Genre-
Historical Fiction | Best Seller | Contemporary Fiction | Fiction | LGBTQ+
Audiobook Summary-
Hanya Yanagihara's To Paradise is a philosophical book that explores the intricacies of freedom, identity, and search for happiness at various points in time. Spanning three different centuries — the 19th, 20th, and 21st — the novel delves into how society's norms, laws, and expectations influence the lives of its characters. In the 19th century, a young man struggles with duty and love in a repressive society. The 20th-century story is about an alternate history where the United States has developed differently, and the 21st century sheds light on issues regarding contemporary relationships and societal fissures. By masterful narration, Yanagihara creates a vibrant image of human strength in the face of adversity. The novel brings to the fore the paradox between personal aspiration and social expectation, tapping into the effects of privilege, power, and belonging. To Paradise is a sweeping exploration of the American dream, interrogating what it means to exist freely and fully in a world characterized by systemic adversity. Yanagihara's multi-faceted narrative invites readers to consider the limits of individual freedom and the price of attaining a genuine sense of paradise.