2.06k reviews for:

De keizer van Gladness

Ocean Vuong

4.26 AVERAGE


Beautiful tender look at loneliness, found family, being lost and found.
dark emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
dark reflective slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
challenging emotional reflective slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Amazing book!! There are many insights here in this book including human nature as well as human connection. Such an amazing book.
challenging dark emotional hopeful reflective sad tense slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

As always, Vuong writes with incredible grace. Each sentence is  lush, each line of dialogue poignant. I loved how funny it was too, even in the midst of the heaviest moments. Vuong reminds me why I am a writer, and why I love being alive. A masterpiece of this century and probably my favorite 2025 read so far. 
dark emotional funny sad medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes

This book was a surprise to me. I didn’t anticipate enjoying it as much as I thought I would. The characters were heartwarming and the bonds they formed were wholesome and loving. The book was slo unexpectedly funny at parts and had me laughing out loud while questioning if my laughter was appropriate. Overall, a great read. 
challenging dark emotional sad tense slow-paced
emotional reflective medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated
dark funny medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Loved this book except the ending. Can't recommend knowing the ending isn't satisfying.