Shuggie Bain

Synopsis: A debut novel by Douglas Stuart, Shuggie Bain is the unforgettable story of young Hugh “Shuggie” Bain, a sweet and lonely boy who spends his 1980’s childhood in run-down public housing in Glasgow, Scotland. Shuggie’s mother, Agnes, is struggling with a philandering husband, an insufficient budget for her worldly tastes, and a growing dependence on alcohol. Agnes maintains her pride by attending to her make-up and beehive hairdo, all while stowing a bottle of vodka under the kitchen sink or a can of lager in her handbag. Shuggie’s older siblings manage to find a way to leave home, leaving the young Shuggie to care for Agnes. Shuggie is meanwhile trying to fit in with the other kids and be (in his words) a “normal boy.” Themes of addiction, sexuality, family loyalty and love define this working class family saga.

Review: When other reviews use words like “bleak,” “harrowing,” or “tragic,” usually I steer clear by a mile! My day is hard enough without bringing extra misery to the table. However, I’m one of those people who still has some faith in the experts, and this book received rave reviews. After it was announced as the winner of the Booker Prize in 2020 and a finalist for the National Book Award, I decided to be brave and face the trauma. Dear friends, it was so so worth it. The novel encompasses Shuggie’s life from about 6 to 17. His older siblings get out of Dodge as soon as they can, leaving the youngster to try and keep Mom out of trouble. Agnes makes a lot of wrong choices, and is full of vanity, self loathing and inarticulate yearnings, yet is still somehow a sympathetic character. I was really rooting for both of them! I was kept in suspense for most of the novel: will Shuggie survive his painful childhood? What is in store for him? Will Agnes ever be able to stay sober? The novel ends with a bittersweet but believable conclusion, though no spoilers here. Definitely worth your time.

Rating: 5/5

Recipe: Beer Can chicken

I doubt that Agnes would sacrifice her beer to make a chicken, but short of providing a cocktail recipe, this seemed most fitting.

Ingredients:

1 whole chicken

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

2 tablespoons kosher salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

3 tablespoons of your favorite spice rub

1 can of beer

1) Rinse and pat chicken dry. Rub lightly with oil, salt, pepper and seasoning.

2) Take a half full can of beer. If you cannot decide what to do with the other half can of beer, call Agnes.

3) Place the bird cavity over the beer can.

4) Transfer the bird-on-a-can to your grill, balancing the bird on its 2 legs and the can like a tripod.

5) Cook over medium high, indirect heat with the cover on for about 1 1/4 hours, or until the internal temperature is about 165 degrees in the breast, or 180 degrees in the thigh.

6) Remove from the grill and let rest for 10 minutes before carving.