Wow this book. I don’t even know how to put into words how much this struck me constantly throughout. It was one of the most difficult things I’ve ever had to read, but so beautifully done in every manner. This book had me in tears, it was shocking.

The writing in here was really beautiful, Stuart knows exactly how to capture moments and feelings on paper I would never be able to even attempt to articulate. It was wonderfully put together, and the style of narration really worked well for me. It flicked between perspectives and time periods seamlessly without being at all confusing. Stuart is also excellent at really setting up an atmosphere and making the reader feel in sync with the characters. It was just excellent.

I will say that this is not at all a book for the faint of heart. It’s bleak, depressing, dark, gritty, violent, and graphic amongst other things. It’s painfully raw and true, and the events in here will make your stomach turn. It’s real life, and it’s a story people might be able to relate to or see aspects of their own lives in, which makes it all the more difficult to stomach. Be warned, this story will absolutely break you into pieces. If you like a lighthearted, quick paced feel good read - this isn’t for you. Reading this requires quite a bit of resilience, it will frustrate and upset you to no end.

The characters here were absolutely stellar. And by that I mean how they were crafted and their characterisation, it was practically flawless. They all felt so real to me, and the way the book lets you delve into the lives of them all, even if just briefly, really helps you understand them and their motives so much better. It was so harrowing to see what they were going through independently, as well as the trauma they all shared and how that impacted them all.

This will stick with me for a good long while, it was brilliant.

I also listened to this on audiobook, so my internal monologue has been in Scots for days.