robyn1998's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
tense
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
I don't have a huge amount to say about this book but I did really enjoy it. The writing style was unfussy which is what I like. I wish the author would have looked up some synonyms for "close" and "welts", I couldn't believe how many times those words were used. The plot was extremely sad, I wish something good would have happened for Shuggie. At first with the bra scene I worried it would be really misogynistic but I think most of the women were portrayed in quite a sensitive light.
ajafrost's review against another edition
5.0
I read Shuggie in three hours during a sleepless night (in retrospect, it probably exacerbated my insomnia rather than curing it.) This novel is relentless.
The setting and situation—a crowded tenement apartment in 1980s Glasgow—is bleak when Shuggie begins, and things get bleaker. And bleaker. And bleaker.
If you can stand the emotional flagellation, Shuggie will reward you. The characterization is excellent; I understood each character's motivations, weaknesses, and quirks in sometimes painful clarity. The writing is intentional and strangely beautiful—strangely because so often, what's being described is ugly. There's an intimacy with poverty and addiction that rings true.
I agree with other reviewers: Shuggie isn't a great pick if you're struggling. But if you can bear it, you'll fall in love with this book.
The setting and situation—a crowded tenement apartment in 1980s Glasgow—is bleak when Shuggie begins, and things get bleaker. And bleaker. And bleaker.
If you can stand the emotional flagellation, Shuggie will reward you. The characterization is excellent; I understood each character's motivations, weaknesses, and quirks in sometimes painful clarity. The writing is intentional and strangely beautiful—strangely because so often, what's being described is ugly. There's an intimacy with poverty and addiction that rings true.
I agree with other reviewers: Shuggie isn't a great pick if you're struggling. But if you can bear it, you'll fall in love with this book.
fanni_ann's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
torjus's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
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
4.25
weruszka's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
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
3.25
leonie_grawehr's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-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
4.25