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Ocean Vuong: Emperor of Gladness (2025, Penguin Publishing Group)

Ocean Vuong returns with a bighearted novel about chosen family, unexpected friendship, and the stories …

Plot a bit too slow for my liking but a beautifully written book

This is the first book by Ocean Vuong that I've read, and he's left a positive impression on me. The theme is quite dark and I'm not a fan of flowery writing, but the author writes beautiful, honest, and cutting prose. Most of the comical elements felt forced, and it's not his strong suit. But overall, this book has made me want to check out his first novel.