Tegyn MacDonald

This book is incredible. I have never felt such an emotional attachment to characters or felt such a void in my life after having finished a book. Prior to reading I saw some reviews saying the book was repetitive, however I could not disagree more. Repetition is used as a tool to skilfully capture the vicious cycle of addiction and abuse, a nod to the unforgiving way that these matters tend to manifest in real life. To me, this book is not written to be a thrilling story of triumph and defying the odds. Rather, it sheds light on the mundane but equally brutal realities of the characters lives and the hardships they face that they cannot seem to escape, no matter how hard they may try. This is not to say the book is hopeless - there is hope, unconditional love, deep connection, and true passion throughout, but Stuart makes it heartbreakingly clear that hope can only take you so far. I would recommend this book to anyone, it is a total masterpiece. I am so happy to have gone on Shuggie’s journey as he navigates a very difficult life in a very difficult time in Scottish history. I can only pray that things turned out ok for him (the last few lines made me greet).