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

emotional funny reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

Read for my bookclub. I simultaneously loved and loathed this book. This was so emotional and cut me deeply while also bringing words to experiences, feelings and thoughts I never knew I sought to express. This was heavy and I had to lay it aside mutiple times, occasionally even to cry. Ocean Vuong writes so beautifully I can only find cheesy phrases to express it since I do not share his gift to find such haunting imagery with which to translate what is happening inside of me. I cannot wait to read further novels and his poetry as well.
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