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A review by cherrykois
On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong
5.0
"do you ever wonder if sadness and happiness can be combined, to make a deep purple feeling, not good, not bad, but remarkable simply because you didn't have to live on one side or the other?"
The story revolves around a boy named Little Dog who communicates with his illiterate mother through letters. These letters, written in his late twenties, reveal the struggles he has faced with his race, gender, sexuality, and his relationship with his mother. As Little Dog explores his family's history intertwined with the Vietnam War, he also opens up about aspects of his life that his mother was unaware of.
It is astonishing that this is Ocean Vuong's debut novel, as the writing displays a level of expertise that would typically be expected from a seasoned author. The quality of the writing is exceptional, and the stories are masterfully told, evoking strong emotions within the reader. This book is both eye-opening and heartbreaking, yet incredibly beautiful.
There isn't a single aspect of this book that I didn't enjoy. The journey it takes you on is unforgettable. It must be noted that this is not an easy read, as it delves into challenging subjects. However, it deserves immense praise for its portrayal of these topics. It feels incredibly personal to Vuong; the emotional and thought-provoking nature of the story suggests that it may be rooted, at least to some extent, in his own experiences.
Ocean Vuong unquestionably possesses great talent as both a writer and a storyteller. I eagerly anticipate delving into more of his works.
The story revolves around a boy named Little Dog who communicates with his illiterate mother through letters. These letters, written in his late twenties, reveal the struggles he has faced with his race, gender, sexuality, and his relationship with his mother. As Little Dog explores his family's history intertwined with the Vietnam War, he also opens up about aspects of his life that his mother was unaware of.
It is astonishing that this is Ocean Vuong's debut novel, as the writing displays a level of expertise that would typically be expected from a seasoned author. The quality of the writing is exceptional, and the stories are masterfully told, evoking strong emotions within the reader. This book is both eye-opening and heartbreaking, yet incredibly beautiful.
There isn't a single aspect of this book that I didn't enjoy. The journey it takes you on is unforgettable. It must be noted that this is not an easy read, as it delves into challenging subjects. However, it deserves immense praise for its portrayal of these topics. It feels incredibly personal to Vuong; the emotional and thought-provoking nature of the story suggests that it may be rooted, at least to some extent, in his own experiences.
Ocean Vuong unquestionably possesses great talent as both a writer and a storyteller. I eagerly anticipate delving into more of his works.