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bmcmele 's review for:
The Emperor of Gladness
by Ocean Vuong
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book was overall terribly sad. It was a journey alongside a depressed mc, who couldn't see his way to letting anyone love or help him, (although perhaps justifiably, given familial expectations and cultural norms.) It was the first of Vuong I've read, and was really well-written. There are gems of literature- turns of phrase, well-constructed prose, thoughtful insights into the human experience- that were remarkable. The book was very normal and everyday in many ways, and also had me laughing out loud and the random, absurd confluences of regular life.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Chronic illness, Drug abuse, Drug use, Mental illness, Racism, Suicide, Vomit, Dementia, Grief, Suicide attempt, War