Occasionally, I find myself in search of a book that will "tear my soul apart and gnaw through my heart" in attempt to evoke emotion. This book was one of those "bookgram" books that I had seen lots of people swear by, regardless, I was hesitant as I have been let down by bookgram many times before.

This book did do the job—more than I even expected it to—it is so beautifully written. Malcom, JB, Willem, and of course, Jude are all such painstakingly well-developed characters. Hanya Yangihara avoided all the clichés I feared would be present in this book...

The first and foremost theme of this novel can most definitely be announced as the friendships between the characters. These friendships are the core of this book and beyond admirable. Throughout the writing the most prominent and consistent them was the characters' devotion to one another.

The second major theme of this novel falls under the umbrella of sickness—mental and physical. Once again, I feel Yanagihara did a spectacular job at avoiding clichés in this area too. Yanagihara perfectly captured sickness beyond the parameters of the exhaustion it brings and properly expressed the guilt a sick person feels. Guilt, frustration, self-pity, self-hatred as a product of self-pity, rage, defeat, and so on. All these emotions really rounding Jude into a more genuine and authentic portrayal of a chronically ill person.

Again on the topic of clichés, I believe the ending of this book—which I will not be spoiling—only further proves the avoidance of clichés. I was absolutely horrified this book would be predictable and bland, but I am delighted to say that was not the case.

I have so much more to say but I feel utterly stupefied as its been mere minutes since I finished this marvellous work and have too many thoughts to put down on here. Maybe I'll edit this later on but for now: 5/5 Brilliant.