Scan barcode
lauraelliott's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
barryc1311's review against another edition
3.0
Taxi drivers are bad.
A book with absolutely zero respite. I liked the book but there was nothing nice or likeable about it. Really missed some proper Glasgow humour.
A book with absolutely zero respite. I liked the book but there was nothing nice or likeable about it. Really missed some proper Glasgow humour.
vishalancyrus's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 stars
Douglas Stuart’s "Shuggie Bain" is a gripping and character-driven novel that follows Shuggie’s childhood through five distinct time periods. It’s one of the most heart-wrenching and authentic stories I’ve read, filled with dark, messy, and occasionally joyful moments that make Shuggie’s life so unpredictable.
The characters are deeply layered and complex. I couldn’t stop rooting for Agnes and Shuggie despite their struggles. Stuart’s portrayal of alcohol addiction and its devastating effects is raw and compelling. He explores why people start drinking and why they can’t stop, showing this through Agnes and Shuggie’s perspectives. Their relationship is depicted with honesty, capturing both the good and bad.
The use of Scottish dialect in the dialogue adds grit and authenticity to the text, enhancing the bleak depiction of Scotland throughout the book.
Knowing that the story is inspired by Stuart’s own life adds depth to the narrative. It’s a tragic and realistic portrayal of some people’s childhoods. It’s astonishing that this is Stuart’s debut novel, given its emotional depth and storytelling skill. Just brutally and beautifully human!
Douglas Stuart’s "Shuggie Bain" is a gripping and character-driven novel that follows Shuggie’s childhood through five distinct time periods. It’s one of the most heart-wrenching and authentic stories I’ve read, filled with dark, messy, and occasionally joyful moments that make Shuggie’s life so unpredictable.
The characters are deeply layered and complex. I couldn’t stop rooting for Agnes and Shuggie despite their struggles. Stuart’s portrayal of alcohol addiction and its devastating effects is raw and compelling. He explores why people start drinking and why they can’t stop, showing this through Agnes and Shuggie’s perspectives. Their relationship is depicted with honesty, capturing both the good and bad.
The use of Scottish dialect in the dialogue adds grit and authenticity to the text, enhancing the bleak depiction of Scotland throughout the book.
Knowing that the story is inspired by Stuart’s own life adds depth to the narrative. It’s a tragic and realistic portrayal of some people’s childhoods. It’s astonishing that this is Stuart’s debut novel, given its emotional depth and storytelling skill. Just brutally and beautifully human!
tiffanyt126's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
4.75
lizneuner's review against another edition
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
3.75
matty_taffy's review against another edition
5.0
We grew up worlds apart… but I found Shuggie and his life to be so relatable to my own. Perfectly captures the turmoil that is often experienced while being young and queer. Heartbreaking and powerful.
frankiekingston's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
4.25
rucsandra's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5