A review by haleypaige91
Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart

challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense fast-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

5.0

This was a brutal, complex story focused on a young queer boy growing up in depressed Thatcher-era Glasgow, who continually tries to keep his struggling alcoholic mother together. Definitely grim at times, it’s also an honest look at a time and place I didn’t know much about, and a clear picture of how a child can love their parent no matter how difficult they are. Shuggie Bain is semi-autobiographical, which makes it even more gut-wrenching. Definitely recommend for those who are open to looking at hard situations. 
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