Douglas Stuart's Young Mungo explores tender yet fraught themes of love and survival. Critics laud its richly drawn characters and evocative portrayal of Glasgow's working-class life. However, some note a reliance on bleakness that may overshadow the narrative's emotional depth. Overall, it's seen as a powerful follow-up to Stuart's debut.

Readers who appreciate intense, emotionally charged narratives set against gritty backdrops would enjoy Young Mungo by Douglas Stuart. Fans of Shuggie Bain or A Little Life may find this evocative exploration of love and hardship compelling. Ideal for those drawn to deeply rendered characters and social realism.

Young Mungo by Douglas Stuart follows Mungo, a 15-year-old from a working-class Glasgow neighborhood, who navigates familial dysfunction, gang violence, and a forbidden romance with James, a Catholic boy. The dual narrative shifts between his life in Glasgow and a fateful weekend in the Scottish countryside with two men who subject him to severe trauma. The book contains depictions of sexual abuse, anti-gay bias, addiction, and physical abuse.

Dark / Gritty / Melancholic / Emotional / Mysterious

Douglas Stuart

Adult

Novel

Fiction

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Study Guide

Before You Read

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Before You Read Young Mungo | SuperSummary

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Overview

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Young Mungo Summary and Study Guide

Background

Young Mungo Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “The May After”

Part 1, Chapter 1 

Young Mungo Part 1, Chapter 1  Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “The January Before”

Part 2, Chapters 2-6

Young Mungo Part 2, Chapters 2-6 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 7-14

Young Mungo Part 2, Chapters 7-14 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 15-20

Young Mungo Part 2, Chapters 15-20 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 21-28

Young Mungo Part 2, Chapters 21-28 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Young Mungo Character Analysis

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Themes

Young Mungo Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Young Mungo Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Young Mungo Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Young Mungo Essay Topics

Young Mungo

Before You Read

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Book Details