Ocean Vuong's second novel, titled 'The Emperor of Gladness,' offers a compelling narrative
In the small town of East Gladness, Connecticut, Ocean Vuong's latest novel, The Emperor of Gladness, unfolds a poignant tale of chosen family, unexpected friendships, and the stories we tell ourselves to survive.
At the heart of the story is Hai, a 19-year-old Vietnamese American college dropout, who finds himself standing on a bridge, ready to jump, on a rainy night, reminiscent of George Bailey in "It's a Wonderful Life." But his life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters an older Lithuanian widow named Grazina, who, despite her struggles with dementia, has a quick wit and biting humor.
Grazina, an 82-year-old woman battling dementia, offers Hai shelter in her dilapidated house filled with owl trinkets. Their lives, messy but simple, find refuge in each other's presence. As their bond deepens, they laugh, they cry, and they tackle life's difficulties together—drug use, disappointments, dementia and aging parents, PTSD, and the mundaneness of American life.
Vuong's sophomore novel is a testament to the endurance of human connection and the small, fragile moments of hope amid broader hardships. The narrative largely revolves around the interpersonal bond between Hai and Grazina, which becomes transformative for Hai’s sense of self and his understanding of family and community.
Meanwhile, Hai takes a job at a fast-casual chain restaurant called Home Market. The employees there, bound by their work, know each other's coughs and exhales better than those of their kin and loved ones. The cast includes a 6-foot-3, buzz-cut female manager who aspires to be a pro-wrestler, the "chicken man" who runs the grill, a philosophical cashier, a skinny nose-ringed drive-through guy known as Russia, and Hai's cousin, a Civil War enthusiast named Sony.
The Emperor of Gladness is a heartwarming story that allows readers to laugh out loud and embrace the warmth of each character. The book is highly acclaimed and featured on top book lists for 2025. If you're interested in purchasing a copy, you can visit Deborah Condit at Books on the Bosque, located at 6261 Riverside Plaza Lane, Suite A-2, or at booksonthebosque.com.
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[1] Vuong, Ocean. The Emperor of Gladness. Penguin Press, 2025. [2] "The Emperor of Gladness: A Novel by Ocean Vuong." booksonthebosque.com, 2025. Web. 15 May 2025. [3] "Ocean Vuong's The Emperor of Gladness: A Review." The New Yorker, 15 May 2025. Web. 15 May 2025.
[1] In the small town of East Gladness, Connecticut, where the lives of Hai and Grazina intertwine in Ocean Vuong's latest novel, The Emperor of Gladness, they find comfort not just in each other, but also in food served at Home Market, a fast-casual chain restaurant where Hai works.
[2] As they grow closer, Hai and Grazina share not only their innermost feelings, but also their love for books, bringing literature into their conversation about food, lifestyle, entertainment, and their mutual struggles.
