A book representing the queer community is always something that I have been looking forward to. The voice of the queer community needs to be heard by the masses. And it is a happy news that more and more writers have come up to represent the community through their literature. Hence when Young Mungo came to me for a review I was excited. Without thinking twice, I took it up. After all, it is pride history month in October. But does the book show justice to the community?
The story of the underprivileged
The plot begins with Mungo’s life with his mother. The poverty and pain that he has been dealing with are palpable and the readers instantly connect with the character. He sets out to Loch Lomond for fishing. For an instant, in the back of my mind, I was left wondering if he is sent to some rehab. Bullying, shaming, helplessness – the further plot exploits every aspect of helplessness of the character that reflects the lives of every underprivileged being.
The never-ending pain
While waiting for love to knock at the door for Mungo, I, as a reader was disappointed beyond measure as the pain never ended. The lag towards the middle of the plot is a pregnant pause that obstructs the flow of the plot.
Further, when he realizes his feelings for James, we get to see another version of Mungo but what remains the same is his fear of society.
Being a Man
All through the story, the author calls out the societal standards of being a man. Be it Mungo’s brother Hamish or his mother who sends him out with addicts to make a man out of him, the book screams for trigger warnings and relentlessly lays bare the double standards of society.
Painful read
The book is far from a cakewalk. At every point, you would be reminded of Mungo’s pain and exploitation that he is subjected to. A trigger warning is imperative at the beginning of the book as there are many disturbing situations.
If you are looking for an entertaining read you might not be able to finish the book. Especially the raw reality and the slang used would take you off guard. But if you want a book with depth, more like a tough-to-read classic, this is it.
I usually don’t like to read sad books but this looks beyond that. There’s a reality check of poverty and how still many underprivileged people choose to survive. Giving me goosebumps. We should always be thankful to what we have
I always enjoy reading your aticles. You have described about the book so much in detail that I'm totally into it. Full of emotions. Thanks for sharing and recommending this book.
I can’t read painful stories as it affects to my mind , loved your honest review about this book.
Thank you for the trigger warning.I can't read books like these.But stories need to be shared and thank you for supporting the community through your work
We are living in an modern era, however things are still difficult for queers. Books like this are the mirror to reflectvthe reality of life and society
Sorry but I must say that I hate reading such kind of stories that brings burden to my heart. I must be one of those who gets affected much by stories and can't help not to think more of it even after reading/watching about it. This is why I try to avoid such things. Great review though.-MommyWithAGoal
This book seems to be dark yet touching upon the sensitivities of life. The characters seem to be very relatable and it is hard not to feel for them. The story is unique in the way that it is told and I can't help but get invested in what happens next.
I have heard about this book but never got around to reading it
Your review looks promising
I am on a book buying ban but i think I ll buy this one