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A review by fanny_brtl
On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong
emotional
informative
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Usually, I don't go for slow-paced books, yet I think this is one of the most beautifully written books I've ever read, so I clearly don't regret it. The prose was just splendid, surely because Vuong is originally a poet.
The book is actually a letter from a son, named Little Dog, to his mother who cannot read. The letter traces their family history, largely affected by Vietnam War; how they never really found peace but still want to build a future in America. It's a story about violence, growing up alone, family issues, passion, and life.
Since I'm not familiar with this kind of book, sometimes I found myself a bit lost in the storytelling and the rhythm was too slow. But overall this book was heartbreaking, meaningful, and full of life.
Some of my favorite quotes :
"They say nothing lasts forever but they're just scared it will last longer than they can love it"
"Sometimes being offered tenderness feels like the very proof that you've been ruined"
The book is actually a letter from a son, named Little Dog, to his mother who cannot read. The letter traces their family history, largely affected by Vietnam War; how they never really found peace but still want to build a future in America. It's a story about violence, growing up alone, family issues, passion, and life.
Since I'm not familiar with this kind of book, sometimes I found myself a bit lost in the storytelling and the rhythm was too slow. But overall this book was heartbreaking, meaningful, and full of life.
Some of my favorite quotes :
"They say nothing lasts forever but they're just scared it will last longer than they can love it"
"Sometimes being offered tenderness feels like the very proof that you've been ruined"
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
Moderate: Homophobia and War