thelittlefriend's review
3.0
This could have been five stars if it would have been cut by maybe 30%. As it is now, it drags, a lot, and there are scenes that don’t give anything new to the story - only revels in the misery that is already very present. But it’s an epic, descriptive story that paints the characters and surroundings in vivid detail. The book plays out like a three hour movie (or six part mini-series), it’s gritty, harrowing and, even, beautiful at times.
But I do wonder why the title isn’t Agnes Bain. Shuggie plays a part, yes, but it’s still Agnes who is the main focus. Maybe it would have been too close to name the book by her? We know Stuart has talked about his mother’s addiction, and even if this is fiction there’s still probably a lot of lived experience, based on how real the story feels. Maybe putting Agnes in the title would have felt false, like saying her whole life could be summed up in 400 pages of drinking. But that’s not it, is it, the drinking was just one part of her, seen mostly through Shuggie’s eyes.
I get why this one the Booker Prize, but for me some editing would have benefited the story.
But I do wonder why the title isn’t Agnes Bain. Shuggie plays a part, yes, but it’s still Agnes who is the main focus. Maybe it would have been too close to name the book by her? We know Stuart has talked about his mother’s addiction, and even if this is fiction there’s still probably a lot of lived experience, based on how real the story feels. Maybe putting Agnes in the title would have felt false, like saying her whole life could be summed up in 400 pages of drinking. But that’s not it, is it, the drinking was just one part of her, seen mostly through Shuggie’s eyes.
I get why this one the Booker Prize, but for me some editing would have benefited the story.
cos_is_me's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, Domestic abuse, Vomit, Self harm, Pedophilia, Homophobia, Abandonment, Child abuse, Suicide attempt, Blood, Rape, and Sexual assault
lavenderxoxo's review
5.0
Heartbreaking, earth-shattering, and an overall life changing experience of a book. There were so many moments when I had to hold back tears from wanting to embrace Snuggie and just take him into my arms.
direwolfsummer's review
5.0
An ode to 1980s Glasgow and its struggling communities indeed. Better than even Dating Amber.
Bain, Bain, it rhymes with bane. Bain, Bain, it rhymes with Cain. Bain, Bain, it rhymes with pain.
Bain, Bain, it rhymes with bane. Bain, Bain, it rhymes with Cain. Bain, Bain, it rhymes with pain.
wendoxford's review
2.0
Getting over half way through, I decided that I could no longer commit myself to such unflinching misery and the minutiae of poverty. I only persevered this far as the narrative evoked such an extraordinary sense of place with the decimation of society during Thatcher's Britain.
There were redeeming features. I could conjure up the characters brilliantly from their actions, could see/understand the political, emotional and sectarian landscape with all its fallout and yet...it was SO painful in its portrayal of all this led by an alcoholic materfamilias. Just so relentlessly depressing
There were redeeming features. I could conjure up the characters brilliantly from their actions, could see/understand the political, emotional and sectarian landscape with all its fallout and yet...it was SO painful in its portrayal of all this led by an alcoholic materfamilias. Just so relentlessly depressing
anothersarahny's review
4.0
Shuggie Bain really humanizes addiction. You feel for this family and want them to win. Helpful to know something about Thatcher's government but the storytelling stands on its own. Despite the painful themes, this book fills you with hope and reminds you that people are complex.
_bookegg's review
4.0
This book is 60 pages too long. The set up feels a bit unfocused but finally settles when it reaches the core of this novel- Shuggie and his mother Agnes as they both navigate his femininity and come to heads with her alcoholism.
It was such a smart choice for the dialogue to be written colloquially- really settles you into the Scotland setting and is also hilarious at times.
Not sure how I feel about the ending! I wanted more time with this older version of Shuggie we met at the very beginning. But the final moment is incredibly beautiful and well done.
Might be a 3.5. Gotta sit with it
It was such a smart choice for the dialogue to be written colloquially- really settles you into the Scotland setting and is also hilarious at times.
Not sure how I feel about the ending! I wanted more time with this older version of Shuggie we met at the very beginning. But the final moment is incredibly beautiful and well done.
Might be a 3.5. Gotta sit with it
hlsnow's review
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
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