FAQ About A Little Life

Secrets play a significant role in "A Little Life." Each of the four main characters harbors secrets from their past, which they keep hidden from their friends and loved ones. These secrets are a source of shame, guilt, and trauma, and they have a profound impact on the characters' relationships with each other.

The novel portrays the different ways that characters deal with their secrets. Some characters, like Jude, keep their secrets deeply buried and find it difficult to trust others. Other characters, like Willem and Harold, try to create a safe space where secrets can be shared and discussed. The novel ultimately shows that keeping secrets can be damaging to individuals and their relationships, and that healing can only occur when secrets are brought to light and addressed.