If you didnt read the book, you wouldn't have a good idea of what's happening. As a lifelong fan if this book I'm not sure what they're trying to do here.
Although as much as I love the book I would probably be critical of any attempt to make it into a movie/tv show. That being said I still think this show missed the mark by alot. Not to spoil but they didnt even touch Tom and Stus journey together, and a whole lot of other misses.