A review by therewerepagesturned
The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong

emotional inspiring reflective medium-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

4.5

Ocean Vuong's Emperor of Gladness follows Hai, a homeless addict who is rescued during his suicide attempt and taken in by Grazina, an elderly woman who is suffering the beginning stages of dementia. He takes up work at a local fast food restaurant and begins to care for Grazina. Over the course of a year, he forms bonds with both Grazina and the crew at the fast food joint that leave an indelible mark on him.

This was a slower build than I thought it was going to be, and I keep going back and forth between 4.25, 4.5, 4.75, and 5, depending on what part of the book I'm currently thinking of at the moment. Vuong's poetic prose shines through at just the right moments, and it has made me want to check out his other novel.

This novel is tackling a lot - addiction, caretaking, queerness in smaller towns, familial bonds - and it seems to touch on each one in just about the right amount. I did want a little more queerness, but I think the message the novel delivers about the importance of a chosen or found family is part of that.

This is a heartbreaking novel, but one that is also beautiful in the way it breaks your heart.