Can we talk about A Little Life? ( with spoilers)

[onlyconnect]

I've just finished it and am thinking about it constantly. Jude has taken up residence in my head.
Anyone else read it and would like to share some thoughts on it?
I ripped through it in about a week and loved it. Quite soon I was thinking that it's one of the best ever for me. I do see flaws now though but they're not detracting too much.
I have barely ever read such relentlessly harrowing fiction. At times I had to stop reading and am struck that at one point it becomes a relief to be reading about Harold's dying son Jacob. That is one if the things I loved about it: my own response at certain points surprised and shocked me.

imonlymoominafgerall I LOVE all of the books you mentioned!

Any more recommendations please?

@Imonlymoominafterall I LOVE all of the books you mentioned! Any more recommendations please?

Seconded!

Possibly the most moving book ever read. Felt in a trance for days after finishing it. It’s uncomfortable to acknowledge that despite everything his existence was always doomed. It’s extreme but didn’t find it fantastical. Some people’s’ lives are grotesque. More recommendations yes!

I loved A Little Life, the Goldfinch, The Secret History and The Heart's Invisible Furies! Books that I felt similarly about are few and far between: A Prayer for Owen Meany is one, Cold Mountain another.

I'd never read it again, it was so harrowing. I did wonder if the self harming was returned to time after time to make you realise just what that would be like - to be drawn back into something you hate but can't resist.

Where the Crawdags sing also

Oh wow, yes I loved Owen Meany too and Cider House Rules.

Big hearted, memorable stories.

Another one I have loved recently is A Gentleman in Moscow. Equally, Towles' other book The Rules of Civility is very excellent.

Oh my god... I love this book! I finished reading a few days ago and I was mindblown. I found the ending so sad and I did find some of the POVs slightly confusing at times. This was the first “big” book like that that I’ve read and absolutely mesmerised. Finished it rather quickly too!

Any other books similar to this? Preferably less graphic if possible but don’t mind if it isn’t!

I loved this book too. I think I read it about 2 years ago but it will stay with me. Poor Jude😞 excellently written though. One of my favorites

teasandcustardcream Donna Tartts Secret History has similar themes if you haven't already read it. I loved it as well. I was lost for ages after reading it, couldn't read anything else for ages!