I have nothing against this author. In fact, I absolutely adored Shuggie Bain. The problem I had with Young Mungo is I felt like I was reading the exact same book all over again. Same hard-done-by characters. Same impoverished conditions. Same heavy alcohol use. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with basing a book off this criteria, but once was enough for me. A few hours in and I realised a bit of variety would have gone a long way.

I'd say if you haven't already read any Douglas Stuart and aren't perturbed by the trigger warnings listed, then absolutely give this one a go!