Book Review: Hanya Yanagihara's A Little Life

by Mikayla Henry

5/5 Stars

When avid bookworms request recommendations that will provide them with a long, therapeutic sob session, A Little Life by Hanya Y anagihara is arguably one of the most suggested titles on the internet and from the mouths of booksellers worldwide. Many online reviews are riddled with pictures of the readers sobbing, often with mascara running down their cheeks, with comments that the novel “destroyed them,” so to speak. Such reviews are not without merit, given that the US cover isn’t exactly the most uplifting since it includes a photograph of a man seemingly in despair. On top of this, the novel has a significant amount of triggering content and delves deep into themes of abuse and self-harm, making it a rather long and challenging but ultimately rewarding read.

The narrative itself centers on the enduring friendship of four men navigating life’s complexities—jobs, love, addiction, trauma, familial relationships, and the search for meaning—amidst the backdrop of their evolving relationships. A Little Life is not a fast-paced or action-packed novel; rather, its strength lies in the intricate portrayal of these characters and their profound connections. As a person who does not cry often when reading – I think I have only cried for a handful of books in my life – I can confirm that I teared up about three or four times over the course of over 800 pages. It is not much of an exaggeration to say that it broke my heart. However, the tears were not solely from despair; they were also sparked by moments of joy and profound human connection in some chapters. While the characters in A Little Life endure immense suffering, their lives are not defined solely by trauma. They experience the full spectrum of human emotions—joy, heartbreak, laughter, frustration—much like anyone else.

There are some critics that have labelled the novel as mere “trauma porn,” and have seemed to completely miss its nuanced exploration of life’s complexities. A Little Life reminds us that life, especially when it comes to struggles with mental health, is a journey marked by both triumphs and tribulations, where progress and setbacks intertwine in a continuous cycle. Just as we cannot neatly resolve our own struggles with the turn of a page, neither can these characters. And I do not believe it is fair to expect them to – fictional or not.

While I hesitate to recommend this book to everyone—as I am aware that its themes may not resonate with everyone and be too triggering for some—I encourage those who are prepared for its emotional depth to give it a chance. And bring tissues—I promise you will cry at some point as you read. But maybe refrain from choosing this for your next cozy read if you go on a trip or are craving a day of relaxation.

If you’ve already read A Little Life and are looking for similar books, or if you’re considering trying it on for size and want to explore comparable titles first, I’d recommend The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt and On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong. Like A Little Life, these novels are deeply character-driven, focusing more on the emotional journeys of the characters than on action-packed plotlines.

Ultimately, whether you read this or not, I hope you cherish your own little life and the people in it. We only have this one little life, after all.