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A review by hanaairfan
On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong
5.0
On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous is a book that needs to be read multiple times to fully understand it. Written like poetry, the novel is dense with metaphors and symbolism that often escaped me. Its certainly not a fast or happy book, but it is disturbing in the sense that it interrupts your day with shameless honesty.
At many points I found it very difficult to believe the novel is a work of fiction. So many moments felt so naked and bare that it only made sense that Vuong has to be speaking from personal experience.
Despite the book not being my normal choice in reading, I found it to be beautiful. No one can deny that Vuong is a beautiful writer, but the story was also incredibly beautiful. It tackled the complexities of war, suffering, loss, masculinity, and motherhood without any sense of essentialization. I could see how this book isn't for everyone, but I think Ocean Vuong gave a voice to stories we never hear about it which is much more important than writing a book for everyone to enjoy.
At many points I found it very difficult to believe the novel is a work of fiction. So many moments felt so naked and bare that it only made sense that Vuong has to be speaking from personal experience.
Despite the book not being my normal choice in reading, I found it to be beautiful. No one can deny that Vuong is a beautiful writer, but the story was also incredibly beautiful. It tackled the complexities of war, suffering, loss, masculinity, and motherhood without any sense of essentialization. I could see how this book isn't for everyone, but I think Ocean Vuong gave a voice to stories we never hear about it which is much more important than writing a book for everyone to enjoy.