Title: Sugar
Author: Bernice McFadden
Publisher: Plume (The Penguin Group)
Category: Fiction
Format: Softcover, 204 pages
Originally published; January, 2001
ISBN-10: 0452282209
ISBN-13: 9780452282209
From the publisher's website:
"Strong and folksy storytelling...think Zora Neale Hurston...Sugar speaks of what is real." --The Dallas Morning News
From an exciting new voice in African-American contemporary fiction comes a novel Ebony praised for its "unforgettable images, unique characters, and moving story that keeps the pages turning until the end." The Chicago Defender calls Sugar "a literary explosion...McFadden reveals amazing talent." The novel opens when a young prostitute comes to Bigelow, Arkansas, to start over, far from her haunting past. Sugar moves next door to Pearl, who is still grieving for the daughter who was murdered fifteen years before. Over sweet-potato pie, an unlikely friendship begins, transforming both women's lives--and the life of an entire town.
Sugar brings a Southern African-American town vividly to life, with its flowering magnolia trees, lingering scents of jasmine and honeysuckle, and white picket fences that keep strangers out--but ignorance and superstition in. To read this novel is to take a journey through loss and suffering to a place of forgiveness, understanding, and grace.
This re-release of author Bernice McFadden's powerful debut novel is perfectly timed to coincide with her newest novel, "Glorious". I was fortunate enough to win a copy of both of these books from Bookin With Bingo, and I must say, I was totally blown away. It took a while for me to formulate this review, as I didn't want to write a mini-novella myself. Read on for my review of "Sugar".
My take: The publisher's blurb does not do this book any justice. This is truly a must-read book for anyone: male/female, black/white, anyone who's a grownup and loves to read.
The book opens powerfully: to a tragic scene of loss. The very first line; Jude was dead
A mother (Pearl) loses her only daughter in a horrible fashion - before the girl has had a chance to taste what it's like to be a woman. The loss sets her reeling and takes away her laugh. Even her loving and faithful husband and adoring sons can't bring the smile back into her eyes.
15 years later, in 1955, a young woman (Sugar) who has had a life almost devoid of any real human connections moves in next door in small-town Bigelow, Arkansas. Her mother dropped her off almost at birth with a family of women who ran a house of prostitution, and the only life she's known has involved selling her body to get by. She's never owned or had anything of her own, even a family. Inheriting her own house (from someone she's never known, met, or even heard of) changes this and she decides to take full advantage of this opportunity. She pays the bills the only way she knows how, which sets tongues to wagging and even some tempers to flaring.
Pearl has been asked by her minister to take Sugar under her wing when she arrives. It takes a few visits and a few shattered sweet potato pies for these two to finally become friends. Pearl's life, even with her loss, has been rather sheltered, revolving around her family, her small circle of friends, and her church. It takes quite a while for her to figure out what her neighbor is doing to earn her living. Despite this, she perseveres in her friendship with Sugar, who has an almost uncanny resemblance to her lost daughter Jude.
Pearl, who is the soul of propriety and has never even gone to a juke joint (that is, until she met Sugar), is vilified by her "friends" almost as much as Sugar is. And yet ... there is just something about this young girl who could be her own that draws her in.
The tale of Sugar's life and of this friendship are the core of this book. The tale of how many of the characters are connected comes out piece by tantalizing piece. You, the reader, will know more about these connections than many of the characters themselves by the end of this journey.
This is the type of book that stays with you. You will continue to think about it long after you've turned the last page. It is not a pleasant book. If you are a parent, you may not be able to get through the first few pages without crying, or, at the least, feeling your heart rip in pain for the tragedy that is described. You will want to step inside of it's pages and punch some of the characters dead in their faces. Some of the scenes will punch YOU in the face. It will not end the way you want it to, but, considering the story itself, the ending is appropriate. You will not believe that this is the author's debut novel, as it is so well and powerfully written.
