Book Club: On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous
The debut novel from Ocean Vuong is a dazzlingly poetic work of semi-autobiographical fiction.
Published in 2019, On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous is the debut novel from Ocean Vuong - a Vietnamese-American poet.
What's it about?
The story is told from the perspective of Little Dog. Much of Little Dog's story mirrors or parallels with the biography of Ocean Vuong.
Little Dog tells his story in the form of a letter to his mother, Rose. We learn about how Rose and her mother survived the Vietnam War and came to America as well as some of the formative encounters that influence Little Dog's world-view as he grew up in Connecticut.
The structure
Described as a nonlinear narrative work, Little Dog's memories are fragmented as he recounts key experiences that have shaped his life.
There are three distinct parts to the story - early life, sexual awakening, and reconciling with loss and identity.
Vuong's use of language is compelling and evocative. His poetic sensibilities aren't constrained by the requirements of the narrative and his words often compel a visceral reaction.
What themes does the novel explore?
The generational trauma inflicted by the Vietnam War is writ large in the story of Little Dog and his family.
Migration is another key theme explored through the story, often illustrated through the immigrant experience and the metaphor of butterflies.
Another key aspect of the story is the impact of the opioid crisis in America, as well as the familial impact of mental health struggles.
Why is this an important novel for gay men?
This is a unique coming-of-age story that fits somewhere within the bildungsroman genre.
The representation of the queer Vietnamese-American experience is important enough to warrant attention for this story, but the challenging way that this narrative is constructed and explored makes this a notable work from an exciting writer.
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