Glasgow Boys
By Margaret McDonald
Review by Genna
This gritty, emotional coming-of-age novel is easily one of my favourite reads of 2024. The story follows Finlay and Banjo, two boys who grew up in the care system and were once close, but are now navigating very different paths into adulthood.
Told from both perspectives, the book does a great job of showing how their shared past still affects them in different ways. Set in Glasgow, it feels raw and real, with characters that are easy to care about even when things get messy.
A Young Mungo or Shuggie Bain for young adults, Glasgow Boys isn’t afraid to tackle tough topics head-on. It’s a heartfelt, honest and powerful debut that stays with you long after you’ve finished reading. I can’t wait to see what Margaret McDonald does next.
