Hanya Yanagihara discusses her new book 'To Paradise', exploring its multi-dimensional narrative, themes of epidemics and climate change. The chapter dives into the concept of three separate Americas depicted in the book, mixed-race identity, microaggressions, and works by Julia Otsuka and Lucy Caldwell. Also explores upcoming releases and reissues of classic books.
In 'To Paradise', Hanya Yanagahara explores the changing nature of America and the timeless quality of human desires, highlighting the collective experience of living through history.
Hanya Yanagahara's 'To Paradise' examines America's colonial relationship with Hawaii and prompts readers to reflect on different American pasts and cultural identities.
Deep dives
Structure and Themes of 'To Paradise' by Hanya Yanagahara
Hanya Yanagahara's novel 'To Paradise' spans 200 years of American history, with each section set in a different time period. The first section takes place in 1893 New York, similar to Edith Wharton's novels, but with the difference that gay marriage is legal and some states have seceded from the union. The second section is set in 1993 New York during the AIDS epidemic, as well as in Hawaii with a potential king. The final section takes place in 2093, depicting a world ravaged by climate change and epidemics. The novel explores themes of love, exploitation, power, and the unchanging nature of human desires.
Repetition and the Shape of America in 'To Paradise'
In 'To Paradise', Hanya Yanagahara repeats character names across different time periods, suggesting that the country is determining the shape of its citizens rather than the other way around. The novel reflects on the changing nature of America and the sense of watching the country transform in real time, regardless of political affiliation. It also explores the timeless quality of human experiences and concerns, particularly the desire for love and connection, which withstands the test of time and historical shifts. Yanagahara presents a thought-provoking idea about the repetition of history and the collective experience of living through it.
Exploring American Identity and Colonialism in 'To Paradise'
Hanya Yanagahara's 'To Paradise' examines America's relationship with Hawaii, presenting it as a colonial one. The novel reflects on the history of American imperialism and its effects on communities in Hawaii. Depending on readers' specific American experiences, they may perceive different aspects of the book, such as the use of surnames from prominent missionary families in Hawaii or the mention of Japanese internment camps during World War II. The novel prompts readers to reflect on different American pasts and the complexities of cultural identity, while highlighting the impact of historical events on various communities.