The People in the Trees By Hanya Yanagihara

 

The People in the Trees

By Hanya Yanagihara

 In 1950, a young doctor named Norton Perina goes on an expedition to a Micronesian island with two other scientists where they are brought deep into the jungle in search of a lost tribe who have members who have achieved a semblance of immortality. While there, Perina discovers the cause of the affliction which, though keeps the tribe members from aging, it also takes away their mental capacities. Perina brings back the anti-aging source and some of the afflicted tribe members, subjecting them to a lifetime of tests. When the scientific community learns of Perina's discovery they race to the island in conquest and competition, destroying the island and its inhabitants in the process.

But alongside this story is Perina's imprisonment after the fact. After his first return trip to the island Norton began adopting island children, eventually over many years he is accused by one or two of sexual abuse. Perina recounts one of the accusers' life with him, the child's difficulties from the star, and how he came to discipline and control the boy. Which leads to a shocking (though, is it?) finale.

The book is told as an epistolary, as a second hand account in Perina's words in memoir form told to the reader by his friend Dr. Kubodera. Kubodera tells the reader he cannot believe that Perina would do what he is being charged and imprisoned with having done. But can we believe him? Through parts of the story, we get the sense that Perina is capable of such a thing, or would consider it. This entire novel is about exploitation and ethics, surrounding both the tribe and what happens to them, as well as how Perina deals with his accusing adopted son.

I really liked this book. I can see why some people would find it difficult. But that is what I love about Yanagihara's writing. It is raw and unflinching. She holds nothing back, giving us flawed characters that do bad things. At first I found the book slow, but it picked up and became tense and emotional, full of anger but also sadness. Even though I knew what was likely coming, I was still jolted by the knowledge of it. Excellent storytelling.

I give The People in the Trees 4 enthusiastic stars.