On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous

Description

Brilliant, heart-breaking, and deeply original, On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong has captured the hearts of readers and TikTok alike with its shattering portrait of a family and the lingering effects of war, identity, and love.

Written as a letter from a son to a mother who cannot read, the novel follows Little Dog, who in his late twenties reflects on their family’s painful past and complex present. From war-torn Vietnam to life in America, he shares untold stories—moments of bewilderment, fear, passion, and resilience. This powerful letter becomes a window into the struggles of immigration, queer identity, and generational trauma, culminating in an unforgettable revelation.

Both luminous and urgent, On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous is a poetic exploration of memory, language, and the bonds that shape us—however fragile or fleeting.