The theme of trauma is prominent throughout the novel, and it serves as a driving force for many of the actions and decisions that the characters make. The other characters in the novel also have their own traumas and struggles, and the novel explores how they cope with and try to overcome their pasts. The novel follows Jude as he navigates the aftermath of these traumatic events and tries to heal and find happiness. The theme is explored most prominently through the experiences of the main character, Jude, who has gone through physical and emotional abuse throughout his life. Many of the characters in the novel have experienced significant trauma in their lives, and the book explores the ways in which trauma can shape and define a person’s life. There are various themes to be found in A Little Life, with the most prominent revolving around trauma and the past, relationships, love, loyalty, and friendship. If you found yourself thoroughly gripped by the harrowing story of A Little Life, then you are sure to enjoy the likes of A Home at the End of the World by Michael Cunningham, The Heart’s Invisible Furies by John Boyne, and The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. The book also ranked 96th in the 2019 list of the 100 best books of the 21st century by The Guardian. In 2016, it was shortlisted for both the Women’s Prize for Fiction and the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction, whilst in 2017 it was shortlisted for the International Dublin Literary Award. The novel is known for its intense and emotional portrayal of the characters and their relationships with each other, as well as its depiction of hard-hitting themes such as love, friendship, and trauma.Ī Little Life received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, being long-listed for the Man Booker Prize in 2015 and going on to make the shortlist alongside five other books.Īs well as that, A Little Life was a finalist for the 2015 National Book Award for Fiction and won the Kirkus Prize for fiction in 2015.

The book follows the lives of Willem, JB, Malcolm, and Jude, who are all struggling with their own personal demons and traumatic pasts. It is a story of four friends who meet in college and follow each other through their adult lives.

A little life cover