My main critique of this novel was how disjointed it felt. However, these time separations sometimes were disadvantageous to the story. We see characters from previous sections-100 years prior-help form the lives of the next section. I found it interesting to see how these characters cope and navigate the world they were born in, and how their actions ultimately influence the generations after them. There are a lot of harrowing events that occur in all three sections of the novel that make it exceptionally hard for these characters to reach a place where they belong or are at peace. And in the world that Yanagihara builds, it might not be so easy.
What does it mean to be human? Who is accepted in this world, and who is forced into the margins? All of this is in the forefront of To Paradise.Įvery character in this novel is searching for just that- paradise. (These are two very contrasting genres combined to tell one story.) With these various literary elements, Yanagihara can ask hard-hitting questions about humanity. In the third section, set in 2093, we see a world ravaged by pandemics, and New York City being heavily structured by regulations. For example, in the first section, set in the late 1800s, we see a man deciding whether to marry the man he loves or a man who will give him status and security. The novel blends together historical and science fiction, first person and third person narration, and many other literary elements you wouldn’t expect in one novel. What I enjoyed most about To Paradise was Yanagihara’s risk-taking when it came to genre-bending. I found the overall novel was enjoyable, but I think it especially excelled in its final section. Split into three sections for the three centuries, a lot is explored in this novel. It explores many difficult subject matters such as generational trauma, pandemics, classism, and much more. The novel centres around three centuries of an alternate version of America, taking place mainly in New York City and following characters who are all unknowingly connected. To Paradise is Hanya Yanagihara’s newest novel since her massively popular A Little Life. Content warning: racism, homophobia, pandemics, death, ableism, classism, suicide
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