Summary

The novel begins set in Glasgow in 1992. The opening chapter describes the life of Shuggie Bain who is sixteen years of age. Shuggie awakens in the room that he rents from Mrs. Bakhsh, a Pakistani woman who is willing to lease the room to Shuggie despite his young age. The narrator describes Shuggie's job at Kilfeather's grocery store. Shuggie shows contempt for the customers by serving them food that has dropped on the floor and mixing his own bodily fluids in with the salads. During his breaks he enjoys the company of three women who are his coworkers—Ena, Nora, and Jackie. Outside of work, Shuggie accompanies them to play bingo, where each of the women attempts unsuccessfully to molest Shuggie underneath the table. Shuggie works at Kilfeather's out of necessity. As a result, his school attendance is spotty. He has ambitions to...