Why do we still laugh when times are hard? With Ocean Vuong

About this episode

Ocean Vuong discusses his latest novel and the themes of chosen family and inspiration behind his work.

I'm looking for a novel that reads like poetry - where should I start? Can you recommend a queer love story with a happy conclusion? What are the best books that explore small-town life? We put your book dilemmas to bestselling author Ocean Vuong and Penguin Editor and award-winning poet Sarah Howe. Joining Rhianna this week is Ocean Vuong, whose latest book The Emperor of Gladness has been dubbed the first 'millennial Great American Novel' – but what does that really mean, and which classic American novels have inspired him? The author and poet also reflects on the themes and inspirations behind the book, from small-town Connecticut to intergenerational friendships.  Discover all the books mentioned in this episode here To ask a question and for exclusive content and giveaways join our Broadcast channel on Instagram: @PenguinUKBooks    Ocean Vuong is an award-winning poet, essayist and novelist. He is the winner of the T. S. Eliot Prize for his poetry collection Night Sky with Exit Wounds, and his debut novel On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous was a literary sensation, going on to sell more than a million copies. Amongst many other accolades, he was a recipient of…

People in this episode

Host: Rhianna

Guest: Ocean Vuong

Topics covered

• literature
• poetry
• queer love stories
• American novels
• small-town life
• intergenerational friendships

Keywords

• Ocean Vuong
• The Emperor of Gladness
• poetry
• queer literature
• American novels
• small-town life
• intergenerational friendships

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Penguin Books UK

Books & works: The Emperor of Gladness, Night Sky with Exit Wounds, On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous

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