John of John by Douglas Stuart

Excellent literary fiction! I did not read Shuggie Bain, an earlier work that was on my TBR list but never made it to my real reading list.

This book was not a fast read, but it was a good read, mostly for the writing. His descriptions were amazing and describes a place I know little about - the Outer Hebrides.

The plot was slow but steady and the ending very compelling. It's a novel full of secrets.  It describes conflicted characters who are stuck and can't move out of their present stagnant lives, bound to duty. Family is important but the family relationships are strained.

I recommend this book to anyone who loves reading good literary fiction. But don't expect to be swept away by plot - expect to explore characters, settings, moods, and societal pressures.