A Summary of ‘A Little Life’ by Hanya Yanagihara
One sentence summary:
The book follows the lives of four college friends as they navigate friendship, love, and trauma in New York City.
Book genre:
Fiction, drama, psychological
Main topic of the book:
The main focus of the book is on the enduring friendship between four men and the impact of past trauma on their lives.
Key ideas:
- The complexity of human relationships and the lasting effects of childhood trauma
- The struggles of coping with mental illness and the impact it has on individuals and their loved ones
- The power and limitations of friendship and how it can support or hinder personal growth
Main parts of the book and a short summary:
- Part One: The Beginning – The book opens with a group of four college friends– Jude, JB, Willem and Malcolm – who are now in their early 20s living in New York City. The story follows their struggle with making it in the city, building their careers, and trying to find love and happiness.
- Part Two: The Dormitory – The story delves into the past of Jude, the most enigmatic and troubled character of the group. We learn about his dark childhood, and how he was left at a monastery by his abusive and neglectful parents.
- Part Three: The Postman – The postman is Jude’s lover, exploring their relationship and the turmoil it faces as Jude’s past continues to haunt him.
- Part Four: The Happy Years – The group seems to have found success and happiness, but Jude’s past continues to haunt him, causing strain on his relationships with his friends and loved ones.
- Part Five: The Happy End – The group is now in their 50s, and as their lives take different paths, they must face the realities of aging and the weight of past traumas on their friendships.
Key takeaways:
- The book examines the intricacies of friendship and how it can withstand even the most difficult situations.
- It highlights the impacts of childhood trauma and the long-lasting effects on mental health and relationships.
- The story also delves into themes of love, sacrifice, and the pursuit of happiness.
Author’s background and qualifications:
Hanya Yanagihara is an American author and editor. She has also worked as a deputy editor for Conde Nast Traveler and as an editor-at-large for the Modern Library. She has a Bachelor’s degree in English and a Master of Fine Arts in Fiction Writing from Columbia University. Yanagihara has won multiple awards for her writing, including a finalist nomination for the Man Booker Prize for ‘A Little Life.’
Target audience:
This book will appeal to adult readers who are interested in complex and emotional stories about love, friendship, and the human condition.
Publisher and first publication date:
‘A Little Life’ was published by Doubleday in March 2015.