Just in the middle of Hanya Yanagihara's "A Little Life" when I've come across one of the characters asking another one "What's your ethnic background?".

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Just in the middle of Hanya Yanagihara's "A Little Life" when I've come across one of the characters asking another one "What's your ethnic background?". Anyone from the USA can tell me if this question is something that can be heard in everyday conversations? I don't think this question would be a normal thing to ask in Europe. #books #llibres #bookstodon @bookstodon@a.gup.pe

@GelatDeTramussos I wouldn’t say that’s a common question but it’s also not really that far outside the bounds of possibility. It’d probably be phrased “so where is your family from?” On the assumption that if you’re not white your family probably immigrated from somewhere. A lot of people would consider this offensive, but not offensive enough to call someone out about it. It’s a microaggression.

@Johnny_nada Dangerous assumption if you ask it to a Native American, I presume.

Just finished it and although I've enjoyed the novel, I have sort of mixed feelings about the main character. He's lived a terrible life, of course, no one can deny it, but I have ended up almost hating him for his selfishness and the way he treats those around him.
Besides, the number of pages is insane. The book is unjustifiably far too long.
What are your thoughts about this #book?
#HanyaYanagihara #books #bookstodon #llibres