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Shuggie Bain
- Narrated by: Angus King
- Length: 17 hrs and 30 mins
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Shuggie Bain
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Publisher's Summary
Winner of the Booker Prize
Winner of 'Book of the Year' at the British Book Awards
A BBC 'Big Jubilee Read'
A heart-wrenchingly moving novel set in Glasgow during the Thatcher years, Shuggie Bain tells the story of a boy's doomed attempt to save his proud, alcoholic mother from her addiction.
It is 1981. Glasgow is dying and good families must grift to survive. Agnes Bain has always expected more from life, dreaming of greater things. But Agnes is abandoned by her philandering husband, and as she descends deeper into drink, the children try their best to save her, yet one by one they must abandon her to save themselves.
It is her son Shuggie who holds out hope the longest. Shuggie is different, he is clearly no’ right. But Shuggie believes that if he tries his hardest, he can be normal like the other boys and help his mother escape this hopeless place.
Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart lays bare the ruthlessness of poverty, the limits of love, and the hollowness of pride. For fans of A Little Life and Angela's Ashes, it is a heartbreaking novel by a brilliant writer with a powerful and important story to tell.
Critic Reviews
"Douglas Stuart has written a first novel of rare and lasting beauty." (Observer)
"We were bowled over by this first novel, which creates an amazingly intimate, compassionate, gripping portrait of addiction, courage and love." (The judges of the Booker Prize)
"A heartbreaking novel." (The Times)
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What listeners say about Shuggie Bain
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Noinam
- 01-04-2021
Deserving of all the prizes it’s been awarded
This story broke my heart, made me laugh, made me feel sad, made me feel disgusted, made me exasperated ... and every other emotion in between! As mother and son, Agnes and Shuggie’s relationship is so precious (and often terrible) against the gloomy backdrop of 80s Glasgow. I started out listening, thinking, “this is depressing”, but ended up with so much empathy for its two main characters that, by the end, I was emotionally drained! The narrator was top-notch and I listened to it comfortably at 1.2 speed. Loved this book.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
Incredible writing
This story was tragic and so well written that it kept me gripped. Amazing. A must read
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- J. Greig
- 01-01-2021
Unforgettable
And so beautifully narrated by the very talented Angus King. I could listen to him all day.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 25-01-2021
Captivating!
very much enjoyed this book , beautifully written and could visualize it all - wonderful narration.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- sue
- 20-02-2021
slow to start but really liked it
well written and loved the narrator great insight into the culture in scotland would like to see other books by same author
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 18-03-2021
Deep characters, narrator has wonderful voice
Highly recommend this audio book. Really takes you into the time and place. Depicts bleak landscapes, poverty, alcoholism in a vivid way yet there are uplifting moments.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- kpiper
- 22-04-2022
Devastating but life affirming
One of the most heart rending accounts of alcoholism and it’s consequences ever written - as seen through the eyes of closely affected family members. Family loyalty and family ties, the effects of inter-generational poverty and abuse, the incredible bravery of the human spirit - this book is an insight into a world that most people would prefer to know nothing about.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Kaz from Coffs
- 26-02-2021
Great story
I did enjoy this - however, it did take me a little while to get used to the narrator. At first, I thought Angus was speaking a little slow but realised that if he had spoken any faster- I probably wouldn’t be able to understand him :)
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 13-06-2023
Human nature in all its forms
Whilst I cheered for Snuggie, I was at times frightened for him, despairing of those who should have protected and encouraged him. What a hero-he was ever hopeful, kind enduring and compassionate.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- PJ McDermott
- 05-03-2024
sublime storytelling
Dark yet uplifting tale of the struggle towards manhood and self understanding set against the poverty and discrimination of the late twentieth century. Shuggie is not like the other kids on the block. He loves his mammy and would do anything for her - even though she is an alcoholic.
Wonderful portrayal of life growing up in Scotland. Words are not enough. Do yourself a favour. But this book.
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