Shuggie Bain

This got loads of positive reviews and I was worried it was over-hyped. Glad to say I was wrong, this was a really good debut novel.
It's a story of a family falling apart as the mother's loses herself in her alcoholism. Shuggie adores his mother despite the drink and will do anything for her.
The darkness and depression of Glasgow's poverty-stricken underbelly are reflected in the themes. It's really not a happy book although there's a slight whiff of positivity at the end.
It reminded me a bit of Angela's Ashes but I was more enthused by this as it's set in my adopted home. I enjoyed Stuart's blending of the broad Glesca patter with his poetic prose.
It's not my usual sort of read but I'm glad I gave it a go and it definitely deserves all the plaudits.