A review by nadia
Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart

challenging dark emotional sad 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

4.5

What a sad, slowly-unfolding, gripping tale. A brilliant book that's not easy to read. 

I felt transported back to 1980s Glasgow as I read about the darkness and grittiness surrounding the main cast of characters. 

I loved the writing. My favourite sort — straightforward and accessible, and yet still evoking vivid (and often uncomfortable/unpleasant) imagery with beautiful language. The dialogue also enhanced the immersive experience of the book.

Perfect for lovers of of challenging, sad, slow-paced fiction, with themes of motherhood, poverty, and addiction.
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