A Little Life

Starts off slow and casual, with a good cast of characters, but near the second half, it practically becomes misery porn. Jude's trauma is a primary plot point, and it leads to some interesting dynamics, and relationships that carry the narrative all the way towards the final page. However, many moments in the story are excessively sadistic and depressing for the sake of shock value. I'm a bit iffy on the death of Willem. It's a very sudden development, especially when things were starting to get more positive for Jude, and the entire cast. Admittedly, Willem and Jude getting together near the end of the story was rather wholesome, and worked to make you invested in their future together, just to take it away a few chapters later. In a way, I can appreciate the tragedy that pushes the story towards its climax, but when put in the bigger picture, it genuinely just adds onto the traumatic, depressing atmosphere, that is somewhat the appeal of the work, but also feels so unnecessary at some points. It hurts the story when it borders on unbelievably sadistic. Though, it adds a level of a dreading enevitability of Jude committing suicide, which he did at the end. The protagonist's conclusion does feel like tying a bow on a truly horrifying reality of mental illness, but at the same time, I don't see the point. Genuinely, there was not a message to justify all the pain. I'm sure you can get something out of the story, such as a self reflection on yourself. At least, that's the case for me. At some points it did affect me personally, considering Jude's character is frankly, a realistic depiction of how many people feel—his inability to escape this false perception that he doesn't deserve to be open about his issues. It's relatable, and works for what it is. I can't help but think it could have toned down the cruelty. I'm conflicted on whether keeping the death of Willem really benefits or breaks the story, since on one hand, it's the big push that sparks the Greek Tragedy of an ending, but on the other hand, no one said “A Little Life” couldn't have a happy ending, where Jude goes the therapy route, and begins to self improve, and overcome his trauma. Then again, what we got fits with the rest of the novel's tone. I can't say I didn't find an intrigue in the framework of the story, and at points, it surely tugged at my heart strings deeply, but in my mind, it just needed to dial back on the emotional trauma.