Shuggie Bain: A Book Review

When I first picked up Shuggie Bain, I have to admit that I had no idea what I was in for. The first time I had even heard about it, was when it won the 2020 Booker Prize. By the end of this incredibly depressing and harrowing tale, I came to the conclusion that this is one of the most important books about Thatcher-era Britain from the last decade. This novel from Douglas Stuart is one that cannot be missed.

Set in 1980s Glasgow, when Britain was under the leadership of Margaret Thatcher, Shuggie Bain follows the story of the titular Shuggie, a five year old who is the youngest of three children, and his mother Agnes. It explores the complex world of Shuggie’s feelings towards his mother who, despite being his hero, is increasingly becoming a cause for concern to the people around her as a result of her alcoholism. Agnes herself struggles to cope with the gradual loss of the people closest to her – her husband, her children, her friends – and all she has at the end of the day is her alcoholism and Shuggie.

Ultimately, Shuggie Bain is a story about substance abuse and addiction, and the harm that it inflicts on those around the victim. As the story goes on, we see Agnes sinking further into her addiction, holding Shuggie back from having the childhood he deserves. Despite all the harm that Agnes has caused him, Shuggie continues to stand by her – even when his father or siblings try to ‘rescue’ him from his mother. It is heartwarming, yet extremely depressing to read about the hardships that Shuggie has to endure, where he tries to save someone who refuses to be saved. Shuggie is a character that Stuart writes so beautifully, that you can’t help but root for him. However, at every turn, Stuart pulls the rug from under us and throws another hardship at Shuggie and Agnes.

I have to warn that this is an extremely bleak book. At times, I even found it hard to keep reading and had to take multiple breaks. However, it is most definitely essential reading. It details the actual pain and trauma faced by the working-class in Britain under Thatcher’s leadership, and her policies which divested the poor communities in Britain. A period with high unemployment,  where poverty, violence and alcoholism was spreading across communities. Despite that, there is still a lot of hope and light in this book, personified in Shuggie and the love he shows for his mother.

To sum it up, Shuggie Bain is a must read. It completely deserves all the awards and recognition it has gotten, and is a brilliant insight into 1980s Scottish working-class life. I’m not sure if I’m ever ready to revisit this book, but it is most definitely going to stick with me for a long while.

Saishwar
Director of ReadNUS