The novel is a stream-of-consciousness narrative told from the perspective of Sammy, a shoplifter and ex-convict from Glasgow who wakes up in an alley after a two-day drinking binge to find he is completely blind. As Sammy struggles to navigate his new reality, he contends with bureaucratic systems, confronts his past, and grapples with his relationships, all while trying to understand and adjust to his sudden loss of sight. The story is a gritty exploration of working-class life, the human condition, and the nature of reality.

The novel explores the life of Margaret, a young woman living in Glasgow, as she navigates her relationships, her past, and her future. As she deals with her father's death and her mother's mental health issues, Margaret also grapples with her complicated relationship with her boyfriend Colin, her best friend Katherine, and her boss Mr. Phillips. The book provides an insightful look into the complexities of human relationships and the struggles of growing up.

"Shuggie Bain" is a heart-wrenching tale set in 1980s Glasgow, Scotland, centered on a young boy, Shuggie, who is struggling with his mother's deteriorating mental health and alcoholism. As he tries to navigate his own burgeoning sexuality in a harsh, unforgiving environment, he also strives to care for his mother, who is trapped in a cycle of addiction and abusive relationships. The book gives a stark portrayal of poverty, addiction, love, and the human spirit's resilience.

The book follows the life of an eccentric and socially awkward woman in her early thirties, whose regimented and solitary existence is disrupted when she develops an unlikely friendship with a bumbling IT guy from her office. After they save an elderly man who has collapsed on the street, the trio forms a bond that ultimately leads her to confront her troubled past. As she grapples with her mother's cruelty and the secrets that have haunted her for years, she learns that opening up to others can be the key to healing and that she is capable of finding love and companionship. Through this journey of self-discovery, she realizes that she can break free from her previously lonely and routine life, challenging the notion that she is completely fine as she is.