An Evening with Ocean Vuong

A new novel about caregiving, loneliness and second chances brings author Ocean Vuong to Coral Gables for a literary conversation. The event takes place Wednesday, July 15 at Coral Gables Congregational United Church of Christ, in partnership with O, Miami. Vuong will discuss The Emperor of Gladness, his latest novel, with moderator Kei Miller.

Set in the post-industrial town of East Gladness, Connecticut, The Emperor of Gladness follows Hai, a nineteen-year-old at a breaking point, and Grazina, an elderly widow living with dementia. Their unexpected bond becomes the center of a story about memory, labor, family and the fragile possibility of renewal.

Vuong is the author of the poetry collections Night Sky with Exit Wounds and Time Is a Mother, as well as the bestselling novel On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous. His honors include a MacArthur Fellowship and the American Book Award. Miller, a University of Miami faculty member, is the author of fiction, nonfiction and poetry, including The Cartographer Tries to Map a Way to Zion and Augustown. Tickets are required, with options that include admission with a copy of The Emperor of Gladness or admission only.