Scan barcode
justnaho'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
4.0
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Bullying, Child abuse, Gun violence, Homophobia, Pedophilia, Abortion, and Alcohol
rebeccaddnti's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Bullying, Child abuse, Cursing, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Homophobia, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Vomit, Murder, Pregnancy, and Sexual harassment
rzh'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
5.0
I love Glasgow, and this is obviously written by someone who loves it just as I do: the descriptions of all the streets, all the people...just mesmerising, makes me want to tear up. Every single character has a story, a reason for their ways, a mammy at home... and it never feels overbearing, or too much background. The way it deals with class and sectarianism and alcoholism and toxic masculinity is heartbreaking and red raw. I've seen some people say that this is just a rehashing of Shuggie Bain, and though I can certainly see that, I read another book by Douglas Stuart because I loved Shuggie Bain, and everything it was about. This was different, but not too different where I felt like it was off piste. The non-linear structure built together into a crescendo absolutely beautifully, the prose was so stunning, its about my favourite place in the world for all its flaws... it was just heartbreaking, and magical, and that's everything I loved about Shuggie Bain, and loved all the more here. Jist perfect. <3
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Gun violence, Hate crime, Homophobia, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Violence, Blood, Outing, Abandonment, Alcohol, and Classism
Moderate: Miscarriage, Vomit, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Abortion and Suicide attempt
blackheartbooks's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Mungo is a tender-hearted boy, a quiet witness to varied effects toxic masculinity has on the people in his life. Because Mungo is so young, he has a canny way of getting to the bottom of people. Stuart utilizes this storytelling technique very well. Each person Mungo comes into contact with teaches him--and us--a little bit more about the history of the tenement, of its people. The story is slow-paced, and each revelation leads us to a broader portrait of life in Mungo's neighborhood.
I cannot state my love for this book enough. Mungo is sweet but not idealistic, quiet but not a pushover. I love the way Stuart has us pondering how slowly the effects of the patriarchy change us and mold us over time, and what it means to break free of these constructs in search of personal truth. I can't wait to buy my physical copy in April. I recommend this to fans of character studies, people with a vague interest in historical fiction (as this novel does explore the struggles between the Fenians and Billy Boys), and people interested in LGBTQIA+ studies.
Graphic: Gun violence, Homophobia, Pedophilia, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
mybookcorner'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
2.5
After hearing such rave reviews about Shuggie Bain I was looking forward to this being my first Stuart (this proof was gifted my way), but I was honestly so bored. I’m sure those who loved Shuggie might love this. I wish I could be more eloquent but I just didn’t enjoy this as much as I’d hoped.
Thank you Picador for sending this my way for an honest review.
Graphic: Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body shaming, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Homophobia, Misogyny, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Violence, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Abandonment, and Classism