Many reviewers have stated that there is no redemption in this book. I respectfully disagree. There IS a sort of redemption in having a taste of happiness when you haven't known any before. When a life is this difficult, even having a day of love and laughter and knowing what it is is better than never having a chance to know it at all. Being able to open yourself up to love someone new and to laugh again after a horrible loss is redemptive as well.
Some well-deserved awards:
Black Caucus Ala Literary Award
Black Writers Alliance Award
Gold Pen Award
Barnes and Noble Discover Great New Writers Award
Some other blog reviews (these are what made me really really want to read this book):
http://peekingbetweenthepages.blogspot.com/2010/04/book-review-sugar-by-bernice-mcfadden.html
http://www.rundpinne.com/2010/03/sugar-by-bernice-l-mcfadden.html
http://www.gerberadaisydiaries.com/2010/01/book-review-sugar.html
Sensitive Reader: This book is not for you, due to violence, language, and sexual content
Quotes (also not for the sensitive reader):
...When he made it to the clearing there was his father. Beaten so hard and for so long that his skin had bubbled up purple. The top of his head was open and there he saw precious memories and somehow-someday dreams wrapped in I Love You colors spilled out for all of Bigelow to see. Then came the wail and Black John lost a little bit of his time on earth.
The storm walked into their small town on two legs in spiked, red patent leather heels. She waltzed right through the main square, blond wig bouncing to the rhythm of her walk, a leopard print pocketbook slung over one shoulder, matching suitcases in each hand.
"Ain't you got a mamma?" she said with shocked disbelief.
Sugar just stared blankly at her. She had a May, a Sara and a Ruby. She didn't have a "mamma,"
"What's a mamma?" she asked ...
Book Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
BUY IT: At Amazon, your local bookstore and other online booksellers.
Author's Website

WIN IT: The author was kind enough to contact me and offer a copy for giveaway in conjunction with my review. Because I feel so strongly about this novel, I am personally offering up two copies myself. This makes it a total of 3 copies, open anywhere The Book Depository ships. (Check this page to see if your country is included)
MANDATORY ENTRY: Go to the Author's Website and tell me something you learned about her or her books there.
EXTRA ENTRIES (please leave a separate comment for each; if you already follow or subscribe prior to this post, leave 2 comments for each):
3. Subscribe via RSS and/or newsletter to Knitting and Sundries (buttons to the right) - I hate clutter in my email box, so my emails are just the headlines of whatever posts I put up that day - if you see one you like, you can click on it to read the full post - 1 entry for each you do
4. Spread the word! Tweet (maximum of ONCE daily - include @jewelknits in the tweet so that I see it. To make it easy, you can use the "Share" button at the bottom of this post! Blog about - 2 entries/comments. Sidebar link to giveaway - 1 entry/comment (leave the URL)
5. Enter another one of my giveaways that are current at the time you post your entry comment. You can get one extra entry for each giveaway that you enter.
5. Enter another one of my giveaways that are current at the time you post your entry comment. You can get one extra entry for each giveaway that you enter.
ALL ENTRIES: Please leave your email in your comments: Like this: imacrazedmommy at whydidihavekids dot com OR like this imacrazedmommy(at)whydidihavekids(dot)com to avoid the spam bots. If I can't reach you, you can't win!
In addition, if you follow, tweet, etc., please leave the name or email address you follow/tweet/subscribe under.
Eligibility: International, 18 and older.
End date: July 10, 2010 at 11:59 PM EST
I will pick the winner(s) using Random.org. I will post the winner(s) on the site AND send an email to the email address used to enter. The winner will then have 72 hours to reply with their mailing information; otherwise, a new winner will be picked. The email will be easy to spot; the subject line will begin "You WON on Knitting and Sundries"
Disclosure: This is a review of a book I personally own. The author was kind enough to offer a complimentary copy for a giveaway in conjuntion with my review. The Amazon links in this review are affiliate links, and will result in a small stipend if purchased through. I was not compensated in any fashion for this review.














85 comments:
It is truly an amazing book. Sugar will be a shadow in my memory for a very long time.
Thank you for mentioning my review.
Thank you for the wonderful review and ultra-fab give-a-away!
