1980s Glasgow, Shuggie Bain spends his childhood in dubious public housing - his alcoholic mother is both light of his life and source of despair…

Stuart paints an undeniably accurate portrayal of some of the utter desolation wreaked by Thatcher’s policies in the 80s. Scotland seems to be romanticised more often than not in books (and other media), but these devastated communities deserve to have their stories told - it’s a very real but overlooked side of Scotland.

But…I found myself wondering at what point does something become misery porn? Because this felt like it was veeeery close to the line - none of it was unrealistic (sadly), but it started to feel like every possible miserable experience was included simply because it could be. There was just so much misery that, paradoxically, the impact was somewhat lessened.

A bleak, moving portrait of devastated communities, the impact of addiction and the hollowness of pride.