Reviews

Sugar by Bernice L. McFadden

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jemsfirst's review against another edition

5.0

Spicy, saucy, raw, unapologetic story of two women, Sugar and Pearl, in mid 20th century Arkansas. McFadden is a wonderful storyteller. She does not hold back on painting an intense and shocking picture for her readers.

pinkdino88's review against another edition

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3.0

I feel conflicted. I wish this app would give the ability for half stars as this would be a 3.5. The characters did feel complex and I really enjoyed following and getting to know Pearl and Sugar. I love stories which center female friendships in all there complexity. However the second half of the novel felt weaker to me and I didn't love how it tied up.

2treads's review against another edition

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emotional sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

McFadden writes difficult topics here with a set of characters that engender such empathy for what they go through.

Content Warnings

lifeaskia's review against another edition

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5.0

BRUH!!! WHY did it take me so long to read this masterpiece??? My heart breaks for Sugar. Bernice McFadden might be the goat!

theqissilent's review against another edition

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5.0

I'm not sure I have the words to adequately express the emotions and the tears this book dragged out of me. So vivid and so brutal. I wasn't just reading Sugar's loneliness, the despair, the hopelessness - I felt it. I was left feeling as empty as Pearl. At times I didn't want to put it down, while not wanting to continue reading because I couldn't face what I knew or suspected was to come.

Bernice McFadden has found a true fan in me. Her writing brings to life the tales that parents, grandparents, and great-grands never shared, found too difficult to speak of. The weary acceptance of being colored in the Pre-Civil Rights South. Of doing what you have to do just to make it another day.

What a compelling and thought-provoking story of true love, healing, real spirituality, the good and bad of small town life.

And that's about as coherent as I can manage. Off to start This Bitter Earth.

kaylynnhunt's review against another edition

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5.0

Lord folks and their secrets

I placed myself in the heart of Sugar. I found myself cursing out loud at the judgement passing people of this town. You can never know what one person endured, how they feel or what leads them to their actions. This tale had me wondering guessing and gasping at the revelations revealed. And before it was all said and done, I wiped years from my face.