By Douglas Stuart
It is 1981. Glasgow is dying and good families must grift to survive. Agnes Bain has always expected more from life, dreaming of greater things. But Agnes is abandoned by her philandering husband, and as she descends deeper into drink, her children try their best to save her, yet one by one they must abandon her to save themselves.
It is her son Shuggie who holds out hope the longest. Shuggie is different, he is clearly no’ right. But Shuggie believes that if he tries his hardest, he can be normal like the other boys and help his mother escape this hopeless place.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cover Art: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Shuggie Bain is one of those books that pulls you in right away and doesn’t let go. Douglas Stuart writes with so much heart that you feel every moment—good, bad, and everything in between. It’s intense, but in the best way.
The bond between Shuggie and his mum, Agnes, is incredibly powerful. Their relationship is messy and painful, yet full of love. You root for them even when things get tough, and it’s impossible not to feel for both of them.
Stuart’s Glasgow feels completely real. The details are so vivid that you can almost hear the streets and smell the air. Even when the world is bleak, the writing makes it feel meaningful and alive.
Shuggie himself is unforgettable. He’s brave, sensitive, and trying so hard to figure out who he is in a world that doesn’t make it easy. You can’t help but cheer him on and hope he finds his place.
Overall, Shuggie Bain is emotional, honest, and beautifully written. It hits hard, stays with you, and absolutely earns a full five stars.
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