A review by introvertsbookclub
Young Mungo by Douglas Stuart

challenging dark emotional sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

The author somehow managed to write about horrible people and situations in a way that didn’t leave you feeling entirely hopeless. The main character was the object of so much cruelty, and yet it was the kindness within the novel and the empathy within the writing that felt like its core. The novel tackles really difficult subjects and environments (from poverty and classism to homophobia and abuse) in a way that is honest but not exploitative, and never condescending. Equal parts dark and disturbing, and sweet and vulnerable, the novel was full of unique details, intimate descriptions and an original main character who kept me reading.
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