Ocean Vuong’s ‘The Emperor of Gladness’ Explores Friendship and Struggles

LOS ANGELES, CA – Award-winning author Ocean Vuong releases his second novel, “The Emperor of Gladness,” on May 13, 2025. This 416-page novel explores themes of precarity, connection, and the quest for second chances in a fictional small town in Connecticut.

The story begins in East Gladness, where Hai, a 19-year-old Vietnamese American, stands on a bridge contemplating suicide. Having recently completed rehab, he feels lost and disconnected from his past and future. However, a shout from the riverbank brings him back from the brink. This moment introduces Grazina, an 82-year-old woman suffering from dementia, who offers him shelter and companionship.

As Hai becomes Grazina’s caregiver, they form an unlikely bond that helps them navigate their respective struggles. Grazina, a Lithuanian immigrant, lives alone and relies on Hai for support, while he battles the lingering temptations of addiction. Together, they create a role-playing game to alleviate the hallucinations that plague her.

Vuong explores the characteristics of a chosen family through Hai’s interactions with his colleagues at HomeMarket, a fast-casual diner. Here, he bonds with employees like BJ, an aspiring wrestler, and Maureen, a conspiracy theorist. These relationships inspire a sense of community amid their shared hardships.

“The Emperor of Gladness” highlights not just the brutality of low-wage work but the resilience of characters searching for joy amidst despair. The novel delves into complex themes, including the immigrant experience and the search for personal narrative. It presents a world where friends become family, illustrating the lengths people will go to support each other in adversity.

Vuong’s writing balances beauty and realism, as he uses rich imagery to depict East Gladness. The opening lines evoke a sense of place that draws readers into the characters’ lives. As critics have noted, the novel is both heartbreaking and humorous, capturing the small moments of happiness that punctuate the struggles of life.

In the end, “The Emperor of Gladness” resonates with readers as a poignant reminder of the importance of connection and kindness, reflecting Vuong’s belief in the power of storytelling as a means to navigate life’s challenges.