Reviews

Sugar by Bernice L. McFadden

austejausteja's review against another edition

4.0

such a powerful book, s/o to the bookclub that got me to pick this up! i was really touched by how feminine and gentle it was among the heaps of horror and s a d

katsba's review against another edition

3.0

Sugar breezes into town and changes the life of Pearl, who has been grieving the murder of her daughter Jude for 15 years. The women form an unlikely friendship and influence each other on profound ways. The secrets of the past cannot, however, remain hidden forever

syvehlla's review against another edition

5.0

WOW... 4.5 stars. This was a great book. I feel the book dragged a little in a few of the early chapters, but it was probably intentional to build suspense. But once I was a few chapters in, I could not put it down. It filled me with so many different emotions, which is how I prefer my books... I love books that make me feel a variety of things. The story of Sugar Lacey and of her friendship with Mrs. Taylor definitely did it for me. I can't wait to get into book #2. I have so many questions lol. Great story of pain, survival, resilience, transformation, and pure friendship. Makes you think about what actually makes a person "good" as well. So I have to say it was fairly thought-provoking.

linniekin's review against another edition

4.0

I really enjoyed this. McFadden has a beautiful tone that sweeps you into the world of her characters - the language is just lovely. Interested to read what she writes next.

shoshthemost's review against another edition

challenging reflective sad medium-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

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, and Abandonment

blanchreads's review against another edition

5.0

This book celebrated its 20th year in publication last year and why did I only read this now? Definitely late in the game but glad I read it. This is so good! Sugar is about a young prostitute named Sugar who arrives in a small town of Arkansas, set in the 50s, to start a new life and get away from her past. She moves next door to Pearl Taylor, naive, religious and who is still grieving for the murder of her daughter fifteen years ago. An unlikely friendship starts between Pearl and Sugar that will change both their lives and the community they live in.

This is a beautifully written book. The connection of both women that forms seeking their own happiness, truth, loneliness and loss that they found in each other. The ending is something that will make you think and will leave you wanting for more. There are so many questions but it’s something that I am not left disappointed. Definitely a must read!

blvkgirlreads's review against another edition

5.0

I had to pace myself with this one. It took me down so many paths that I was stressed about the hand life dealt the characters. It began with the most loathed topic for me. If I knew it would be brought up I would have never even picked up the book, but I’m so glad I did. I’m so glad I read this. I had to face some fears and ponder on things that are the ugliest parts of life. I had to realize life goes on and this did not end with everything tied in a pretty bow. It was raw and I’m sure it will stick with me for a long time. Still I needed this. I needed to spend this time with my thoughts and know these fictional people. I don’t want to relive this book it was not a pleasant ride, but it was worthy.

akyw's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional sad slow-paced

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

3.5

julieb's review against another edition

4.0

Precise, authentic, beautiful writing about the specific grief caused by the loss of a child, up there with Allende & Didion.

thuggs1913's review against another edition

5.0

Can't wait to read the sequel..... This book is very engaging. I read it in two days....enjoyed it!