A review by tilla
Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart

emotional sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

 This was a heartbreaking read – I am very glad that I read it, but I don’t think I can ever read it again, though if I did, I would listen to it on audiobook to get the experience of the Scottish accent.
 
 I wanted so much for these characters. I want it to be easier – to get better, but even when there is a second of light it is quickly snuffed out. I want the siblings to stick together. To get out but do it together but they each seem to feel alone in their shitty situation. Even as you kinda hate Agnes for how she treats herself and leaves her children to fend for themselves, you, like Shuggie and probably Leek, cannot help to root for her to get out, get better, be happy 

SpoilerAfter a few chapters of good times, lighter times, it is heart breaking reading about how a man that seems good, and means well, leads Agnes to break her sobriety, and what that means for the family. 
 And even though most of the book is sad and hard and heartbreaking, it manages to end on a somewhat hopeful note, even if it is not perse happy.


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