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ethelothos's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
readbybeckyrose's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
nuohsu's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
jess_mango's review against another edition
4.0
Thank you to the publisher for the audiobook in exchange for a review!
Shuggie Bain won the Booker Prize in 2020 and was a finalist for the National Book Award for Fiction, so yeah, there's some buzz around this book.
The titular character Shuggie Bain is a boy growing up in decrepit public housing in Glasgow, Scotland during the 80's. Shuggie's heart fully belongs to his mother Agnes, who maintains her glamorous looks despite her family's financial situation and her cab-driver husband's affairs. Agnes dreams of owning her own home but as her life continues down its dismal path, she turns to drink and becomes an alcoholic. She starts spending the family's money on drinks instead of food and other necessities. Through this all, Shuggie stands by, even when his other siblings have had it with their mother. Shuggie just yearns to be a normal boy living a normal life.
This book was lovely but heartbreaking. This stunning debut novel deftly tackles the subjects of addiction and sexuality. Though I've never been to Glasgow, I felt like I was transported there through this book and could see the people in Shuggie's house and neighborhood.
The audio book was very well down and I loved the narrator's accent. It really helped to bring the story alive. I highly recommend this one in audio format.
More review coming soon!
Shuggie Bain won the Booker Prize in 2020 and was a finalist for the National Book Award for Fiction, so yeah, there's some buzz around this book.
The titular character Shuggie Bain is a boy growing up in decrepit public housing in Glasgow, Scotland during the 80's. Shuggie's heart fully belongs to his mother Agnes, who maintains her glamorous looks despite her family's financial situation and her cab-driver husband's affairs. Agnes dreams of owning her own home but as her life continues down its dismal path, she turns to drink and becomes an alcoholic. She starts spending the family's money on drinks instead of food and other necessities. Through this all, Shuggie stands by, even when his other siblings have had it with their mother. Shuggie just yearns to be a normal boy living a normal life.
This book was lovely but heartbreaking. This stunning debut novel deftly tackles the subjects of addiction and sexuality. Though I've never been to Glasgow, I felt like I was transported there through this book and could see the people in Shuggie's house and neighborhood.
The audio book was very well down and I loved the narrator's accent. It really helped to bring the story alive. I highly recommend this one in audio format.
More review coming soon!
modrockz's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
nictans_001's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
A really amazing dive into alcoholism and it's effects on the family. Set in 80s Glasgow and living in poverty it is a tale of a boy that doesn't fit in who only has his mother, but sadly her addiction made it impossible for her to help him. An amazing read.
aoibheann_2003's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
phantasmagorias's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
flostamp's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0