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

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

4.25

"When does a war end? When can I say your name and have it mean only your name and not what you left behind?"


You can tell Vuong is a poet from the first page; his work is quite expressive. I saw Vuong on Seth Meyer's show and immediately added this book to my later list. I'm glad I did. 

At first, I forgot this was fiction because it felt real and raw in a way a lot of fiction doesn't. It drew me in. There are lines and parts that are fantastic, but there were moments that could have been clearer as to who was being focused on, and I personally like books with more of a concrete storyline and ending. I look forward to reading whatever Vuong shares next.
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