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sidharthan 's review for:
Young Mungo
by Douglas Stuart
Douglas Stuart has a way with his prose that pulls you in the minute you start reading. He combines the right details and descriptions to take us directly to the scene. Mix this with his skillfully created characters and we have a lovely, profound novel.
The plot is very heavy. It almost brings you down. But there is a light, deft touch with the writing that always leaves us with hope in the end. We root for Mungo and somehow know that he's going to turn out alright. I love how the queer love story is handled. We get something that feels organic and real. Douglas Stuart takes his time developing this relationship and makes us see how it works even beyond the differences and the difficulties they face. I loved how nothing is easy for them. Even as they see what needs to be done to get to the end result they want, they realize it's not easy to get there.
In perfect contrast is the characters at the lake. It begins innocently enough and the tension ratchets upwards as we learn more about the aptly named St. Christopher and Gallowgate. The innocuous setting turns more and more sinister as we read on. This was where the novel got most intense. I wish it hadn't gone there - that there had been an easier way for Mungo to grow up and realize his priorities. These parts are still very well-written and stay grounded to the characters and story.
Overall, an excellent albeit heavy read.
The plot is very heavy. It almost brings you down. But there is a light, deft touch with the writing that always leaves us with hope in the end. We root for Mungo and somehow know that he's going to turn out alright. I love how the queer love story is handled. We get something that feels organic and real. Douglas Stuart takes his time developing this relationship and makes us see how it works even beyond the differences and the difficulties they face. I loved how nothing is easy for them. Even as they see what needs to be done to get to the end result they want, they realize it's not easy to get there.
In perfect contrast is the characters at the lake. It begins innocently enough and the tension ratchets upwards as we learn more about the aptly named St. Christopher and Gallowgate. The innocuous setting turns more and more sinister as we read on. This was where the novel got most intense. I wish it hadn't gone there - that there had been an easier way for Mungo to grow up and realize his priorities. These parts are still very well-written and stay grounded to the characters and story.
Overall, an excellent albeit heavy read.