THE EMPEROR OF GLADNESS: Ocean Vuong

THE EMPEROR OF GLADNESS

by Ocean Vuong

The second novel by poet Ocean Vuong is a tender ode to the everyday struggles of people living “small” lives on the fringes of society. At its core is the unlikely friendship between Hai and Grazina, a troubled nineteen-year-old and an elderly Lithuanian widow with memory problems who each find solace and support in their companionship. United by circumstance, the novel’s cast of friendly misfits strive to make the best of their situation with humour and compassion. ​

​- Reviewed by Kat

 

More enthralling literary fiction…