55 pages • 1 hour read
Ocean VuongOn Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2019A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong, Little Dog grows up in a working-class neighborhood of Hartford, Connecticut, raised by his mother, Rose, and his grandmother, Lan, who immigrated from Vietnam. At age 28, he writes a letter to his illiterate mother to examine the loss, trauma, and love that have shaped their lives. Throughout the novel, Little Dog faces hardships including bullying, familial abuse, and challenging relationships, ultimately seeking to make sense of his identity and the fleeting nature of beauty and life. The book includes sensitive topics such as substance use, domestic violence, and the impact of trauma.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Ocean Vuong's On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous captivates with its poetic prose and raw emotional intensity. The novel's fragmented structure and deeply personal narrative are praised for their beauty and vulnerability. However, some critics find the nonlinear storytelling challenging and the pace occasionally slow. Overall, it is hailed as a potent, unforgettable debut.
Who Should Read On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous?
A reader who would enjoy On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong is likely drawn to lyrical prose, deeply personal narratives, and themes of identity, family, and trauma. Comparable to works like The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen and Call Me by Your Name by André Aciman, this book appeals to those who appreciate introspective and evocative storytelling.