Hanya Yanagihara is a prominent American author and journalist, known for her profound and thought-provoking work. Born in Los Angeles, Yanagihara spent her formative years in Hawaii, where she developed an early interest in art and science. At the age of ten, she might have aspired to become a scientist or a portraitist, and even went to the morgue to draw the faces of deceased individuals, accompanied by a pathologist's daughter.
After completing her education at Smith College in 1995, Yanagihara moved to New York City, where she began her career as a publicist. She later transitioned to Conde Nast Traveler, where she worked her way up to become an editor. In 2015, she left Conde Nast Traveler to join T: the New York Times Style Magazine as deputy editor. Throughout her career, Yanagihara has maintained an active presence in the literary world, publishing her work in various publications.
Yanagihara's debut novel, "The People in the Trees," was published in 2013 and received critical acclaim for its unique storytelling and complex characters. Her second novel, "A Little Life," published in 2015, solidified her reputation as a leading voice in contemporary literature. The novel was a finalist for the Man Booker Prize and won the Kirkus Prize for Fiction. Yanagihara's work often explores themes of identity, trauma, and the human condition, captivating readers with her vivid and emotional storytelling.