On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous: ‘A masterpiece’ – Max Porter

by Ocean Vuong

3.75 of 5 stars 6 ratings • 3 reviews • 39 shelved
Book cover for On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous

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THE MILLION-COPY BESTSELLER AND TIKTOK SENSATION

'A marvel' Marlon James


Brilliant, heart-breaking and highly original, discover Ocean Vuong's shattering coming of age novel.


This is a letter from a son to a mother who cannot read. Written when the speaker, Little Dog, is in his late twenties, the letter unearths a family's history that began before he was born. It tells of Vietnam, of the lasting impact of war, and of his family's struggle to forge a new future.

And it serves as a doorway into parts of Little Dog's life his mother has never known - episodes of bewilderment, fear and passion - all the while moving closer to an unforgettable revelation.

'Reminded me that every word can be an incantation, and that beauty does hard and important work' Rebecca Solnit

  • ISBN10 1529110688
  • ISBN13 9781529110685
  • Publish Date 1 September 2020 (first published 4 June 2019)
  • Publish Status Active
  • Publish Country GB
  • Imprint Vintage
  • Format Paperback (B-Format (198x129 mm))
  • Pages 256
  • Language English