Gerald is a 12 year old growing up in Glasgow with a drug dependence mother, he’s trying to look after his sibling, but gets caught while stealing a lady’s purse. This was a really sad book for me, it was great to read about fostering, the child support aspect, but breaking families apart tucked at my heart strings. The author was great at telling this story and was very informative. A well written book with a strong link to children’s welfare. A 4 star read. Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy.

A highly engagingly written novel about protagonist, 12 year old Gerard and his siblings who face some pretty tricky life situations. This could have been a novel written in an over-sentimental and sickly way, but Campbell doesn't do that, and the story is hopeful, despite tackling some tricky sociological issues. It's a comment on society at the same time as being a compelling work of fiction. Well-written and thought-provoking. My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Oh this is a hard, emotive read.

This story follows three different people whose lives tangle together in an unexpected way.

First we meet Gerard. He is 12 years old, dyslexic, and hiding a secret. His Mum is a drug addict who spends her days passed out on the bed leaving him to care for his young brother and baby sister. Due to his dyslexia, school is hard for him and he has had more than one brush with Social Services. Returning from spending some times with his gang, Gerard finds his sister has a wet nappy, raging nappy rash and there is no food or electric in the house. Leaving his mum unconscious in the bedroom and his siblings, he sets out to solve the problem - his plan: to steal money from the local store while the owner is distracted and then use that money to buy food and put some electric on the meter. Approaching the store he sees an elderly lady with her purse hanging out of her bag...

Next we meet Margaret. She is an elderly woman whose husband has recently died leaving her alone. As her story unfolds we learn that she has a son she is estranged from who lives in Australia with his wife and their son. Margaret has given up her husbands tailoring business and lives in a ground floor flat where she has even let her husbands beloved garden go to ruin. One day, while shopping, she is mugged and her purse is stolen. Knocked to the ground she is badly injured and ends up in hospital with no one sure if she will recover...

Finally we meet Claire. Claire is a property lawyer who is recently divorced. She is moving to the area having let her ex husband keep the house for his wife and his new baby. Claire is quiet and still healing from the trauma of the breakdown of her relationship. On the day she is moving in to her new flat she witnesses a young boy mug an old lady and knock her to the ground. Stopping to help, Claire sees that the lady is choking on her dentures and quickly scoops the teeth out, a decision she comes to regret as no one wants to take them back - the police don't know she has them and the hospital are unhelpful as she isn't a relative.

When next we meet these characters, things have changed. Margaret is home following her stay in hospital but missing her own teeth and no one will listen. Claire is tracking the story of the elderly lady she helped on Facebook as she is still desperate to return the teeth to the rightful owner. Gerard is living with a foster family, having been arrested for the mugging. His siblings live with a different couple near by as he is considered a bad influence on the children and his mother has seemingly disappeared...that is, until she needs him to find something hidden at his Grandmother's house that she believes will be the key to a bright future.

This is a heart-breaking tale of how the system treats people. Margaret feels abandoned and confused and people just disregard her because she is old and Gerard feels like he is the sum total of his Social Services file. Neither is really thought of as a person, but treated like a problem to be solved.

I have worked with children in care, and while their stories are different to Gerard's and his siblings, their distrust of adults in general and people who they perceive as being in charge of what happens to them is exactly as this book portrays.

On a side note, much of the speech or thoughts are written in Scottish Slang and I found this very confusing trying to work out what the words meant - Google search was no help either so a short guide would have been helpful!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Such a heart breaking story set in Glasgow, told from different perspectives - Gerard a 12 year old boy who is lives in difficult circumstances and is trying his best to look out for his family.
Margaret an elder lady who has her own story and a sadness surrounding her.
These 2 characters cross paths in an unexpected way with the help of Claire. This one day changes their lives, setting them all on their own journey of finding theit own voice, and an understanding of what has happened to them.
Campbell has once again tackled sensitive issues brilliantly through her characters and careful observations of trauma and generational trauma. You can't help but feel what the characters are feeling and share their frustration, their desperation and their need to be loved by their family. But overall this is actually a tale of hope and fighting to have your own voice heard.

Thank you to the author and Netgalley for my copy.

Absolute joy to read though at times quite challenging . I loved all the characters, all so real and believable, beautifully written and one to share with staff in the school

It took me a while to get into this but once I did I enjoyed it. It’s tender and touching, with vivid well-drawn characters that go through their own individual journeys then come together at the end. A well-written and engaging novel.

This is a gritty but heart-warming story which features two characters in Glasgow whose lives collide, literally. An elderly widow is knocked over and hospitalised when a young teenage boy steals her purse, trying to buy nappies for his baby sister and we follow them in the events that follow.

I really enjoyed the author's writing style, which includes lots of local dialect in the speech. The characters are all very relatable and the book gives an insight into both of their traumatic backgrounds. I look forward to reading more from this author!

‘This Bright Life’ is a Poignant Story of The Threads That Connect Us

Gerard is a 12-year-old boy who’s just trying to survive. He’s got his younger siblings to take care of and a mother who is, at best, checked out. So one day, when the power goes out and he and his siblings are starving, he makes a decision. One that will change the course of his young life.

