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

dark emotional informative reflective sad slow-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? It's complicated

4.0

This is a beautiful, heartbreaking human novel written by a Vietnamese man to his illiterate mother. It spans war, abuse, family, history, lore, love, addiction, loss and so much more in its brief 256 pages. 

The writing is beautiful and lyrical. It really captures the melody that can be attained when a poet writes a novel. I listened to the audio on  and got to experience the author’s enchanting voice work. I also have a hard copy that I was happy to have on hand so I could go back and read passages as needed. 

The book is labeled as a novel however components of it seemed inspired by the authors own life. The story is at once wrenching and fully indicative of the human condition throughout. 

I definitely recommend reading and/or listening to this work by Ocean Vuong.