An Evening with Ocean Vuong - The Emperor of Gladness
Attendance options:
It is an honour for us to be hosting an event with Ocean Vuong in Edinburgh on Monday 8th September, when we'll be welcoming him to the Assembly Rooms on George Street for an evening of conversation about his second novel, The Emperor of Gladness.
Combining grit and grace, humour and love, The Emperor of Gladness is a moving story of friendship and how much we’re willing to risk for one of life’s most treasured mercies: a second chance.
Doors due to open at 6.45pm.
Please note that The Emperor of Gladness will be published earlier in the year on 15th May, therefore books for the Book & Ticket options will be posted out to you or made available to collect from the bookshop between then and the event on 8th September. You can choose whether you would prefer collection or postage in the checkout options.
This event will take place at the Assembly Rooms on George Street.
About The Emperor of Gladness:
In a forgotten Massachusetts town, a young man called Hai is standing on the edge of the river preparing to jump. On the run from his mistakes and struggling with an opioid addiction, Hai is ready to give up. He is interrupted by the sound of an old woman shouting at him. Grazina is a tenacious, rebellious 82-year-old widow with dementia and she has just saved his life. Suddenly Hai finds himself caring for Grazina in her ramshackle house filled with a lifetime of memories. It becomes a home where the two of them learn how to look after each other despite the grief they both carry.
To support Grazina, Hai takes a job with his cousin Sony in the local diner. The food is comforting and the restaurant offers a refuge to whoever needs it. There Hai meets a staff of loveable misfits caught on the wrong side of the American dream. Together they form an unconventional but unshakeable family. But as Grazina's dementia worsens and the diner comes under threat, Hai must decide on the future - and that means facing up to his past and the secret he has been running away from.
Please note: Tickets for our events are non-refundable. Professional photography and videography may take place during this event. Thank you for your understanding.
Participants:
Ocean Vuong Author
Ocean Vuong is the author of the critically acclaimed poetry collection Night Sky with Exit Wounds and the New York Times bestselling novel On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous. A recipient of the 2019 MacArthur "Genius" Grant, he is also the winner of the Whiting Award and the T.S. Eliot Prize. His writings have been featured in Atlantic, Harper's Magazine, Nation, NewRepublic, New Yorker, and the New York Times. Born in Saigon, Vietnam, he currently lives in Northampton, Massachusetts.
The venue
Assembly Rooms
54 George Street
Edinburgh
EH2 2LR
Telephone: 0131 220 4348
Website: www.assemblyroomsedinburgh.co.uk
Accessibility information: https://www.assemblyroomsedinburgh.co.uk/your-visit/access
The Assembly Rooms is committed to making everyone’s experience to our venue an enjoyable one.
The venue is fully accessible on the ground and first floor areas for all visitors with mobility difficulties and accessibility needs via a lift or handrail assistance.
There is no lift to the 2nd floor and access is via steps only.
On arrival to the venue via an automatic set of doors there is a reception desk to the left with a receptionist more than happy to offer any assistance you may need to help navigate the venue.
Access into the venue is flat, with no steps.