criselda's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
aaannina's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Physical abuse, Suicide attempt, Self harm, Addiction, Alcohol, Alcoholism, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Death of parent and Death
mrears0_0's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
sad
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
4.25
a devastating portrait of alcoholism and poverty
phngtrnreads's review against another edition
5.0
Copy provided by publisher
Update: Had to give it a 5 bc I'm still haunted
I love how well the characters (mostly Shuggie, Agnes but Eugene and Leek are among the honorable mentions) and their struggles were portrayed in the book. However, please be cautious bc there's a shitton of trigger warnings and some scenes were really disturbing to read. The writing screamed Scottish, which I found myself fumbling with the slangs at first, but as the story went on, having adapted to the words, it became truly fascinating.
Still, I'd rather the author chose a different ending and gave more insights of Thatcher's scheme. Worthy winner, and worth reading (if you are brave enough)
Update: Had to give it a 5 bc I'm still haunted
I love how well the characters (mostly Shuggie, Agnes but Eugene and Leek are among the honorable mentions) and their struggles were portrayed in the book. However, please be cautious bc there's a shitton of trigger warnings and some scenes were really disturbing to read. The writing screamed Scottish, which I found myself fumbling with the slangs at first, but as the story went on, having adapted to the words, it became truly fascinating.
Still, I'd rather the author chose a different ending and gave more insights of Thatcher's scheme. Worthy winner, and worth reading (if you are brave enough)
prabze's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
The book felt as if it was a personal diary of growth and reflection. And some bits just left you thinking
natemoffett's review against another edition
5.0
A drunken mother and a gay kid in 1980's Scotland, sounds like a cheap pitch for an oscar grab film.
But it'll still break your heart.
But it'll still break your heart.
mountain_adventures's review against another edition
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Depressing book. A bit slow at times, but overall a good story.
smadams's review against another edition
Bleak. Depressing. Violent. Gut-wrenching. My heart gives this book zero stars.
Intellectually, I’d give it more credit, 3 stars, maybe, and viewing it through the lens of historical fiction I’d give it 4.
Do not read this if you’re not in a good brain space. Even if you are it’s a brutal, unrelenting read. Please take care of yourself as you read this.
Intellectually, I’d give it more credit, 3 stars, maybe, and viewing it through the lens of historical fiction I’d give it 4.
Do not read this if you’re not in a good brain space. Even if you are it’s a brutal, unrelenting read. Please take care of yourself as you read this.