If you're on BookTube or Pinterest (my BookTok), you've heard of Ocean Vuong. His debut novel, On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous, was one of the many books I added to my TBR pile for 2022. As a reader who lost her way, I only recently found myself going back to the written, printed word. And to think I stumbled upon Vuong's lyrical prose in such an unexpected fashion, it has to be fate. So, here I am writing my first book review for this exceptional novel.
It was raining where I live, a proper hailstorm. After the inane Delhi heat, what a relief this was. As I was lost between the pages of Vuong's novel, I wondered if it was his prose that got me thinking metaphysical thoughts, or the rain pattering on my window sill.
book review
His writing style is lyrical, melodic, and rhythmic. And, not just the writing style, but the words on the page appear to be moving along to the rhythm. It's no ordinary book. It's about relationships between mother and child, young love, forbidden love, family, and self. It's about trauma, violence, and reconciliation. While I was reading, I felt like an outsider encroaching on Vuong's prose. But, each word made room for me. As I took my time with it, suppressed thoughts came rushing back, reminding me of my own experiences. There were moments where I had to put the book down, and ponder. To me, this is a sure sign of a good, evocative work of writing.
Vuong's wordplay and command over language reminded me of James Joyce, one of my favourite authors whose magnum opus, Ulysses, is nothing short of absolute genius. When the author commands language like the captain of a ship, you can rest assured that it'll be an unforgettable journey. And so it has been.
On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous talks about loss, war, and alterity or otherness. But, at the same time, it is also about freedom. Freedom from the eyes of the world and from your own mind. In the past few days, I have read several books in succession, as my reinvigorated love for reading commands. Ocean Vuong stands right at the top. I have felt so many feelings and emotions while reading On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous. I will treasure each one and remember how each word evoked a memory: some that are real, some that are figments of my imagination. It's a wonderful piece of writing that will stay with me for a long time.
If you're picking up one book to read this summer, please let it be this one.
*Just heard the excellent news that On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous is getting a movie adaptation. Looking forward to catching it on the big screen!
This is part of a series titled "My Year In Books: 2022". More to follow!
Disclaimer: Opinions are mine, and mine alone.
Make sure to grab a copy at your local bookstore!
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