Stay on top of the author. I still haven't received a win from LibraryThing that she was supposed to send. I want to read her books, but not if she doesn't hold to her obligations.
I would love to read The Warmest December
dmkayes@gmail.com
I follow via Google Friend Connect
dmkayes@gmail.com
I follow you on Twitter
DivaliciousDK
dmkayes@gmail.com
Entered the Damage giveaway
dmkayes@gmail.com
Entered the Boogie Wipes giveaway
dmkayes@gmail.com
Entered the Shiva's Arms giveaway
dmkayes@gmail.comi
Entered the Betty Crocker giveaway
dmkayes@gmail.com
Entered the Alibi giveaway
dmkayes@gmail.com
Freda: I'm sending an email to you as well, in case you miss this comment.
I'm thinking that there must be some missed communication somewhere, as one of my books came directly from the author and one from the publisher. Both were received in good time.
I would like to enter the contest. After visiting the author's website I learned there is a sequel to Sugar called This Bitter Earth.
peacelily_2006(at)yahoo(dot)com
I am a new GFC follower (MelanieL).
peacelily_2006(at)yahoo(dot)com
I entered the Alibi contest.
peacelily_2006(at)yahoo(dot)com
I entered the Damaged contest.
peacelily_2006(at)yahoo(dot)com
I entered the Shiva's Arms contest.
peacelily_2006(at)yahoo(dot)com
I am now subscribed by email.
peacelily_2006(at)yahoo(dot)com
Hello there! I found you (and this post) through facebook, because I "liked" Bernice just today. :) I'm nearly finished reading Nowhere is a Place, and love love love it; her writing is just wrapped in beautiful. Was thinking how much I'd like to read Sugar. I know I've not been here before, but would like to be included in the entry.
I visited Bernice's website today, too (will go to her blog next), and learned she has a pen name for the racy, humorous stuff. ;)
Oop! I'm sorry. I'm always forgetting some thought or another...
jannawritesATyahooDOTcom
Thanks. :) And best to you, and Bernice.
Bernice L. McFadden was born, raised and currently lives in Brooklyn, New York
lag110 at mchsi dot com
I follow on google friend connect: Lisa Garrett
lag110 at mchsi dot com
I subscribe via google reader
lag110 at mchsi dot com
I entered Shiva's Arms.
lag110 at mchsi dot com
I entered Damaged.
lag110 at mchsi dot com
I entered Alibi.
lag110 at mchsi dot com
I saw on her blog that she also wrote Glorious. I recently won that a gently read copy of that book, and had no idea she wrote that book, too. I've had Sugar on my wish list since I first saw it, and would love a shot at winning it! Thank you!
nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com
I follow Bernice McFadden on Facebook
nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com
I follow your blog
nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com
Subscribe via RSS
nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com
Blogged:
http://cerebralgirl.blogspot.com/2010/06/book-giveaways-in-blogworld-06-26-10.html
nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com
Blogged:
http://cerebralgirl.blogspot.com/2010/06/book-giveaways-in-blogworld-06-26-10.html
nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com
#2
I am also entered in the giveaways for Damaged!
nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com
And I'm entered in the giveaway for Alibi!
nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com
I learned the main quote on her home page is "i write to breathe life back into memory"
@busyworkingmama follows you on twitter
Tweet:
http://twitter.com/nfmgirl/status/17356421370
nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com
Tweet:
http://twitter.com/nfmgirl/status/17423165487
nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com
Tweet:
http://twitter.com/nfmgirl/status/17521901071
nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com
I'm a follower.
aikychien at yahoo dot com
I entered The Secrets of Newberry giveaway.
aikychien at yahoo dot com
I entered the Alibi giveaway.
aikychien at yahoo dot com
I learned that Glorious is set against the backdrops of the Jim Crow South, the Harlem Renaissance, and the civil rights era.
