A review by learivel
On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong

challenging emotional reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Normally I’d not pick up a book written like this one, thinking it would be too pretentious or lack an “actual plot.” But that was absolutely not the case with this novel, written in letter format from immigrant child to mother. Ocean Vuong writes in a way that is so beautiful and seamless I forgot where I started or where the book would end. The metaphors were poignant but never got lost or too hard to understand, as they often are. Truly such a raw and revealing piece, I think him for putting it into existence. 
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