To Paradise Background

To Paradise Background

To Paradise is a sci-fi novel by American author Hanya Yanagihara. Published in 2022 by Doubleday, the novel explores a parallel New York City in three different centuries. In this alternate world, same-sex marriage has been legal since the eighteenth century. The world has been ravaged by global warming and endless pandemics.

In 1893, the scion of a wealthy family is betrothed to a suitable suitor. He instead wishes to be with a poor music teacher.

In 1993, New York is plagued with the AIDS epidemic. A young man of Hawaiian heritage, troubled by his abusive childhood, is living with his wealthy lover in an affluent community in Manhattan.

In 2093, due to the spreading of a multitude of viruses, America has fallen into the hands of a totalitarian regime. State secrets and unrestrained scientific advancements are rampant. The environment has been highly degraded. The grandchild of a genius scientist is attempting to uncover the secrets of his family's dark history.

Yanagihara started developing the idea of the novel in 2016 after a discussion she had with a friend about the novel Washington Square by Henry James. Yanagihara consulted with virologists and other medical professionals on how to best portray how a pandemic affects the world. The book cover features a painting by Dutch painter Hubert Vos and further designs by Na Kim.

To Paradise is a study case on the American system of capitalism, social Freedom, and unchecked ambition. The pursuit of a utopia is proven to be a futile ordeal, but within that grim reality, hope always survives. Despite the huge ambitions of this novel, its heart lies in the people and the need to make a better future for your loved ones, no matter the cost.

Update this section!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this section.

Update this section

After you claim a section you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.

Cite this page