The Emperor of Gladness

Ocean Vuong’s newest novel, The Emperor of Gladness, opens on a struggling young man, Hai, standing on a bridge in desolate East Gladness, Connecticut, bracing himself to jump. A voice calls to him – an elderly, dementia-ridden Grazina, who takes him in as her caregiver. Vuong follows the duo as they explore the hardships and grit of American life, an unlikely friendship in a time of uncertainty for each of them.

The Emperor of Gladness is a gorgeous testament to love, loss, and an undying hope for a second chance – one you hold on to until your fingers bleed. From Vietnam to America, it unravels cycles of grief, memory, and love. If you have ever interacted with Vuong’s work, you will know the euphoric, nostalgic, and intense feeling that swells within you as you turn the first pages. The Emperor of Gladness is no different. I was emotionally, mentally, and spiritually invested even from reading the first two pages, and, as a bookseller, I will say – that is rare.

Vuong’s immense talent with words means a world tucked away in rural America becomes one that you can touch, taste, and smell. He navigates Hai’s family troubles, addiction, and mental health issues with grace, empathy, and passion. The literary formalities bend to his will; his brilliance dances across the pages. You will tear through this book, craving more of that specific reading experience that only Vuong can give you.