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A review by lucboxall
The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
I really wanted to love this (have devoured Vuong’s other works) and I appreciated the subtle changes in his writing - he’s definitely becoming more confident in longer form writing!
However, it tread a few too many of the same beats as his previous novel.
However, it tread a few too many of the same beats as his previous novel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Dementia
Moderate: Drug abuse, Drug use
Minor: Ableism, Violence, Car accident, Suicide attempt, Death of parent
A prominent side character has dementia and is a major feature of the plot/story.
Persistent reference to drug use, including abuse of prescription drugs by MC.
the site of a car accident/suicide is visited
A side character is diagnosed with autism and faces period typical ableism