Shuggie Bain (Paperback)

Staff Reviews

If you loved Frank McCourt’s Angela’s Ashes, you are going to fall in love with Shuggie Bain. This novel is simultaneously heartbreaking and gorgeous, and is sure to win your heart.

Shuggie Bain is Douglas Stuart’s first novel and is in the running for three major book awards. The story follows an alcoholic mother, Agnes Bain, and her young son Shuggie who loves her dearly.  The story is set in a 1980’s housing project outside Glasgow, Scotland. Life here is a daily struggle, where the neighbors and their troubles are on vibrant display. Keeping a fine appearance is everything to Agnes, but her good looks and fancy ways continually mire her in trouble. 

I adored this book and will never forget Agnes and Shuggie.