Reviews tagging 'Racism'

Sugar by Bernice L. McFadden

5 reviews

jordynkw's review

dark emotional reflective tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Pedophilia, Racism, Child death, Grief, Hate crime, Rape, Murder, Trafficking, and Violence

my_a's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Beautiful writing and touching characters. The story and writing has not aged a day. I was shock when i saw its 23 years old! Some chapters were heartbreaking and uncomfortable to read. 

But I did often find it hard to follow the quick changes in timelines as they were very sudden and unclear.

I had no expectations when i started reading but wow I loved this book, really beautiful writing. I'm looking forward to reading the 2nd Suga Lacey book.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Violence, Sexual assault, Pedophilia, Sexual content, Misogyny, Grief, Death, Racial slurs, Rape, Sexual violence, Racism, Child death, and Child abuse

Minor: Infidelity

books_plus_brownies's review

emotional reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Racism, Physical abuse, Grief, and Death

edenangus's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child death, Sexual violence, Sexual assault, Rape, and Grief

Moderate: Racial slurs and Racism

Minor: Drug use

books_baking_brews's review against another edition

dark reflective fast-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Sugar by Bernice L McFadden

Synopsis:  Set in 1950s Arkansas, Sugar tells the tell of the unlikely friendship which forms between young prostitute Sugar Lacey and grieving mother Pearl Taylor.  When Sugar moves next door to Pearl, she immediately scandalizes the town sitting naked in her front room and receiving clients into her home.  But Pearl and Sugar are drawn to each, and both are still very much dealing with their traumatic pasts.

I had been looking into McFadden’s catalog ever since reading A Praise Song for the Butterflies.  So when I had the chance to read Sugar, I jumped at it, and I was not disappointed.  Definitely in my top 10 reads of last year.  I loved McFadden’s development and treatment of both women, the way she handled the racism prevalent at that time, and how small towns can sometimes be too insular if you don't fit the mold.  I was sad to leave the two friends at the end, but then I discovered there was a part 2 to Sugar’s story, and I immediately ordered it.  I can’t wait to dive into This Bitter Earth next!  Five stars from me and would recommend.  

CW:  child abuse, death of a child, racism

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child death, Grief, Physical abuse, Racism, and Child abuse