The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao is a Pulitzer Prize of Fiction 2008 winner. It is a
contemporary novel published in 2007 by Riverhead Books blending elements of literary
fiction, historical fiction, and magical realism. A deep exploration of identity, family, love, and
the immigrant experience.
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao Summary
Junot Diaz’s novel The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao is a multi-layered narrative that
delves into the life of its titular character, Oscar de León, a young, overweight
Dominican-American from New Jersey. The story, however, is not confined to Oscar alone.
It weaves together the lives of Oscar, his family, and the Dominican Republic’s tumultuous
history, particularly under the dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo.
Oscar is a self-proclaimed nerd and an avid fan of science fiction and fantasy literature. He
aspires to be a writer but is haunted by a family curse, known as the fukú, which seems to
bring misfortune to all the de Leóns.
The novel explores Oscar’s quest for love, identity, and his struggle to break free from the
fukú’s curse, all the while drawing parallels to the Dominican Republic’s tragic history and its
impact on his family.
My Assessment
Junot Diaz’s The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao is a literary tour de force that
combines poignant storytelling with cultural insight and a distinctive narrative style. The book
is an exploration of the immigrant experience, intergenerational trauma, and the search for
identity. It is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant work that engages readers on
multiple levels.
One thing I appreciate so much about this book is the creative employment of an omniscient
narrator who knows everything in the story. Creative in a sense that it does not directly tell all
the tales inside but includes you in the storytelling.
Best example is the opening paragraph,”Our hero was not one of those Dominican cats everybody’s always going on about — he wasn’t no home-run hitter or a fly bachatero, not a playboy with a million hots on
his jock. And except for one period early in his life, dude never had much luck with the females (how very un-Dominican of him).”
Diaz invites you to listen and imagine the world of Oscar Wao just like how a friend is telling
you about his day adventures in Sicily, Italy.
Diaz’s characters are exceptionally well-crafted. Oscar, the nerdy and lovable protagonist, is
deeply relatable, as are the supporting characters who bring their own complexities and
struggles to the narrative. Relatable that you can sometimes feel you are Oscar Wao even if
you’re not obese but in making decisions about pursuing a healthier lifestyle or pursuing your
love affair.
Diaz’s writing is a mix of English and Spanish, reflecting the linguistic diversity of the
Dominican-American experience. This is perfect for the genre of the book. His use of
footnotes adds a layer of commentary and context, creating a unique reading experience.
The novel dives into the Dominican Republic’s history under Trujillo’s brutal regime,
providing a deeper understanding of the political and social dynamics that shaped the
characters’ lives.
The presence of the fukú and zafa (counter-spell) elements adds a touch of magical realism
to the story, blurring the lines between reality and myth. The themes such as cultural identity,
the weight of family history, the immigrant experience, and the power of storytelling are
prevalent in making sense of the whole story.
And notable quotes like “She was the kind of girlfriend God gives you young, the kind He’d
deny you later,” highlight the novel’s emotional depth and memorable prose. You could
compare Junot Diaz’s writing to other authors who explore similar themes of identity and
family, such as Sandra Cisneros or Julia Alvarez.
This book is suitable for readers interested in literary fiction, coming-of-age stories, and
those who appreciate narratives exploring cultural and historical dimensions. If you have a
personal connection or reaction to the book, share your thoughts and experiences. Did it
resonate with you on a particular level?
Before you go
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao is a personal favorite. It is a captivating and
thought-provoking novel that combines rich character development, historical depth, and a
unique narrative style. Reading it is like having a friend talk to you in the deepest level and
he wants you to feel the same pains and struggles of Oscar Wao and I think that is just
brilliant.
Junot Diaz’s work focuses on identity and the immigrant experience that will leave a lasting
impression on those who read it and no wonder it won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction 2008.
About the reviewer
My name is Elmer Acero, owner and book blogger in Wondrous Tales of Ace. He is an avid reader of historical fiction and Junot Diaz is one of his favorite authors.