Introduction: Discovering "Young Mungo"
I stumbled upon "Young Mungo" with high expectations. It was billed as a 'gay Romeo and Juliet,' and the Goodreads reviews sang its praises. Naturally, I couldn't resist the allure of a potentially heart breaking story.
Summary: Unraveling Mungo's World
"Young Mungo" isn't just about Mungo himself; it's a poignant exploration of intricate family dynamics. Mungo wears several hats within his family, from being his mother's steadfast caretaker to grappling with the unending struggle of measuring up to his genius older sister and playing the role of his older brother's lapdog. Set against the gritty backdrop of Glasgow, the narrative unfolds across three distinct times in Mungo's year.
While the plot takes a while to fully unfold, this is a character-driven narrative that makes you root for Mungo. Stuart's writing style effortlessly connects us to Mungo's experiences, clearly crafted by someone who's walked in those same shoes.
Main themes:
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Coming of Age: Mungo's journey into learning how to choose himself.
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Family Dynamics: The book delves deep into the multifaceted nature of familial relationships, with Mungo's unwavering commitment to his mother at its heart.
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Power Struggles: Mungo's pervasive sense of powerlessness in various aspects of life including with his family or the new people he meets.
Trigger Warning: A Gut-Wrenching Journey
Now, a word of caution. "Young Mungo" doesn't shy away from the brutal realities of life. It contains graphic scenes of sexual assault and rape that are incredibly difficult to read. I had to pause and psych myself up more than once while navigating these moments. This book triggered a mix of emotions and brought up many ways I felt in my early teen years. However, despite the pain, it was still a profoundly beautiful reading experience.
Comparing "Young Mungo" to "A Little Life"
For those drawn to character-driven narratives, it's hard not to draw parallels between "Young Mungo" and "A Little Life." While both narratives explore intense pain, "Young Mungo" offers a more rewarding journey. The crucial distinction lies in the purpose behind the suffering; in "Young Mungo," it feels integral to character development rather than gratuitous. I really enjoyed a little life but I don't know if I regret reading the book, sometimes it just felt too sad and I wondered what it was all for. At times it was unnecessary punishment of a character that never did anything to hurt anyone else and it ind of makes you want to give up when reading. Young Mungo felt different however, and that is why I'd be more likely to read it again than the beloved A Little Life.
Strengths and Weaknesses
One of the book's standout strengths is Douglas Stuart's ability to create a character you'll wholeheartedly root for. I'm grateful that he didn't exploit our affection for Mungo to inflict pain on the reader and I thought that was an admirable choice.
On the flip side though, I wished for a bit more positivity in Mungo's life. I understand it wasn't advertised as a happy romance, but a few more heartfelt conversations or further development of Mungo's brother's character could have been a welcome addition.
Recommendation
I wholeheartedly recommend "Young Mungo" to those seeking to revisit their own coming-of-age experiences through a lens that's both beautiful and heart-wrenching. It's a book that resonated deeply with me, and if you're hesitant to venture into the emotionally turbulent waters of "A Little Life," "Young Mungo" offers a compelling alternative.
Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
It's a solid four stars from me, considering the raw emotions it evoked and the powerful storytelling.
**Trigger Warnings**: This book contains scenes of rape, sexual assault, violence, and homophobia.
I hope this review gives you a glimpse into the emotional rollercoaster that is "Young Mungo." Happy reading, and look out for more of my reviews 📚 ✨