling of sensitive topics in the novel. The portrayal of Jude's experiences is done with care, avoiding sensationalism. This thoughtful approach adds to the novel's subversive brilliance, making it a standout work. The reviewer highlights the emotional depth and complexity of the characters, which contribute to the overall impact of the story.

Quick quotes

    Yanagihara's rendering of Jude's abuse never feels excessive or sensationalist.

    It is not included for shock value or titillation.

    The novel is praised for its subversive brilliance.

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