57 pages • 1 hour read
Shuggie Bain
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Book Brief
430
Novel • Fiction
Glasgow, Scotland • 1980s
2020
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart follows Shuggie, a young boy growing up in 1980s Glasgow, as he faces the struggles of his mother's alcoholism amidst the backdrop of socio-economic decline. Agnes Bain, Shuggie's mother, battles addiction while Shuggie deals with bullying and family hardships, ultimately seeking to find his own identity in a harsh, judgmental society.
Melancholic
Gritty
Bittersweet
Dark
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
211,437 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Douglas Stuart's Shuggie Bain has garnered acclaim for its raw portrayal of poverty and addiction in Glasgow, with rich character development and deeply affecting prose. However, some critics find its relentless bleakness overwhelming. Overall, readers appreciate its emotional depth and authenticity, despite its heavy subject matter.
Who Should Read Shuggie Bain?
A reader who would enjoy Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart likely appreciates gritty, character-driven narratives set against a backdrop of socio-economic hardship. Fans of Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt or A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara would find this poignant, emotionally complex tale compelling.
211,437 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Agnes Bain
Agnes Bain
Agnes is Shuggie’s mother, whose striking beauty and larger-than-life personality are overshadowed by her struggles with alcoholism and maintaining appearances.
Hugh “Big Shug” Bain
Hugh “Big Shug” Bain
Big Shug is a taxi driver, Agnes’s second husband, and Shuggie’s absentee father, characterized by his vanity and philandering nature.
Alexander “Leek” Bain
Alexander “Leek” Bain
Leek is Shuggie’s half-brother, known for his tall, thin appearance and artistic talent, as well as his quiet efforts to cope with the family’s struggles.
Eugene McNamara
Eugene McNamara
Eugene is a red-haired cab driver who becomes romantically involved with Agnes and provides some support to Shuggie amidst his family’s challenges.
430
Novel • Fiction
Glasgow, Scotland • 1980s
2020
Adult
18+ years
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