A review by ortizzyy
Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart

challenging dark emotional sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I experienced a rollercoaster of emotions reading this book. There were moments of hope and happiness for Shuggie that were quickly snatched away by the cruelty of his peers or his mother's alcoholism. Agnes came so close to turning her life around. She was so close to accepting that she would struggle with this lifelong problem, but the burden of appearing "normal" was too much to bear. 

I read Young Mungo before this book and one thing I love about both is that they transport you to Glasgow in the 1980's/90's.  
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