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_georgiasmith's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Sexual violence, Homophobia, Death of parent, Bullying, Addiction, Drug abuse, Child abuse, Physical abuse, Emotional abuse, Rape, Toxic relationship, Suicide attempt, Suicide, Suicidal thoughts, Alcoholism, and Alcohol
foxglovefairy's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Addiction, Death of parent, Chronic illness, Alcoholism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Drug abuse, Bullying, Physical abuse, Misogyny, Grief, Classism, Racial slurs, Pedophilia, Mental illness, Emotional abuse, Vomit, Suicide attempt, Self harm, Rape, Homophobia, Child abuse, Adult/minor relationship, Abandonment, Religious bigotry, Medical trauma, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Cursing, and Alcohol
emiliarosep's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Addiction, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Sexual violence, Suicide attempt, Rape, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Bullying, Homophobia, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Cancer and Racism
bookshelf_book_reviews's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Alcoholism, Suicide attempt, and Addiction
Moderate: Sexual assault, Rape, and Homophobia
carla_reads_books's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Homophobia, Sexual assault, Violence, and Child abuse
Moderate: Xenophobia
francesca's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Addiction, Sexual assault, Rape, and Homophobia
katecuthbert's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Rape, Homophobia, Domestic abuse, and Alcoholism
antananarywa's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Alcoholism, Addiction, Suicide attempt, Bullying, and Violence
Moderate: Homophobia, Blood, Child abuse, Self harm, Cancer, Death, Sexual violence, Sexual assault, Pedophilia, and Mental illness
evienics's review against another edition
5.0
Early on I felt a bit like we were torn away from Shuggie’s story, which begins in the first couple of chapters before we’re taken back to his childhood with, really the main character of this novel, his mother Agnes. But soon enough I was actually more infatuated by her story, and despite being completely infuriated by her behaviour and decisions I couldn’t help but root for her and hope she did get better.
Agnes’ characterisation is masterful, with Stuart rounding her out so well that we start to love her like Shuggie does. Ultimately she is a victim of her addiction (and men!!) and this makes the story so heartbreaking.
I read Stuart’s second novel Young Mungo earlier this year (another 5 star from me) and it is strikingly similar to his debut. This isn’t a criticism, as he sets his stories within Glasgow poverty so well, but I’d love to see something a bit different from him next time. I’ll certainly read anything else he writes!
Graphic: Rape, Homophobia, and Addiction
annainslee's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Moderate: Rape and Homophobia