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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
luisagerdsmeyer's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Alcoholism, Alcohol, and Death of parent
Moderate: Sexual violence, Rape, and Child abuse
alexballester'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
3.75
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, and Sexual violence
Moderate: Rape
laura6891's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Graphic: Physical abuse, Grief, Sexual violence, Infidelity, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual harassment, Suicide attempt, Addiction, Rape, Classism, Pedophilia, Toxic relationship, and Domestic abuse
jaybonesjackson's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Suicide attempt, Bullying, Rape, and Alcoholism
Child neglectfrancesca'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
- 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
maddb_96'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
5.0
Graphic: Sexual assault, Addiction, Violence, Rape, and Alcoholism
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