A review by sandysmith
Young Mungo by Douglas Stuart

challenging dark emotional sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

A compelling read, beautifully but brutally written. It should come with trigger warnings as to say it is gritty and raw is an understatement. The books main character, Mungo, lives in Glasgow with his disfunctional family, his sister Jodie, and his absent (much of the time) alcoholic mother mo maw (Maureen). His elder brother Hamish (ho haw) is a protestant gang leader. Mungo falls in love with James, a Catholic, and the relationship is developed wonderfully. West Side story meets Romeo and Juliette. Set in 2 timelines, the developing relationship with James, and a fishing trip with strangers. Homophobia is rife. Raw, gut-wrenching, moving, heart-felt, belter of a story
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