Overview

Paper Cup by Karen Campbell follows Kelly, a woman sleeping rough on the streets of Glasgow. Her life shifts when she picks up a lost engagement ring after a brief encounter with a stranger. Instead of selling it, Kelly sets out to return it, and that decision sends her walking across Scotland. As she travels, the story opens out into a reckoning with her past, her addictions, and the small choices that have shaped her life.

Writing & Atmosphere

We found the writing grounded and compassionate, with a strong sense of place. The Glasgow streets feel cold and exposed, while the rural sections bring space, weather, and moments of quiet reflection. Campbell writes clearly and without judgement, allowing hard realities to sit alongside flashes of beauty and humour.

The pacing follows Kelly’s physical journey. Some sections move quickly, others slow down to let thought and memory surface. This rhythm suits the story and makes the emotional shifts feel honest.

Characters

Kelly is a compelling narrator. She is sharp, funny, and painfully aware of how the world sees her. She makes mistakes and owns them, which gives the book its emotional weight. The people she meets along the way are lightly sketched but memorable, offering help, resistance, or simple human contact at key moments. The dog she names Collieflower brings warmth without tipping into sentiment.

Themes

The novel looks closely at homelessness, visibility, and the idea of starting again. It asks who is allowed second chances and how easily people slip out of view. Walking becomes a way for Kelly to reconnect with herself and with others, step by step. Home, in this story, is not a fixed place but a fragile sense of belonging.

What Worked

• Strong central voice: Kelly feels real and fully formed.
• Sense of place: Scotland is vivid without overwhelming the story.
• Emotional balance: tough subject matter handled with warmth and restraint.
• Hopeful tone: optimistic without ignoring reality.

Minor Quibbles

• The reflective pace may feel slow to readers who prefer a tightly plotted novel.
• Some secondary characters disappear quickly once Kelly moves on.

Final Thoughts

We found Paper Cup deeply moving and quietly uplifting. It is a thoughtful novel about survival, dignity, and the small acts that can begin to change a life.

Rating: ★★★★½☆ (4.5 / 5)