On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous

About the book

THE MILLION-COPY BESTSELLER AND TIKTOK SENSATION 'A marvel' Marlon James Discover Ocean Vuong's lyrical and intimate 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 'A tender exploration of violence, migration and language’ Guardian

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Discussed at

• Books outside of our comfort zone · 20/05/2026
  ★ Megan