On the one hand 'bleak, meandering and depressing' on the other a beautifully written book that has touched the hearts of its readers – but what did Kate's book club make of Douglas Stuart's 2020 Booker winner Shuggie Bain? We're joined by friend and journalist Phil Chaffee to discuss it. Has Laura managed to make it through more than the first sixty pages? Listen in to find out, plus our usual recommendations for follow-on reads.

Books recommended

Poverty Safari by Darren McGarvey

On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong

The Discomfort of Evening by Marieke Lucas Rijnveld

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