Summary of A Little Life

A Little Life is a 2015 novel by American novelist Hanya Yanagihara. It tells the story of four friends—Willem, JB, Malcolm, and Jude—who move to New York City after college and follow their lives over the course of four decades. The novel follows the complex, intertwined lives of these four men and the struggles they face in their personal, professional, and romantic relationships. The novel focuses on the devastating psychological traumas suffered by the main character, Jude, who was subjected to childhood abuse, and how this abuse shapes his life and relationships. Throughout the novel, Jude is presented as an enigmatic and enigmatic figure who, despite his suffering, is still able to find moments of joy and human connection. The novel has been praised for its vivid characters and its unflinching exploration of difficult topics such as abuse, depression, and suicide.