Reviews

I love it when poets write novels; they use language in such unusual and unpredictable ways. This book had some jaw dropping lines, so unique and beautiful. It’s a meandering meditation on the migrant experience, inter generational trauma and grief, masculinity and stepping into one’s sexuality.

hkc0211's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring slow-paced

Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

neamsyyy's review

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sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Insightful and sometimes heart wrenching perspective, but overall not my cup of tea

lividphoenix's review against another edition

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dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

dellohel's review against another edition

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5.0

describing my feelings about this book would just be re-spouting the endless flattery that has already been heard about OEWBG!! I finished the book with my soul heaving and my body without tears… I can understand why this book would not hit for some people, but Vuong certainly did it for me. will be treasuring this forever. one of my many many many many favorite quotes from this collection of words: “too much joy, I swear, is lost in our desperation to keep it.”

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