Summary of On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous

"On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous" is a novel written by poet Ocean Vuong, published in 2019. The book is written as a letter from a son to his illiterate Vietnamese mother, exploring themes of family, identity, trauma, and the immigrant experience. The narrator, Little Dog, reflects on his childhood in Hartford, Connecticut, his turbulent relationship with his mother, and his coming-of-age as a gay man. He delves into generational trauma, discussing his mother's experiences as a survivor of the Vietnam War, as well as his own struggles with addiction, violence, and self-acceptance. Through poetic and lyrical prose, Vuong paints a vivid portrait of a young man trying to make sense of his place in the world and his complex relationships with those he loves. The novel ultimately explores the power of language and storytelling to heal and connect us to our past, present, and future.