logo

57 pages 1 hour read

Young Mungo

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2022

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Douglas Stuart

Young Mungo

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2022
Book Details
Pages

392

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Glasgow, Scotland • 1990s

Publication Year

2022

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

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

Reviews & Readership

4.5

76,389 ratings

88%

Loved it

9%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

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.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Young Mungo?

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.

4.5

76,389 ratings

88%

Loved it

9%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Character List

Mungo Hamilton

Mungo is the central character who transforms from a gentle adolescent to a young man navigating a challenging environment. His story is defined by his experiences of love, vulnerability, and resilience.

Jodie is Mungo’s older sister known for her intelligence and determination to improve her life beyond their difficult neighborhood. She is a caring figure in Mungo’s life, and her focus on education distinguishes her from her peers.

Hamish is Mungo’s older brother with a reputation for violence, often leading a gang in their community. Despite his harsh exterior, he shows a complex mixture of protection and prejudice towards Mungo.

Mo-Maw is Mungo’s mother, struggling with alcohol addiction and a chaotic lifestyle. She often prioritizes her own needs over her children's well-being, leading to strained familial relations.

James is Mungo’s neighbor and boyfriend, providing Mungo with love and acceptance. He is characterized by his caring nature and dreams of escaping his current circumstances.

Gallowgate, whose real name is Angus, is an antagonist recently released from prison. His intimidating nature and past crimes create a threatening presence in Mungo’s life.

St. Christopher, also known as Christopher, is another antagonist with a history of crimes against minors. His interactions with Mungo add to the challenges and dangers Mungo faces.

Book Details
Pages

392

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Glasgow, Scotland • 1990s

Publication Year

2022

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.