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

emotional 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? No

3.5

Written in very flowery language, parts of this book felt like reading poetry. It explores themes of the migrant experience and trauma felt by those who have lived through and fled the was in Vietnam. There is also an interesting exploration on sexuality, with two lovable but very different characters. The novel was presented as a letter that the protagonist had written to his illiterate mum, where he focuses on key memories in his life with frequent flashbacks and jumps to other moments. Due to these jumps in chronology, it was at times a little difficult to decipher where abouts he was. 
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