The Emperor of Gladness

Brought to you by Penguin, this instant Sunday Times bestseller follows nineteen-year-old college dropout Hai, whose life takes a unexpected turn after a life-changing encounter with elderly widow Grazina in the town of East Gladness. Over the course of a year, their bond leads to profound transformations for Hai, affecting his relationships with community and family, as well as his sense of self. Critics describe the story as heartbreaking, vivid, beautiful, and ambitious, highlighting its emotional depth and compelling narrative.