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Questions About A Little Life

by Hanya Yanagihara (Goodreads Author)

Reader Q&A

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Answered Questions (240)

can anyone grasp the years it took place between?

Demis I feel the author deliberately kept the years ambiguous, wiping each chapter clean of all traces of any defining cultural / technological landmarks th…moreI feel the author deliberately kept the years ambiguous, wiping each chapter clean of all traces of any defining cultural / technological landmarks that would place a scene in a particular year. The entire story exists in a time that feels a lot like now (or now-ish) as a result - felt like a very deliberate ambiguity, and another of the things that gave the book a rather unique vibe. Perhaps the point is the time isn't important - keeps the focus on the characters, and the idea that the issues dealt with were timeless.(less)

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I'm really interested in reading this book but was wondering how graffic the scenes were? I just want to know what to expect before I start!

Tawny Tayor, there were a couple of times I had to put the book down and pick up something else because of the horror of what was happening. But I always ca…moreTayor, there were a couple of times I had to put the book down and pick up something else because of the horror of what was happening. But I always came back to it and saw it through to the end. If you don't want graphic, this is not the book for you. Having said that, I don't think the book would have been nearly as touching, nor would I have cared so deeply about the characters, without every detail.(less)

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How does one post a review? I liked this book and thought it was profound but about 3/4 way through I got really sick of Jude's self-pity. I have had many people cross my life with similar hurts and habits. But this guy has supportive friends, a love saint for a lover, adoptive parents, a great doctor, a lucrative career and access to unlimited resources. Ugh.

Bella Yes, Jude is self-deprecating. However, I never found him a character to pity. Yanagihara does a great job of describing his thought process in a way …moreYes, Jude is self-deprecating. However, I never found him a character to pity. Yanagihara does a great job of describing his thought process in a way that it makes Jude's thought pattern "natural" for someone who has experienced such tragedy and sadness in life (as someone who suffers from clinical depression I can completely relate). Jude points out several times in the novel how grateful and astounded he is to be so "lucky" and "undeserving" to have the success and good people in his life despite his tribulations. You "got really sick of Jude's self-pity" but the novel makes it clear that Jude has got sick of it too.(less)

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It's TOO.. Too much abuse Too unformed characters Too too brilliant people Too great a friendship (s) Too amazing a lifestyle Too inconsistent Too tragic, really ..Willem? Too long Too much technical detail Too much effort.... Stopped before the end

Cynthia Vengraitis I think it's too, too because it's more of an allegory. It almost has a fable or fairy tale quality. The characters are not supposed to be real people…moreI think it's too, too because it's more of an allegory. It almost has a fable or fairy tale quality. The characters are not supposed to be real people but rather representatives. The story is of abuse and and the human spirit.(less)

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What are the trigger warnings for this book (without delving into spoilery, graphic detail)? I'd like to read it, but I need to know whether it'll actually be harmful to me to read it.

Maranda Really hard not to spoil while also giving accurate trigger warnings.
But I will try:

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TW: sexual abuse, child sexual abuse, scary verbal abus…moreReally hard not to spoil while also giving accurate trigger warnings.
But I will try:

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TW: sexual abuse, child sexual abuse, scary verbal abuse, psychological manipulation and gaslighting, kidnapping/imprisonment, many modes of self-harm, a violent accident, a few moments of prejudice against the disabled, drug use, addiction, grief and loss of a loved one. Many of these aren't just mentioned, but described at length in graphic detail.
That said the book is incredible. (less)

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