55 pages 1 hour read

Ocean Vuong

On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2019

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong, Little Dog grows up in a working-class neighborhood of Hartford, Connecticut, raised by his mother, Rose, and his grandmother, Lan, who immigrated from Vietnam. At age 28, he writes a letter to his illiterate mother to examine the loss, trauma, and love that have shaped their lives. Throughout the novel, Little Dog faces hardships including bullying, familial abuse, and challenging relationships, ultimately seeking to make sense of his identity and the fleeting nature of beauty and life. The book includes sensitive topics such as substance use, domestic violence, and the impact of trauma.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Ocean Vuong's On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous captivates with its poetic prose and raw emotional intensity. The novel's fragmented structure and deeply personal narrative are praised for their beauty and vulnerability. However, some critics find the nonlinear storytelling challenging and the pace occasionally slow. Overall, it is hailed as a potent, unforgettable debut.

Who should read this

Who Should Read On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous?

A reader who would enjoy On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong is likely drawn to lyrical prose, deeply personal narratives, and themes of identity, family, and trauma. Comparable to works like The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen and Call Me by Your Name by André Aciman, this book appeals to those who appreciate introspective and evocative storytelling.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Topics

LGBTQ

Genre

Realistic Fiction

Modern Classic Fiction

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Grief