NEW YORK โ A new novel by renowned author Ocean Vuong has been selected for Oprah Winfreyโs esteemed book club, promising readers an emotionally resonant narrative. Vuongโs latest work, โThe Emperor of Gladness,โ delves into the intricate relationship between a suicidal teenager and an elderly widow suffering from dementia, capturing their stories with depth and empathy. Oprah Winfrey revealed her book club choice on Tuesday, emphasizing the poignant themes and memorable characters brought to life by Vuongโs masterful storytelling.
In support of her latest literary endeavor, Winfreyโs video podcast features an engaging interview with Vuong, available on her YouTube channel. The conversation took place in Chicago at a Starbucks, marking a collaboration between Starbucks and Winfrey for this edition of her famous book club. Vuong, who draws inspiration from his own experiences as a Vietnamese American growing up in a working-class household in Connecticut and working in fast-food service, crafts a story that resonates with authenticity.
Winfrey praised Vuong for his eloquent and heartfelt prose, stating, โOceanโs work is a poignant reflection on the struggles of those living on societyโs periphery and the extraordinary obstacles they must overcome.โ As an award-winning poet and novelist, Vuong has received several accolades, including the T.S. Eliot Prize and the Pushcart Prize for his poetry, alongside prestigious fellowships from MacArthur and Whiting.
Receiving the call from Oprah Winfrey to feature his book in her club marks a significant moment in Vuongโs career. He fondly recalled his childhood days spent in his motherโs nail salon, where customers would be inspired by Oprahโs recommendations to purchase books, empowering them to participate in cultural conversations. โSeeing my book included in such a renowned lineage is truly awe-inspiring,โ Vuong expressed, adding that it was an honor his late mother would have particularly cherished.
Vuongโs previous works, including the critically acclaimed novel โOn Earth We Were Briefly Gorgeousโ and poetry collections โNight Sky with Exit Woundsโ and โTime Is a Mother,โ have solidified his reputation as a powerful literary voice. With โThe Emperor of Gladness,โ he continues to explore profound societal themes through unforgettable storytelling, further cementing his place among todayโs most admired writers.