Novel On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous
Introduction
Novel On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous is a debut novel by Vietnamese-American poet Ocean Vuong. It was published by Penguin Press in 2019 and has been critically acclaimed for its beautiful language and powerful story. The novel is a letter from a son to his mother, exploring their relationship as well as the themes of race, sexuality, class, and trauma.
About the Author
Ocean Vuong was born in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and immigrated to the United States with his family when he was two years old. He is a poet and essayist, and Novel On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous is his first novel. Vuong has won several awards for his poetry, including the T.S. Eliot Prize, and has been featured in The New Yorker, The Atlantic, and The New York Times.
Plot Summary
The novel is written as a letter from a son to his mother, who cannot read. The son, Little Dog, is a queer Vietnamese-American man who grew up in Hartford, Connecticut. He reflects on his childhood and his relationship with his mother, who suffered from PTSD after fleeing Vietnam during the war.
Little Dog also explores his own sexuality and relationships, including his first love with a white boy named Trevor. He confronts issues of racism and classism, both within and outside of his own community. The novel also touches on the opioid epidemic and its impact on Little Dog's family and community.
Themes
One of the central themes of the novel is the relationship between a mother and her son. Little Dog's mother is a complex figure, both loving and abusive, and the novel explores the ways in which trauma can be passed down through generations.
The novel also tackles issues of race and identity, particularly for Vietnamese-Americans who may feel caught between two cultures. Little Dog reflects on the racism and discrimination he faced growing up, as well as the ways in which he has internalized those attitudes towards himself.
Sexuality is another major theme of the novel, as Little Dog grapples with his own desires and relationships. The novel explores the ways in which sexuality can be both liberating and oppressive, particularly in a society that still stigmatizes same-sex relationships.
Writing Style
One of the most striking aspects of the novel is its language. Vuong is a poet, and his prose is lyrical and evocative. He uses vivid imagery and sensory details to transport the reader into Little Dog's world. The novel is also structured in a non-linear way, with memories and reflections woven together in a way that reflects the fragmented nature of memory.
Critical Reception
Novel On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous has been widely praised by critics and readers alike. The novel was a New York Times bestseller and was named one of the best books of 2019 by several publications, including Time, The Washington Post, and NPR.
Critics have praised the novel's language, its exploration of complex themes, and its unique structure. The novel has been compared to James Baldwin's Giovanni's Room and Virginia Woolf's Mrs. Dalloway.
Conclusion
Novel On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous is a powerful and moving novel that explores the complexities of identity, trauma, and relationships. Vuong's lyrical prose and unique structure make for a compelling and unforgettable reading experience.