Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Some Thoughts on the Best Book I've Read So Far This Year . . . A Little Life

The best novel I've read so far in 2015 is--hands-down, no questions asked--Hanya Yanagihara's flawed but absolutely compelling, astonishing, challenging novel, A little Life.

This isn't so much a review as a reaction piece. Somehow, I don't really feel like I can offer a full review of the novel. For one thing, I don't want to inadvertently include any spoilers. In some ways, I feel as though readers are better off going into this novel without many pre-conceived notions about the characters or the plot. It's better to just experience it with a fresh, open mind.

For another thing . . . my God, I'm not even sure how to think about adequately reviewing it in a traditional sense. If you've read the novel, you may know what I mean.

So, here is what I posted on Goodreads about A Little Life just after finishing the novel last month: Whoa... This book will wring your heart out. You don't READ A Little Life so much as experience it on a primal level. The novel includes some disturbing, emotionally harrowing material, and in that sense, it can be difficult to read. So why is it racking up 5 star reviews from many literary fiction fans? I think because Yanagihara makes readers feel so deeply connected to the characters, so positively immersed in their lives ... she has a way of creating a bond between the reader and her fictional characters that is nothing short of astonishing. Therefore, add me to the growing collection of people singing the praises of A Little Life--even though I do think the novel has a few flaws. Ultimately, it's a truly thought-provoking book that raises questions about the nature of love and friendship, how people can overcome trauma, and how far any of us is prepared to go to help a friend or loved one experiencing pain.

Back to me in the present.... So yup, this is quite a powerful book. I devoured it--it's over 700 pages, but I flew through it in a couple of days. Yanagihara grabs ahold of you with her complex, rich characters and will NOT LET GO. I think I have a completely fresh definition now for a book that you "can't put down."

I do think there are a few things that aren't perfect here. To start, Yanagihara really hits Jude hard, over and over again ... It's relentless. Was it necessary for this character to experience so much pain and heartache? I think Yanagihara clearly exaggerates his pain for a reason--to force us think about the nature of physical and emotional trauma, about our responsibility for others, about the limits of love and friendship, etc. But .... is it too much?

Secondly .... women? Women characters are almost completely absent in this novel. I know--there's Julia, a social worker, a few female friends, but they are cardboard cut-outs compared to the men. I have to say I noticed this and wondered why. Interestingly, Yanagihara's previous novel, The People in the Trees, also lacks any deeply developed female characters. So, two novels, with only men as fully-realized characters . . . I'd love to know if that was a conscious decision on Yanagihara's part.

I think, in the end, everyone should just experience the novel for themselves. It's a powerful and thought-provoking book, and it would be fabulous for a book club. This is a book that cries out to be discussed over a few glasses of wine. I'll be eagerly anticipating the discussion on The Socratic Salon!

I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher, Doubleday Books, through NetGalley, for review consideration.

What do you think . . . Have you read A Little Life? If not, do you plan to?

8 comments:

  1. I loved your Goodreads review of this one. And - I think you described it perfectly! Interesting point about the lack of women (other than Julia). I never realized that as I was reading, but you're absolutely right. Does this possibly slip under the radar a bit because it was written by a woman? There was a point (this was pretty early on) where I did wonder why none of the four ever had a girlfriend in his life (or any romantic interest - even just flitting in and out)...it seemed odd for 4 guys of college and immediately post college age. Some of this was explained later, but it was a question for me early on. Looking forward to Socratic Salon as well!

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    1. Even Julia is way, way underdeveloped . . . same with Malcolm's wife (I can't even remember her name--she was barely a presence!). It didn't rob me of any enjoyment of the book, but it is something I hope we can talk about. And I"m looking forward to seeing what other topics and questions everyone comes up with!

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  2. We are really looking forward to discussing this one too. It's the best book I've read this year. It might be the best book I've read in the past few years? I can't imagine it being knocked off of the pedestal I have it on. Amazing writing, fantastic characters. I can't wait to dig into why there are so few female characters on TSS :D Great thoughts here!

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    1. Yeah, I think that's going to be one of many good points for discussion! I think there are some really interesting parallels to her first novel, The People in the Trees, so I hope we can delve into that too. This is a book that just begs for lots of meaty conversation!

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  3. I was hyper-aware of the lack of women. I mean Julia was cool, but she was just a tool for Jude's progression, so does she count? I think not really. But anyway, I still loved this book regardless. it is TOTALLY more an experience than a book. Which is why I had to throw it 5 stars. I couldn't ignore all of the different ways it made me feel. It was more intense than probably any other reading experience I've had. Amazing!

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    1. Yeah, so clearly the lack of women was something a lot of us need to hash out. But I had to throw it 5 stars, too . . . I felt like what else could I possibly rate? INTENSE is the absolute right word!

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  4. Interesting you mention the lack of women! That was the first thing I put in our TSS discussion...I do think it serves a purpose, but we're still working it out. Can't wait to discuss it more, there's a ton to turn over.

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    1. Yeah, clearly the women thing is on a lot of readers' minds, so we'll need to hash that out. I think everything Yanagihara does serves a purpose, definitely . . . she's such a masterful writer, there's got to be a reason behind everything. Same with the relentlessness of the pain Jude experiences.

      What a book! I don't think I'll ever convince either of my book clubs to tackle it, so I'm relying on TSS for my discussion needs!

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