In this epistolary novel, the speaker “Little Dog” addresses his mother who cannot read. The letters narrate the complicated story of the speaker’s family history. They are not limited to Little Dog’s life, but instead include themes such as the lasting impact of war and struggles of immigration.

Whereas the text’s level of difficulty is accessible to students, sensitive themes should be kept in mind when discussing On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous in the EFL classroom. Potentially triggering topics such as domestic abuse and trauma should be disclosed and taken into account before reading certain excerpts of this novel.

Novel · United States · 2019