A Little Life

Hanya Yanagihara · 2015

Literary fiction

Banned in 1 country

Hanya Yanagihara's epic, harrowing novel following four college friends — Willem, JB, Malcolm, and Jude — over decades as they pursue careers in New York City. The novel gradually centres on Jude St. Francis, whose past of extreme abuse and its psychological aftermath becomes the novel's consuming subject. Shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize and the National Book Award. Challenged and removed from some schools and libraries for its unflinching portrayal of child sexual abuse, self-harm, and prolonged trauma.