He steals an elderly woman’s purse and, in doing so, knocks her to the ground. Margaret is a total stranger to him, but their brief altercation will leave more than just physical wounds. She’s a lonely widow who not only lost her husband, her relationship with her family, and now, she’s lost her mobility and confidence too.

Claire steps in to help Margaret as she’s lying on the floor fighting for breath. When she turns Gerard in, she thinks it’s her civic duty. Claire is a lawyer who believes in the justice system but knows its overwhelming complexities; she also likes to use her job as an excuse to keep people at a distance. But soon she finds herself looking out for Margaret and an unlikely friendship blossoms.

This Bright Life takes turns pulling the threads of these characters’ lives together, weaving an intricate portrait of how a random act of violence can ripple across so many lives. And how, when you start unraveling those threads, it doesn’t seem so random after all. The writing is as crushing as it is wry; these characters have an air of wit about them, even in the face of such hardship. Its style cements you in their world and fluctuates in its intensity based on whose perspective it is.

Through Gerard, we see the trauma of being a child who’s misunderstood and rarely listened to; after the theft, he and his siblings are split up into foster care and he’s forced to toe the line between grateful and hurt. As we unwrap layer after layer of his understanding of the world, it’s heartbreaking to witness his struggle not to fall through the cracks. Gerard is an endearingly tough little boy whose lens is often blurred but never not youthfully honest. The adults around him, from his foster parents to his caseworkers, try their best but can’t possibly understand what he’s been through and how his mind protects him. And the friends and family connections that come in and out of Gerard’s life aren’t always looking out for him—but perhaps there are some who might just save him.

Through Margaret, we see a lifetime of regret; her hard-headed strength is both commendable and often holds her back from truly living. And through Claire, we see a woman unsure of her place in the world; together, they help each other take their first steps back into finding community. I wasn’t as invested in their stories as I was in Gerard’s at first but all three grew on me over time.

Getting three generations of life all coiled around one another is dynamic and keeps the story fresh, allowing us to see each distinct angle and how emotions and empathy can transcend all barriers and backgrounds. It can be heavy-going at times while the pacing flows in and out, but the characters propel the narrative forward with every unsure step they take. This Bright Life is immensely vivid and raw, beautifully illustrating how resilience can be an act of hope—and how sometimes, we all need a little help to keep us going.

Gerard lives in a Glasgow tenement with his drunken mother and two younger siblings whom he tries to look after. The electricity is often off as there’s no money for the meter. Just one mistake changes his life. Will he ever get the help he needs and deserves? So sad at times it was hard to finish.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I'm yet to finish this book but felt compelled to write my review already.
The characters in this book have touched my heart, the author has really brought them to life and as I read their stories I'm also feeling their pain.

Gerard's story, the way you understand him and his pain is just so raw. My heart breaks the further I get into the story and I am just so saddened by the fact that real children may be living his life.
Margaret and Claire- have found each other when they really needed to, even though they didn't realise how much.

I have no idea how this book will end but I hope that Gérard gets a chance and that Margaret or Claire take him under their wing. Even if that doesn't happen I will often remember them and isn't that a sign of a well written book.

I hope this book is a success.
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC, I'm off to read the next chapter.

This is a beautifully crafted and emotional read from the author. It depicts the story of Gerard, a 12 year old boy who ends in care along with his younger siblings. It is very believable, dealing with poverty and addiction, and so well written that you believe the characterisation. The story is very sad but I was completely immersed in the lives of the characters and the Glasgow setting and dialect just brought it all to life. Heartbreaking, emotional and poignant but I highly recommended this totally believable read. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

NO SPOILERS

I have not read Karen Campbell before but the publisher’s description interested me.

This Bright Life is written in the third person, present tense, a tense I feel always puts the reader in the moment, making us part of everything. I liked that. Also, Campbell’s writing is such that Gerard’s thoughts and inner feelings are made known to us and this is a wonderful skill. But, but but…whilst I did like the story very much, for me the plot was predictable and all outcomes inevitable.

The chapters about Gerard and those involved with him I liked. The chapters about Claire and Margaret I didn’t like; it was as if they were written by someone else. I felt the plot here was poor and the characters cliched, and I didn’t care what happened to any of them! The book didn’t need these chapters and either I missed something or they added nothing.

All that said, it is a good story, mostly well written and I know many of you will love it.



Thank you to NetGalley and Canongate Books for the Advanced Review Copy of the book, which I have voluntarily reviewed.

This Bright Life is beautifully written, and Gerard is such a vivid, heartbreaking character that I felt completely drawn into his world. Karen Campbell does an amazing job of making his voice feel real—you can really hear him and feel what he's going through.

That said, as much as I appreciated the writing, I just couldn’t finish this book. It’s one of those stories that’s so heavy and sad that I had to put it down. It promises an uplifting ending, but I didn’t get that far. Gerard’s life is tough, and when he makes that one bad decision that changes everything, it’s devastating to watch the fallout.

The book really shines a light on how easy it is for kids to slip through the cracks, even when there are adults around who are supposed to help. It’s so well done that it almost felt too real at times. I’m sure the hopeful ending is worth it for those who can push through, but for me, the sadness overwhelmed everything else.

