In 2015, Hanya Yanagihara released the novel A Little Life, which delved into the complex minds and relationships of four friends in Manhattan. It sparked a range of reactions from critics and readers alike: some adored its cult status, leading to award nominations, while others found it melodramatic, yet acknowledging the talent behind it.
Yanagihara’s latest work, To Paradise, elevates her storytelling prowess further. It ventures into a speculative narrative that captivates and challenges its audience. With precision, she delves into the underlying issues within the American foundation, reimagining its history at three pivotal moments in an alternate timeline.
The first part, “Washington Square,” unfolds in 1893, portraying a United States where Northern Free States are governed by strict hierarchies, the Southern “Colonies” uphold racist systems, and the West symbolizes a magical escape. Same-sex marriages in New York are normalized, yet influenced by factors like wealth, status, and citizenship. Here, the narrative follows the elderly Bingham family patriarch dividing his estate among his grandchildren, leading to conflicts around power and love in a meticulously detailed world reminiscent of classic social novels and cinematic opulence.
The second segment, “Lipo-Wao-Nahele,” set in 1993, follows another David living with his partner Charles in the midst of the AIDS crisis in New York. It explores stigma, past traumas, and the struggle to conceal one’s history, interwoven with Hawaiian folklore and enigmatic connections to the previous tale. Yanagihara intertwines themes of identity and relationships in a poignant and mysterious narrative.
Fast forward to 2093 in “Zone Eight,” the longest section of To Paradise, featuring Charlie as she navigates a turbulent city, unraveling her husband’s disappearance through her grandfather’s letters against a backdrop of authoritarian rule akin to apocalyptic settings in popular culture. The storyline merges contemporary issues and speculative fiction, offering a panoramic view of a society on the brink of collapse.
Yanagihara’s fragmented yet cohesive narrative challenges readers to confront social issues through a prism of perspectives and moods, echoing the works of other contemporary authors. In To Paradise, she constructs a tapestry of human connections amidst turmoil, illustrating a potential for redemption akin to a paradise regained. With its intricate storytelling and profound themes, To Paradise solidifies Yanagihara’s position as a standout in modern literature.
