A review by sadiereadsagain
Young Mungo by Douglas Stuart
5.0
I read [b:Shuggie Bain|52741293|Shuggie Bain|Douglas Stuart|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1602094778l/52741293._SY75_.jpg|72463055] at the end of last year, after holding off for fear that it wouldn't live up to its hype. I loved it, and wish I'd read it sooner. So when I had the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Douglas Stuart's follow-up, I practically bit the publisher's hand off!
Mungo is a boy growing up in the East End of Glasgow in the early 90's. The youngest of three children, he is being raised mainly by his slightly older sister as his mother is often absent and struggles with alcohol dependency. Told over two timelines, both before and after a pivotal moment, the story is split between a fishing trip Mungo is sent on with two of his mum's AA acquaintances, and the development of a relationship between Mungo and another boy, James, on his estate. James and Mungo live on different sides of the Catholic/Protestant divide, but find friendship and connection in James' dovecot. But Mungo's gang-leader older brother is deeply entrenched in the sectarian violence between the two communities, and as the boys grow closer their feelings for one another put them at even greater risk.
There are many parallels that can be drawn between Shuggie Bain and Young Mungo, and at first I was worried that Stuart only had one story to tell. However, it quickly became apparent that this isn't the case, and I think it is more a case of Stuart having themes to explore and possibly things that he wants to revisit in different ways in his writing. And I am totally here for that.
This story is just as compelling as Shuggie...dare I say, more so? In fact, I do dare - I think this book is stronger. The dual timeline worked exceptionally well, and my heart was in my throat so many times. There is a beautiful but realistic tenderness to this book, but an equally realistic violence too, and it felt very authentic to the time and place. Every character is richly crafted, with all the shades of grey that make up a person so that the cast feels really vivid. The sub-plots were just as strong as the main story too, this is a book that is teeming with life.
I feel I'm going to embarrass myself if I keep on gushing like this, but I really loved this book and I think Douglas Stuart is an exceptional writer. I can't wait to see what else he brings into the world.
I received a Netgalley of this title from Pan MacMillan in return for a review. All opinions are my own.
Mungo is a boy growing up in the East End of Glasgow in the early 90's. The youngest of three children, he is being raised mainly by his slightly older sister as his mother is often absent and struggles with alcohol dependency. Told over two timelines, both before and after a pivotal moment, the story is split between a fishing trip Mungo is sent on with two of his mum's AA acquaintances, and the development of a relationship between Mungo and another boy, James, on his estate. James and Mungo live on different sides of the Catholic/Protestant divide, but find friendship and connection in James' dovecot. But Mungo's gang-leader older brother is deeply entrenched in the sectarian violence between the two communities, and as the boys grow closer their feelings for one another put them at even greater risk.
There are many parallels that can be drawn between Shuggie Bain and Young Mungo, and at first I was worried that Stuart only had one story to tell. However, it quickly became apparent that this isn't the case, and I think it is more a case of Stuart having themes to explore and possibly things that he wants to revisit in different ways in his writing. And I am totally here for that.
This story is just as compelling as Shuggie...dare I say, more so? In fact, I do dare - I think this book is stronger. The dual timeline worked exceptionally well, and my heart was in my throat so many times. There is a beautiful but realistic tenderness to this book, but an equally realistic violence too, and it felt very authentic to the time and place. Every character is richly crafted, with all the shades of grey that make up a person so that the cast feels really vivid. The sub-plots were just as strong as the main story too, this is a book that is teeming with life.
I feel I'm going to embarrass myself if I keep on gushing like this, but I really loved this book and I think Douglas Stuart is an exceptional writer. I can't wait to see what else he brings into the world.
I received a Netgalley of this title from Pan MacMillan in return for a review. All opinions are my own.