“A Little Life” is a novel by American author Hanya Yanagihara that was published in 2015. The book is a heart-wrenching exploration of love, friendship, trauma, and the human condition. It follows the lives of four college friends – Willem, JB, Malcolm, and Jude – as they navigate their way through life in New York City. However, the focus is mainly on Jude, who is the center of the story.
Plot Summary
The novel begins with four friends, Willem, JB, Malcolm, and Jude, who have recently graduated from college and have moved to New York City to pursue their dreams. The novel spans over three decades and follows their lives as they navigate through their careers, relationships, and personal struggles. However, the novel is primarily focused on Jude’s life.
Jude is a brilliant lawyer, but he has a dark past that he keeps hidden from his friends. The novel delves into his past and explores the horrific abuse that he endured as a child. Despite his trauma, Jude is a kind and generous person who is loved by his friends. However, his past continues to haunt him, and he struggles to come to terms with his experiences.
As the novel progresses, the friends’ lives become more complex. Willem becomes a successful actor, JB becomes a famous artist, and Malcolm becomes a respected architect. However, they all face their own struggles, and their relationships with each other become strained at times.
Jude’s trauma becomes more apparent as the novel progresses. He suffers from severe physical and emotional pain, which he tries to numb with drugs and self-harm. He also struggles with intimacy and has never been in a romantic relationship. The novel explores his relationships with his friends, his therapist, and a mentor, Harold, who becomes a father figure to him.
As the novel nears its end, Jude’s mental and physical health deteriorates, and he becomes more isolated from his friends. The novel ends with a devastating and unexpected twist that leaves the reader questioning everything they thought they knew.
A Little Life Characters
The novel is primarily focused on four main characters: Willem, JB, Malcolm, and Jude. The novel also features several secondary characters, including Harold, Jude’s mentor, and Andy, his therapist.
Willem is a caring and compassionate actor who is devoted to his friends. He has a close relationship with Jude and is always there for him when he needs him.
JB is a talented artist who is known for his controversial work. He is ambitious and determined to succeed, but his ego often gets in the way of his relationships with his friends.
Malcolm is a successful architect who is the most grounded of the four friends. He is married and has a daughter, but he struggles with infertility and his desire to have more children.
Jude is the heart of the novel. He is a brilliant lawyer who is haunted by his past. He is kind, generous, and loved by his friends, but he struggles to come to terms with his trauma and his feelings of self-hatred.
A Little Life Themes
The novel explores several themes, including love, friendship, trauma, and the human condition. It also explores the themes of sexuality, intimacy, and the impact of abuse on an individual’s life.
One of the main themes of the novel is the power of love and friendship. The novel shows how the characters’ relationships with each other help them navigate through their struggles and triumphs.
The novel also explores the theme of trauma and its impact on an individual’s life. It shows how trauma can shape a person’s identity and how it can be difficult to overcome.
Writing Style
Yanagihara’s writing style is intimate and immersive. The novel is written in lyrical and descriptive prose that allows the reader to connect deeply with the characters and their experiences. The author’s use of flashbacks and shifts in perspective provides a comprehensive view of the characters’ lives, allowing the reader to gain a deeper understanding of their motivations and struggles.
The author’s vivid descriptions of trauma and abuse can be difficult to read at times, but they are necessary to fully understand the impact of such experiences on an individual’s life. Yanagihara’s writing style is raw and honest, and she does not shy away from exploring the darkest corners of the human psyche.
Conclusion
“A Little Life” is a powerful and emotionally charged novel that explores the complexities of love, friendship, and trauma. The novel’s vivid characters and immersive writing style draw the reader into their lives and struggles, leaving a lasting impact long after the final pages are turned.
Despite its dark subject matter, the novel is ultimately a story of resilience and the power of human connection. It shows that even in the face of unimaginable trauma and pain, love and friendship can provide a source of hope and healing.
Overall, “A Little Life” is a masterpiece of contemporary literature that is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who reads it.