A Look into A Little Life – A Not So Little Book

A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara is not a “little” book. In fact, at over 700 pages, it’s a door stopper, an emotional rollercoaster, and perhaps, the literary equivalent of a marathon. But much like a marathon, it’s a feat of endurance that leaves you breathless, crying, and wondering why you ever decided to start – yet somehow, glad you did.

Plot: More Than Just Pain

The story follows four college friends – Jude, Willem, JB, and Malcolm – over several decades as they navigate their lives in New York. But to say that this book is simply about friendship would be like saying War and Peace is a light read. It’s a deep dive into trauma, pain, and love – often all at the same time. Each character, in their own way, is searching for meaning, belonging, and healing. And while Yanagihara writes about the power of friendship, she’s not shy about showing its limits.

At the heart of it all is Jude St. Francis, the most secretive of the group, and the character who carries the heaviest burden. He’s a lawyer, a brilliant one at that, but his past is filled with unspeakable horrors. Throughout the novel, Jude’s trauma is revealed in heartbreaking layers, and readers are left both devastated and in awe of his will to survive.

However, the emotional weight of A Little Life isn’t just carried by Jude. Willem, a struggling actor turned star; JB, an artist; and Malcolm, an architect, all grapple with their own struggles, dreams, and the changing nature of their friendship as life happens.

Emotional Carnage: Bring Tissues… All of Them

If you’re looking for a light, uplifting read, let me stop you right here – this is not that book. A Little Life is emotional carnage. It’s the literary equivalent of watching The Notebook back-to-back with Schindler’s List while being pelted with onions. Yanagihara doesn’t just tug at your heartstrings; she rips them out, tangles them in knots, and hands them back to you in shreds. It’s as if she thought, “What if I wrote a book so sad, the readers start wondering if tissues should be sold in bulk with every copy?”

But within that emotional carnage is a profound exploration of the human capacity to endure. Jude’s past is dark, filled with abuse so horrific it’s hard to read, and yet, it’s impossible to look away. The book forces you to confront the unimaginable: How much pain can one person take? How much can love and friendship heal?

However, some readers might find the relentless trauma overwhelming. Critics of the book have even called it “trauma porn,” and it’s a fair point. Yanagihara doesn’t pull any punches when it comes to describing suffering, and it’s easy to question whether it crosses a line. Yet, if you’re willing to stick with it, there’s a strange beauty in how the book forces you to sit with discomfort. It’s raw, unapologetic, and for many, unforgettable.

Characters: Flawed, Fragile, and Fierce

One of the most striking aspects of A Little Life is how well Yanagihara develops her characters. You don’t just know them – you feel like you’ve lived alongside them. Their joys, their heartbreaks, their failures – everything feels real. But be warned, you will become emotionally invested. If you’re the type of person who cries when a character dies on Grey’s Anatomy, you’re in for a rough ride. The attachment you develop to Jude and Willem in particular is so intense, it’s like they’re old friends.

Jude is the most complicated of the bunch, and his struggles with self-harm, depression, and trauma can be emotionally exhausting to read. His relationship with Willem is both the beating heart of the novel and its Achilles heel. It’s a bond built on loyalty and deep, unspoken love, yet fraught with pain. Their friendship is a poignant reminder of the power of human connection, but it’s not without its darker undercurrents.

And then there’s JB, the artist who, while often self-absorbed and flawed, brings moments of levity to the book. His sharp wit and sarcasm – often aimed at Jude – provide much-needed comic relief. At one point, JB declares, “If this were a movie, Jude would be the tragic hero, Willem the handsome lover, Malcolm the brooding genius, and I’d be the quirky comic relief. I’m fine with that.” Honestly, JB, so are we.

Malcolm, while somewhat sidelined compared to the others, represents the friend who’s always there – dependable, if a little underdeveloped. His presence grounds the group, but one can’t help but feel that he’s lost in the shuffle of Jude’s overwhelming storyline.

Writing Style: Beautifully Brutal

Yanagihara’s prose is stunning in its simplicity. She writes with a clarity and precision that cuts straight to the bone. The descriptions of New York life, of friendship, of love – they’re all vivid and striking. But the real brilliance is in how she writes about pain. It’s not melodramatic or over-the-top; it’s quiet, insidious, and ever-present. Like a bruise that never quite heals, her writing lingers with you long after you’ve put the book down.

There are, of course, moments where you might think, “Alright, we get it, Yanagihara, life is hard.” But then she’ll hit you with a line so devastatingly beautiful that all complaints fly out the window. One moment you’re sobbing, the next you’re admiring her genius.

The Length: Did It Really Need to Be 700 Pages?

Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the length. Did A Little Life really need to be this long? Probably not. Could it have been edited down? Absolutely. Some sections, particularly those that delve into Jude’s past, feel repetitive. And while the novel’s length allows for an in-depth exploration of its characters, there are moments where you may find yourself wishing Yanagihara would just get to the point.

But in a way, the book’s length mirrors life itself – messy, long, and often frustrating. So while you might want to trim a few pages here and there, the novel’s sprawling nature adds to its epic quality.

A Word on Trauma: Is It Too Much?

One of the major criticisms of A Little Life is its depiction of trauma, with many readers feeling that it borders on exploitative. The repeated scenes of abuse, self-harm, and emotional anguish can feel overwhelming, and there’s an argument to be made that it’s too much for one book. After all, how many times can one character suffer before it becomes gratuitous?

It’s a valid critique, and one that readers should consider before diving in. This is not a book for everyone. If you’re sensitive to topics like abuse and self-harm, A Little Life may not be the right choice for you. But for those who can handle the heavy subject matter, the book offers a profound, albeit difficult, exploration of the lasting impact of trauma.

Final Thoughts: Do You Dare?

“Is it worth the emotional investment?” That’s the question you’re probably asking after hearing about the emotional carnage this book causes. The answer? It depends. If you’re looking for a heartwarming story with a neat, happy ending, you won’t find it here. But if you want to explore the dark corners of the human psyche, to see characters struggle and grow, and to question the limits of friendship and love, then A Little Life is worth every tear-stained page. Just make sure you have a support group – or at least a box of tissues – nearby.

The Wizdom App: Your Guide to Inner Growth

By the time you finish A Little Life, you’ll likely feel emotionally wrung out, questioning your very existence and pondering how much more emotional trauma you can handle in life. Luckily, there’s a resource that can help you get back on track: the Wizdom app.

Wizdom is your personal development sidekick, designed to help you navigate life’s challenges with wisdom, insight, and clarity. With its vast collection of summaries from the world’s best self-help books, the app distils the wisdom of top thinkers and authors into bite-sized pieces, making it easier than ever to improve yourself and your mindset, one lesson at a time.

If A Little Life left you reflecting on themes of trauma, resilience, and healing, the Wizdom app can help you find balance again. It’s like having a therapist and a life coach in your pocket – minus the awkward small talk. With guides on mental health, emotional well-being, and how to overcome life’s challenges, Wizdom is the perfect antidote to life’s more difficult reads.