A review by kellyofcali
On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong

challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Vuong is a poetic writer, with a unique style - this book is both visceral and painful, in its subject matter, but also somehow I felt detached, at times, perhaps because of the poetry. A powerful story about culture, family, and growing up - I don't know that I enjoyed it, exactly, but I am glad I read it.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Cancer, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Mental illness, Dementia, and Grief

Moderate: Racial slurs, Racism, and Sexual content