In 1980s Glasgow, much abandons Hugh “Shuggie” Bain’s mother: her charming, abusive husband; the elder two of her three children, who choose to save themselves as she descends further into alcoholism; her dream of owning a house with a front door. In this heartbreaking debut novel by Douglas Stuart—the only 2020 book that was both shortlisted for the Booker Prize and a National Book Award finalist—Shuggie is left to look after her as she continues to descend into tragedy. But Shuggie himself is struggling as he attempts to make sense of his sexuality and to determine his own lot in life as everyone around him suspects he is “no right.” Together, their story provides a beautiful portrait of how the Scottish working class persevered through the scarcity of Thatcherism—imperfections be damned—with an abundance of love.
Buy Now: Shuggie Bain on Bookshop | Amazon
- Why Trump’s Message Worked on Latino Men
- What Trump’s Win Could Mean for Housing
- The 100 Must-Read Books of 2024
- Sleep Doctors Share the 1 Tip That’s Changed Their Lives
- Column: Let’s Bring Back Romance
- What It’s Like to Have Long COVID As a Kid
- FX’s Say Nothing Is the Must-Watch Political Thriller of 2024
- Merle Bombardieri Is Helping People Make the Baby Decision