aikychien at yahoo dot com
Follow Bernice McFadden on Twitter @aikchien
aikychien at yahoo dot com
Bernice McFadden's Facebook fan [Aik Chien]
aikychien at yahoo dot com
Follow Knitting and Sundries @aikchien
aikychien at yahoo dot com
Tweet:
http://twitter.com/nfmgirl/status/17729912082
nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com
I read that she was born and lived in Brooklyn, New York. Thanks for making this open to overseas readers. Much appreciated.
mystica123athotmaildotcom
"She is the eldest of four children and the mother of one daughter, R'yane Azsa." *Thanks* for the giveaway!
theluckyladybug[at]gmail[dot]com
Publicly following Naki with Google Friend Connect [Cheryl F. {The Lucky Ladybug}]
theluckyladybug[at]gmail[dot]com
Following @queenazsa on Twitter
theluckyladybug[at]gmail[dot]com
Bernice L. McFadden Facebook friend
theluckyladybug[at]gmail[dot]com
Publicly following Knitting and Sundries with Google Friend Connect [Cheryl F. {The Lucky Ladybug}]
theluckyladybug[at]gmail[dot]com
Subscribed to Knitting and Sundries in reader
theluckyladybug[at]gmail[dot]com
Subscribed to Knitting and Sundries by email
theluckyladybug[at]gmail[dot]com
Tweeted the giveaway {TheLuckyLadybug}
theluckyladybug[at]gmail[dot]com
Blogged about the giveaway { 1 }
theluckyladybug[at]gmail[dot]com
Blogged about the giveaway { 2 }
theluckyladybug[at]gmail[dot]com
Linked the giveaway in sidebar, Delicious
theluckyladybug[at]gmail[dot]com
I also entered the Betty Crocker Mississippi Mud Supreme Bars giveaway
theluckyladybug[at]gmail[dot]com
I learned that she has written many other books including Glorious, Nowhere is a Place, and Camilla's Roses.
Thanks for the giveaway!
lynnx512 at gmail dot com
I tweeted:
http://twitter.com/livelovelynn/status/17817660020
lynnx512 at gmail dot com
On Jan 9th 2010 it was the 10th anniversary of Sugar.cardshark42(at)hotmail(dot)com
I follow Bernice through google friend.cardshark42(at)hotmail(dot)com
I follow Bernice on twitter as 409cope.cardshark42(at)hotmail(dot)com
I follow you through google friend.cardshark42(at)hotmail(dot)com
I follow you on twitter as 409cope.cardshark42(at)hotmail(dot)com
I am an email subscriber.cardshark42(at)hotmail(dot)com
I entered the Alibi giveaway.cardshark42(at)hotmail(dot)com
Tweet:
http://twitter.com/nfmgirl/status/17882800804
nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com
Daily giveaway Tweet {TheLuckyLadybug}
theluckyladybug[at]gmail[dot]com
I learned that she also wrote GLORIOUS. A book I now must read.
marypres@gmail.com
I learned that Bernice L. McFadden was born, raised and currently lives in Brooklyn, New York. She is the eldest of four children and the mother of one daughter, R'yane Azsa.-JD
SamneneD@aol.com
I learned that she was laid off from a job and unemployed for a year and she sights that year as the turning point in her life because she began to dedicate herself to the art of writing.
Thanks for entering me into this giveaway!
unforgetable_dreamer_always(at)hotmail.com
Tweet:
http://twitter.com/nfmgirl/status/18119657382
nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com
Tweet:
https://twitter.com/nfmgirl/status/18192639412
nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com
2010 is sugar's 10 year anniversary
ewhatley at embarqmail.com
I noticed she wrote 4 books under the pen name Geneva Halliday.
doot65ATcomcastDOTnet
I follow Bernice on twitter @blueviolet
I follow Bernice's blog.
I follow you on GFC
I follow you on twitter @blueviolet
I subscribe to your newsletter
doot65ATcomcastDOTnet
"She is the eldest of four children and the mother of one daughter, R'yane Azsa." *Thanks* for the giveaway!
theluckyladybug[at]gmail[dot]com
Tweet:
http://twitter.com/nfmgirl/status/17729912082
nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com
Post a Comment