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.
