Five Leaves Book Group discusses Ocean Vuong’s On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous

Our book group is open to all. Attend every meeting, occasionally or just once a lifetime. All we ask is that you read the book in advance and take part in the discussion. There’s a short introduction by a member of staff or a group regular or someone we know with a special interest in the book in question.

Ocean Vuong’s coming of age novel. This is a letter from a son to a mother who cannot read. Written when the speaker, Little Dog, is in his late twenties, the letter unearths a family’s history that began before he was born.

It tells of Vietnam, of the lasting impact of war, and of his family’s struggle to forge a new future. And it serves as a doorway into parts of Little Dog’s life his mother has never known – episodes of bewilderment, fear and passion – all the while moving closer to an unforgettable revelation. ‘Reminded me that every word can be an incantation, and that beauty does hard and important work’ Rebecca Solnit

Free, refreshments provided. We don’t mind where you source the book – libraries are good! – be we offer 15% discount on book group titles.