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A review by nessreadsalot
On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong
challenging
emotional
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
4.0
Written in the form of a letter from a Vietnamese son (Little Dog) to his mother who cannot read, this book is beautifully poetic.
Little Dog grew up with his mother and grandmother in America. He brings us through the difficulties faced by the family as refugees with very little English.
He details the constant abuse he suffered at the hands of his mother and also brings us through the story of the traumas faced by both his mother and grandmother which have influenced his life.
Little Dog also struggles with his mother's reaction to his sexuality and the joys and heartbreak he finds in his own relationship.
This was a heartbreaking and beautiful story and had me crying within minutes.
Little Dog grew up with his mother and grandmother in America. He brings us through the difficulties faced by the family as refugees with very little English.
He details the constant abuse he suffered at the hands of his mother and also brings us through the story of the traumas faced by both his mother and grandmother which have influenced his life.
Little Dog also struggles with his mother's reaction to his sexuality and the joys and heartbreak he finds in his own relationship.
This was a heartbreaking and beautiful story and had me crying within minutes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Addiction, Homophobia, Child abuse, Excrement, Mental illness, and Drug abuse