A review by paigebayliss
Young Mungo by Douglas Stuart

challenging emotional hopeful sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

I started Young Mungo after having my heart ripped out by Shuggie Bain. The author’s writing style is beautiful and this was another heart wrenching read. The descriptive writing can be graphic but also tenderly captured such complex relationships. Evoked such visceral disgust pity and sadness while still keeping a tiny glimmer of hope.  Gonna go and cry now !! 

The timeline was a bit confusing at first but then the contrast in time/ events made them even more tragic. 

I think the ambiguity of the ending is perfect and I’m staying hopeful that Mungo left with James. Seems kind of unlikely though :( The way Hamish protected Mungo at the end :( Ughhh I just want a happy ending for at least one person in these books.


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