Scan barcode
A review by sir_ren
On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
medium-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? No
4.5
Especially in the beginning some of the writing felt a little forced and gave some bad Tumblr/Insta poetry energy, but hey, Vuong is an award-winning writer and I'm just reviewing his novel. I mention this because, people raved about his writing specifically, and don't get me wrong there is a lot to love, but I had to mention this part as well, for a realistic picture. Maybe it's just his style and I happen to not like that approach.
This book also made me genuinely laugh aloud a couple of times, sometimes due to the line itself and sometimes due to all the tenseness and heaviness that you let go of, with the laugh, that Vuong had been building up.
The writing shifts from personal essay-type prose to formal serious report-type factual writing. Then it switches to lyrical fiction and Vuong writes all of these styles really well. Some sections are written like poetry- line breaks and all-and it builds and sounds good read aloud. So poetry then.
There are a lot of themes full of richness that was explored which feel really vulnerable and gripping - the kind people would say is important, even if it gets a little uncomfortable. The "real" feelings evoked and insight shared remind you of Hemingway- sit at a typewriter and bleed.
The details and content give the novel the kind of verisimilitude that reminded me of Murakami.
I advice going through some content warnings for this one as it contains a lot of dark/heavy topics.
I would recommend this for slightly experienced readers and not young teens, not just because of the content, but also the style of writing.
This book also made me genuinely laugh aloud a couple of times, sometimes due to the line itself and sometimes due to all the tenseness and heaviness that you let go of, with the laugh, that Vuong had been building up.
The writing shifts from personal essay-type prose to formal serious report-type factual writing. Then it switches to lyrical fiction and Vuong writes all of these styles really well. Some sections are written like poetry- line breaks and all-and it builds and sounds good read aloud. So poetry then.
There are a lot of themes full of richness that was explored which feel really vulnerable and gripping - the kind people would say is important, even if it gets a little uncomfortable. The "real" feelings evoked and insight shared remind you of Hemingway- sit at a typewriter and bleed.
The details and content give the novel the kind of verisimilitude that reminded me of Murakami.
I advice going through some content warnings for this one as it contains a lot of dark/heavy topics.
I would recommend this for slightly experienced readers and not young teens, not just because of the content, but also the style of writing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Animal cruelty, Child abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Physical abuse, and Sexual content
Moderate: Animal death, Bullying, Death, Domestic abuse, Mental illness, Racism, Grief, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , and Alcohol