emmmmk 's review for:

The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong

4.75

challenging dark emotional slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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This took me a long time to read. It was difficult, and it also deserved careful attention. Ocean Vuong beautifully and accurately portrays the darkest depths of grief and depression—but also the complicated joy and meaning found in human connection. Ultimately, I don’t think the latter was enough for the main character, or maybe it compounded his grief. 

The parallels drawn between the emperor pigs and working people hit hard, as did

Hai’s implied death in a dumpster

and Grazina’s question about the meaning of a life you can’t remember. On the surface, I feel like this book questions what makes a life worth living under capitalism. But I think it’s really about just living and doing your best by the people around you. It’s often painful and meaningless, but there are glimmers, like a pig rolling in the mud as it snows.