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A review by darbo
On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I. Love. This. Book.
The beautiful and literate way Vuong always weaves in and out of referencing past pages, finding metaphors and allegories for everything he describes; and even the references he makes are just so dazzling and elegant. I'd even go so far as to call this magical and truly stunning, in the most literal sense of the word. I'm not kidding when I say that this book gave me more goosebumps at every page turn than movies or music have.
The portrayal of life in Vietnam, stigmatized life in America as a Vietnamese, and the life they're being forced to lead due to social prejudices and said stigmata is just so so heartbreaking; how his 'Ma' cannot read and how he's having to read everything to and for her, but the way he then creates white lies about some things to make it easier for her is super super poignant and touching; and the fact that it's in dedication to Ocean Vuong's actual mother is just super sincere, mindful, charming and dare I say it, gorgeous. This was one of the easiest 5-stars I've ever given a book. My compliments to the chef. I'll definitely read anything and everything Ocean Vuong publishes. Highly recommend it!
The beautiful and literate way Vuong always weaves in and out of referencing past pages, finding metaphors and allegories for everything he describes; and even the references he makes are just so dazzling and elegant. I'd even go so far as to call this magical and truly stunning, in the most literal sense of the word. I'm not kidding when I say that this book gave me more goosebumps at every page turn than movies or music have.
The portrayal of life in Vietnam, stigmatized life in America as a Vietnamese, and the life they're being forced to lead due to social prejudices and said stigmata is just so so heartbreaking; how his 'Ma' cannot read and how he's having to read everything to and for her, but the way he then creates white lies about some things to make it easier for her is super super poignant and touching; and the fact that it's in dedication to Ocean Vuong's actual mother is just super sincere, mindful, charming and dare I say it, gorgeous. This was one of the easiest 5-stars I've ever given a book. My compliments to the chef. I'll definitely read anything and everything Ocean Vuong publishes. Highly recommend it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, and Racism
Moderate: Sexual content