Winner of the Booker Prize

Winner of 'Book of the Year' and 'Debut Book of the Year' at the British Book Awards

A novel that has sold over 1 million copies

"An incredibly intimate, compassionate, and immersive depiction of addiction, courage, and love." – The Booker Prize Judges

"'Shuggie Bain' means so much to me. It's such a powerfully written story... I love books with pain, but there's so much love in it, especially between Shuggie and his mother, Agnes." – Dua Lipa

It is 1981. Glasgow is dying, and decent families must survive by deceiving. Agnes Bain always has high expectations from life, dreaming of better things. But Agnes is abandoned by her unfaithful husband, and as she sinks deeper and deeper into drinking, her children try to save her, but one by one they have to abandon her to save themselves.

It is her son, Shuggie, who holds onto hope more than anyone. Shuggie is different; it is obvious he is not "normal." But Shuggie believes that if he tries hard, he can be normal like the other boys and help his mother escape from this hopeless place.

'Shuggie Bain' reveals the relentless reality of poverty, the limits of love, and the emptiness of pride. For readers of 'A Little Life' and 'Angela's Ashes,' it is a touching novel from an exceptional writer with a strong and important story to tell.

"Douglas Stuart has written a debut novel of rare and lasting beauty." – The Observer

"A poignant novel" – The Times

"Tender and unpitying... The character of Shuggie, similar to Billy Elliot, comes alive on the page." – Daily Mail

Pages: 480

Publication Year: 0427

Dimensions: 13x13cm