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To Paradise

By: Hanya Yanagihara
Narrated by: BD Wong, Catherine Ho, Edoardo Ballerini, Feodor Chin, Kurt Kanazawa
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Summary

The No. 1 Sunday Times bestseller from the author of A Little Life

'I’m not sure I’ve ever missed the world of a book as much' –
The Observer

To Paradise is a bold, brilliant novel spanning three centuries and three different versions of the elusive idea of utopia; driven by Hanya Yanagihara’s understanding of our desire to protect those we love – lovers, children, friends, family and even our fellow citizens – and the pain that ensues when we cannot.

In an alternate version of 1893 America, New York is part of the Free States, where people may live and love as they please (or so it seems).

In a 1993 Manhattan besieged by the AIDS epidemic, a young Hawaiian man lives with his much older, wealthier partner, hiding his troubled childhood and the fate of his father.

In 2093, in a world torn apart by plagues and governed by totalitarian rule, a powerful scientist’s damaged granddaughter tries to navigate life without him – and solve the mystery of her husband’s disappearance.

What unites these characters, and these Americas, are their reckonings with the qualities that make us human – fear, love, shame, loneliness – and the longing to find a place in an earthly paradise.

‘Not only rare . . . revolutionary’ – Michael Cunningham, author of The Hours

‘Prepare to weep in public and be utterly transformed’ – Stylist

©2022 Hanya Yanagihara (P)2022 Penguin Randomhouse LLC
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: LGBTQ+
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What listeners say about To Paradise

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  • Overall
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    3 out of 5 stars

3.5 overall Interesting but not enthralling

Some wonderful insights and sensitively drawn emotional portraits. But story itself was always a second thought here.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Breathtaking, topical, beautifully read.

Loved this book. The narrators were excellent. Thought provoking stories, loved the way the characters names were carried through.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Nice book in some ways but hated the last section and found it too long

Nice book in some ways but hated the last section and found it too long.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Amazing

I had read mixed reviews but can absolutely 100% recommend this . Beautifully written and narrated.
I will go back and listen again … didn’t want it to end .

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Loved it

Simply stunning. Great story and performances. Scary, dystopian but also hopeful and life affirming. Amazing

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Half way to Paradise

Yanagihara knows how to build her story world. I was mesmerised throughout and couldn't wait to get back to this each night. Paradise means different things to us all and so she unravels issues around identity, love, grief, heritage, and health across centuries. Society may change but the fundamental human needs remain consistent.

Some readers may find the grim realism of climate change and epidemics a bit too much - so rich and persuasive is her writing - likewise, I found the repetition of character names a bit confusing and felt like I was making links where there might not have been any, but despite this, it's an incredible book that will leave you bruised and better for having read it.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Beautiful and heartbreaking

Such a nuanced naration. A bit long at first but captivating after that. Stick with it for a engaging read !

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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Far too long detailing “he said, she said”.

Decades spanning histories and paradigmatic shifts, yet we are but a puff of wind and God help those of us who wield or have no power. A parable for the times, and a narrative of choice, for those who have power, money and forewarning.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Disconcerting

Having been awed by Little Lufe I was keen to read To Paradise. I was not disappointed. In the first part I relaxed thinking I knew where and when we were and then suddenly “we’re not in Kansas any more”!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

How it all linked together and the engagement of the characters- you lived in their lives

It was very occasionally just a little too detailed but overall a literary masterpiece and a genius of a story

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