Young Mungo

Young Mungo by Booker Prize-winner Douglas Stuart is a masterful and deeply moving exploration of forbidden love, the bonds of family, and the struggle for identity against a backdrop of societal and communal violence. Set in the gritty and starkly realistic housing estates of Glasgow, this remarkable second novel introduces readers to the lives of Mungo, a Protestant boy, and James, a Catholic boy, as they navigate the perilous terrain of first love.

In a world steeped in hyper-masculinity and entrenched sectarian divisions, Mungo and James are destined to be sworn enemies. However, they defy these deep-seated expectations, finding solace and companionship within the confines of the pigeon dovecote James meticulously maintains. Their love blossoms in secret, offering a glimmer of hope and a dream of an escape from the dreariness and hostility of their surroundings.

Nevertheless, their burgeoning relationship is fraught with danger. Mungo faces constant threats of discovery and retribution, particularly from his own family. His elder brother Hamish, a notorious gang leader, epitomises the violent masculinity that Mungo must conceal his true self from. The narrative tension heightens when Mungo’s mother sends him on an ill-fated fishing trip with two enigmatic men who harbour dark pasts, forcing Mungo to summon all his inner strength and courage to survive.

Douglas Stuart beautifully captures the everyday experiences of his characters with lyrical prose, bringing to life the complexities of working-class existence. Young Mungo is a story of love and survival, revealing the resilience of the human spirit amidst adversity. Stuart sensitively addresses themes of masculinity, family dynamics, and the pervasive violence experienced by queer individuals.

Shortlisted for the ABIA International Book of the Year 2023, Young Mungo has garnered widespread acclaim and praise:

"I wasn't sure Young Mungo could live up to Shuggie Bain, but it surpasses it. Deeply harrowing but gently infused with hope & love. And so exquisitely written. It's a joy to watch, in real time, as Douglas Stuart takes his place as one of the greats of Scottish literature." - Nicola Sturgeon

"Few novels are as gutsy and gut-wrenching as Young Mungo in its depiction of a teenage boy who finds love amid family dysfunction, community conflict and the truly terrible predations of adults. Vividly realised and emotionally intense, this scorching novel is an urgent addition to the new canon of unsung stories." - Bernardine Evaristo

"I can honestly say that the second novel from the author of Shuggie Bain... surpassed my (high) expectations. Stuart makes you care deeply about all of his characters but none more than Mungo, Mo-Maw's beloved, 'the softest, sweetest boy she had ever known.' - Bookseller, 'Fiction Book of the Month'

"Prepare your hearts, for Douglas Stuart is back... Another beautiful and moving book" - Observer

"Again this author creates characters so vivid, dilemmas so heart-rending, and dialogue so brilliant that the whole thing sucks you in like a vacuum cleaner... Romantic, terrifying, brutal, tender, and, in the end, sneakily hopeful. What a writer." - Kirkus Reviews

"There are wonderful stories in publishing, but the story of Douglas Stuart is pure magic... With Young Mungo... more magic is all but guaranteed... The book is a literary wonder and a suspenseful page-turner." - Publishers' Weekly

Young Mungo is a gripping, emotionally charged novel that cements Douglas Stuart’s place as one of the most compelling voices in contemporary literature. It is a profound testament to the resilience of love, the complexity of identity, and the unyielding pursuit of hope.