This is a formidable and lengthy novel. Other reviews say it is set to become a classic. Set in contemporary times yet never stating the years it covers, it is, on one hand, about four friends who meet at a prestigious US college. But they are really just the backdrop. The story is Jude's and it is a disturbing, complex, raw, sometimes horrific story.
The geography is (mainly) in New York, and the cast is almost all male and they, some from birth and others eventually, have lots and lots of money and fame (of sorts).
The story is phased well, starting at a significant time in the lives of four friends - their immediate post college years to the end of their lives. Their back stories are woven between the rise and rise of each of them until the one significant back story, the one that makes the book the book it is, is left. This story, Jude’s story, dominates for solid reasons and Yanagihara reveals its darkness, its reach and its power at a well chosen pace.
The focus of the writing is a microscopic view of the inner life of a character. Running through all this is the theme of kindness and love, how these impact and influence when given with and without judgement. Overlying this are issues of how we see ourselves, how we think others see us, how and why we keep our secrets hidden, and why this matters.
Yanagihara also brings to this book the body as character. Its weaknesses, what it can reveal and it’s resilience are all explored. One aspect of the body dominates -the skin. The organ that sits between us and others. The largest organ in our body. The skin can be seen as the way we can be read by others. Perhaps also, in this instance, the way we tell our story and our story is told.
Yanagihara’s writing is particularly fine at key moments when she catches you, as reader, unaware of the turning point that is about to happen. Overall this is a very smooth read. I found some of the point of view switches confusing and wondered why I was expected to work so hard to understand these sections.
It’s also of note that the few women characters are there as sidelines, for the purpose of context, for example, to portray heterosexuality or motherhood. As I was reading the book I asked myself about this choice. What was gained and what was lost by this imbalance. Was it deliberate? How did it contribute to understanding Jude and the way he chose to live his life? So, a good book, often harrowing, often romantic, frequently brave.
Do read it. Take your time. You will need to! Prepare to be shocked, to weep and to admire.
PS
Something a little different to end with. Slow stitching as the Jasmine climbs; August 2018.
Thanks to the Craftivist Collective. More info here https://craftivist-collective.com
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