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A review by bookmarcreads
The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-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
5.0
The Emperor of Gladness is poignant and powerful just like OEWABG, but didn’t quite hit the same way - and that’s a good thing! I loved it for its levity and comedic voice this time around, something that OEWABG lacked, it was so serious and brutal throughout. I loved the found family aspects of all the characters moving along in Hai’s journey. Everyone is deeply flawed and complex creatures, some people and places are inspired by real life figures in Ocean Vuong’s life, like Grazina and Ocean’s stint working at Boston Market. I wonder how much of the real life Grazina is portrayed in the story’s version and how much they differ. Each person feels equally as real, including dishwasher girl and Cherry, the escort. This is a book I see my self rereading when I want to return to old friends and family, the characters are so lovable and endearing.
The way Ocean keenly sees America through the lens of an first generation Asian American was a familiar sight to see: seeing things from an outsider’s perspective and never feeling completely welcome although it’s your home is both heartbreaking and insightful. His way of viewing the macro in the most minute of details is tantalizing and such a fascinating part of his writing style. I’m always here for his uniquely profound and sometimes comical observations. It’s great seeing his style grow! I can’t wait to see how his style expands and evolves in his third novel.
Seeing him speak at his sold out book event in LA this year with my sister was a funny and thought provoking experience. He even detailed how he plans to stop writing novels when he reaches his eight to signify the eight levels of Buddhism. I’m so here for that! 2 down, six more to go! 🕉️🪷
The way Ocean keenly sees America through the lens of an first generation Asian American was a familiar sight to see: seeing things from an outsider’s perspective and never feeling completely welcome although it’s your home is both heartbreaking and insightful. His way of viewing the macro in the most minute of details is tantalizing and such a fascinating part of his writing style. I’m always here for his uniquely profound and sometimes comical observations. It’s great seeing his style grow! I can’t wait to see how his style expands and evolves in his third novel.
Seeing him speak at his sold out book event in LA this year with my sister was a funny and thought provoking experience. He even detailed how he plans to stop writing novels when he reaches his eight to signify the eight levels of Buddhism. I’m so here for that! 2 down, six more to go! 🕉️🪷