Ocean Vuong Swaps Poetry for Prose in The Emperor of Gladness, and with Mixed Results

Ocean Vuong swaps poetry for prose in The Emperor of Gladness, and with mixed results

Ocean Vuong first made his name as a poet. His debut full-length collection, Night Sky with Exit Wounds (2016), was widely acclaimed, earning him the TS Eliot Prize, of which he is the youngest ever recipient.

“The Emperor of Gladness” by Ocean Vuong Book Release - Civitella Ranieri

Ocean Vuong’s (CRF 2016. DG 2022) latest novel, “The Emperor of Gladness,” about chosen family, unexpected friendship, and the stories we tell ourselves in order to survive is out now! Released May 13, 2025, Vuong’s second novel begins one late summer evening in the post-industrial town of East Gladness, Connecticut. Here, nineteen-year-old Hai stands on the edge of a bridge in pelting rain, ready to jump, when he hears someone shout across the …