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The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong
The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong
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The Emperor of Gladness: An Oprah's Book Club Novel
by Ocean Vuong
🌊 MEMORY, LABOR, & CHOSEN FAMILY
An instant New York Times bestseller exploring the life-altering bond between a struggling young man and an elderly widow.
Extended Synopsis
In the post-industrial landscape of East Gladness, Connecticut, nineteen-year-old Hai finds himself at a breaking point on a rain-slicked bridge. His life is diverted by the voice of Grazina, an elderly widow suffering from dementia, who offers him an unexpected reason to stay. Hai soon becomes her caretaker, and what begins as a desperate arrangement evolves into a profound epic of empathy and spiritual reckoning.
The Emperor of Gladness is a brave examination of those living on the fringes of American society. Through his trademark syntactic dexterity and formal innovation, Ocean Vuong explores how the cycles of history and memory form the bedrock of human existence. The novel twins grit with grace, revealing the profound ways in which love and labor can offer a second chance even to those haunted by collective and individual wounds.
Author Biography
Ocean Vuong is the author of the critically acclaimed On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous and the poetry collection Night Sky with Exit Wounds. A recipient of the MacArthur "Genius" Grant, his work is celebrated for its lyrical intensity and exploration of the immigrant experience and generational trauma.
Reader Targeting
- Literary Fiction Aficionados: Readers who appreciate high-level prose and formal experimentation.
- Oprah’s Book Club Followers: Fans of stories that focus on social justice, human connection, and resilience.
- Sociology Students: Those interested in the intersections of aging, poverty, and mental health in post-industrial America.
Accolades & Awards
- Oprah’s Book Club Pick.
- Instant New York Times Bestseller.
- Critically acclaimed by the Los Angeles Times as the work of an "elite" novelist.
Product Specifications
| ISBN-13: | 9780593831878 |
| Publisher: | Penguin Random House |
| Format: | Hardcover / Paperback |
| Publication Date: | 2024 |
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