4.5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

This is a well written, occasionally hopeful but very sad book. My heart went out to little Gerard for what he was going through and how was did everything to protect his mum and siblings.

I’m glad there were moments of hope and a happy ending because everyone involved really deserved that.

Adored the writing and was gripped on the story from the very beginning.

A fabulous read. Gerard s twelve and has been in trouble before but he is only trying to take care of his younger siblings as his mum is not capable,but one day he steals a purse from an old lady and it ends badly for all of them,The story is brilliantly written with characters that all have flaws but are drawn together as they try to find happiness and forgiveness.and hopefully Gérard can sort his life out with the help of his foster parents as well as learning about his family's troubled past. It's a heartbreaking read at times but also full of humour and charm I really enjoyed it

This Bright Life by Karen Campbell is a powerful and moving story that combines heartbreak with moments of hope and humanity. It focuses on Gerard, a twelve-year-old boy navigating the complexities of his challenging life in Glasgow. Gerard is an energetic, bright kid, but the struggles he faces at home weigh heavily on him. Despite his intelligence and the joy he finds in activities like cycling and hanging out with his gang, trouble seems to follow him, and he carries the heavy burden of keeping his difficult home life hidden.

When Gerard makes a life-changing decision on one fateful April morning, his world is suddenly upended. Faced with unfamiliar adults, new environments, and the real possibility of being separated from his siblings, Gerard is thrown into a chaotic new reality. The book takes the reader through his emotional and confusing journey, as he grapples with the consequences of his actions and the loss of stability in his life.

The writing is both raw and poignant, capturing the realism of Gerard's situation with empathy and understanding. The characters, particularly Gerard, are well-developed, and their struggles are depicted in a way that is relatable and deeply affecting. Although the story can be difficult and, at times, depressing, it never loses sight of the potential for second chances and the compassion of those around him. The narrative explores the messy, often painful lives that many children face and emphasizes the importance of support, understanding, and the collective effort required to help a child rebuild.

Ultimately, This Bright Life offers a narrative that is both heartbreaking and filled with hope, highlighting the resilience of young people in the face of adversity. It’s a story that leaves a lasting impact, showcasing the strength required to overcome difficult circumstances and the importance of never losing sight of the possibility of a brighter future. The book's powerful blend of raw emotion and hope makes it a compelling read, one that stays with you long after you finish it.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

'This Bright Life' is 12 year old Gerard's story. It's sad, harrowing and truthful. Set in the here and now in Glasgow it's well written with, in some cases too sadly, true to life characters and peppered with honest down to earth Glaswegian and Scottish dialect. It deals with the aftermath of Gerard's incident and how it affects those involved. Extremely moving but also giving hope it's a book that will keep you thinking long after the last page. Thank you to the publisher, netgalley and author for allowing me to read an arc of this gem of a book. Well worth 5 stars!

Gerald shouldn't have to deal with what he does- raising his siblings when his mum is "incapacitated", dealing with bullies, extreme poverty and constant fear and anxiety. The bad decision he makes threads through the story as he tries to come to terms with being separated from his family and dealing with the emotional consequences he faces.
There is a lot of dialect in the book, set as it is in Glasgow, but this adds to the story and brings the characters and the surroundings to life and on the most part is easy to decipher for those unfamiliar with some of the terminology!
A thought provoking read that makes you shudder when you know the same situations exist the world over right now..

You know those books that invite you in with open arms and give you a neat hug from page one? This is not one of them. With this one you’ll have to fight your way in past an angular, spiky anteroom with grumpy bouncers. But then, it rewards you with insights from the opposite ends of life: a disillusioned child with more rubbish on his plate than anyone should have at his age and an elderly woman who struggles with her failing physical power and old age invisibility. When those two remote worlds collide with all sorts of consequences - some far-reaching beyond either’s imagination, that’s when it gets interesting.
Do not dismiss it as yet another attempt to best “Shuggie Bain”. Yes, this is about the horrid underbelly of Glasgow, but this barrage of feelings that the boy Gerard is paralysed by, that is expertly portrayed here.

Twelve year old Gerard comes home one day after staying out with his 'gang' to find his mother is near comatose with drugs and alcohol, and his younger brother and sister and hungry. His baby sister needs a nappy change and has a sore red bottom. There is no money in the meter so he can't make them any tea and he needs to get cream for his sister's skin.
So Gerard makes a decision that will change the course of his life.
As Gerard navigates the fall out from his actions we see through his eyes the despair and frustration with a system which doesn't understand him and believes it is doing the best it can for him.
The story is set in the poor end of Glasgow and told with a strong dialect. The reader is immediately pulled in an environment where the inhabitants don't always expect much from life. But Gerard is bright, despite being dyslexic and either ADHD or autistic. He is emotional but strong and determined to do right by his family and his voice runs loud and clear through the novel.
Without giving too much away there is another major character, almost the opposite of Gerard in all respects who also has a strong voice and sad background.
I loved the characters and the voice of this book and it is a tale that will stay with me for a long time.
With thanks to Netgalley and Canongate Books for an arc copy in return for an honest review.