Shuggie Bain

 

This month we read the 2021 Mann Booker prize, Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart.  We found this novel to be well written with some very wonderful ways of using language to describe some personal and painful dynamics of living with addiction.  This novel is a memoir that comprehensively covers the complex layers of family relationships when there are overwhelming stressors and roadblocks to having basic needs met such as food, heat, clothing, as well as love and acceptance.  We all agreed that it was a great novel that was painful to read.  There was a good and hopeful ending that helped to resolve some of the despair we felt for Shuggie Jr.  

Next month, we will read Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell.  We plan to meet on April 5th at 7PM via Zoom.