NEW YORK — A new novel by renowned author Ocean Vuong has been selected for Oprah Winfrey’s esteemed book club, promising readers an emotionally resonant narrative. Vuong’s latest work, “The Emperor of Gladness,” 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 Vuong’s masterful storytelling.
In support of her latest literary endeavor, Winfrey’s 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, “Ocean’s work is a poignant reflection on the struggles of those living on society’s periphery and the extraordinary obstacles they must overcome.” 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 Vuong’s career. He fondly recalled his childhood days spent in his mother’s nail salon, where customers would be inspired by Oprah’s recommendations to purchase books, empowering them to participate in cultural conversations. “Seeing my book included in such a renowned lineage is truly awe-inspiring,” Vuong expressed, adding that it was an honor his late mother would have particularly cherished.
Vuong’s previous works, including the critically acclaimed novel “On Earth We Were Briefly Gorgeous” and poetry collections “Night Sky with Exit Wounds” and “Time Is a Mother,” have solidified his reputation as a powerful literary voice. With “The Emperor of Gladness,” he continues to explore profound societal themes through unforgettable storytelling, further cementing his place among today’s most admired writers.