Notes

On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous is a powerful and moving novel by Ocean Vuong, published in 2019. The book is a deeply personal exploration of family, identity, and the immigrant experience in America. Through his lyrical prose and poetic writing style, Vuong creates a rich and immersive reading experience that delves into the complexities of human relationships and emotions.

At its core, the novel is a letter from a son to his mother, chronicling their family's history and struggles as Vietnamese immigrants in America. The narrator, Little Dog, reflects on his childhood memories and experiences growing up in a world that often felt hostile and unwelcoming to immigrants. He also writes about his relationship with his mother, Mai, who was illiterate and unable to read or write.

Throughout the book, Little Dog grapples with questions of identity and belonging. As a Vietnamese-American, he often feels like he is caught between two worlds, unable to fully belong in either. He struggles to come to terms with his sexuality and his feelings of shame and guilt over his desires.

One of the most powerful aspects of the book is Vuong's use of language. As a poet, he brings a lyrical quality to his prose, using vivid imagery and sensory details to create a rich and immersive reading experience. His writing is both beautiful and haunting, capturing the complexities of human emotions and relationships with precision and depth.

The novel is also a meditation on the power of memory and the ways in which the past shapes our present. Little Dog's memories of his childhood are woven throughout the book, and as he reflects on his experiences, he begins to understand more deeply the forces that have shaped his life. He recognizes the ways in which his family's history of trauma and loss have impacted him, and he begins to come to terms with his own sense of grief and loss.

Another key theme of the book is the immigrant experience in America. Through Little Dog's story, Vuong explores the challenges faced by immigrants who are trying to build a new life in a foreign land. He writes about the barriers that immigrants face, including language and cultural differences, and the ways in which these barriers can lead to feelings of isolation and disconnection.

Ultimately, On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Through his lyrical writing and powerful storytelling, Vuong creates a world that is both beautiful and brutal, capturing the complexities of the human experience with honesty and compassion. It is a book that will stay with readers long after they finish it, inspiring them to reflect on their own lives and relationships, and the power of love to transcend borders and boundaries.