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4.38 AVERAGE
4.38 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Douglas Stuart's prose just completely sucks you in, from the first page until the last. Between this and Shuggie Bain it's clear he has an unparalleled talent for characterisation, quickly establishing figures who feel unique, living and real. The way he writes is just wonderful. To be honest I was completely floored by this tale of growing up queer in post-Thatcher Glasgow, intermixing themes of economic deprivation and inequality, sectarian violence, toxic masculinity and bigotry. This really is not an easy read at times (there are some incredibly violent passages) but ultimately it has the affirming message of choosing to live the life you want rather than submitting to a society or to those who will never accept and love you for you. Absolutely recommend.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Rape, Violence
Moderate: Alcoholism, Abortion
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
fast-paced
it's safe to say that the book wasn't what i expected at all, but i found myself connecting to the characters all the same. it definitely gets quite dark, but in my opinion it never feels gratuitous (unlike other books iykyk). the writing is very beautiful as well, and i always love reading own voices.
my biggest critique about the book: the cover. what even is this atrocity?? i don't want real people in book covers, much less real faces mushed together all awkwardly.
my biggest critique about the book: the cover. what even is this atrocity?? i don't want real people in book covers, much less real faces mushed together all awkwardly.
