nancyjoyner 's review for:

The Queen of Sugar Hill by ReShonda Tate

4.0

challenging emotional inspiring sad tense 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: Yes

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The Queen of Sugar Hill;
A Novel of Hattie McDaniel 

by ReShonda Tate

The Queen of Sugar Hill is a compelling historical fiction that delves into the life of Hattie McDaniel, the first African American woman to win an Academy Award for her role in “Gone With The Wind”. The novel spans from McDaniel’s Oscar win in 1940 to her death in 1952, offering a nuanced portrayal of her resilience and complexity.

The story captures McDaniel’s struggle and triumphs in a Hollywood that often marginalized her. Despite her groundbreaking achievements, she faced criticism from both the Black community, which viewed her roles as perpetuating stereotypes and from white audiences who saw her only as the “Mammy” character. It also highlights the challenges she faced while trying to create more opportunities for black actors and fighting against housing discrimination. 

We also get glimpses into Hattie’s personal life including her friendship with Hollywood royalty Clark Gable and her 4 marriages to men who wanted to use her fame and money for their own good or either to just control her. I have to say, she and I have something in common. In the words of my sister, we both have “poor, picker genes”. 

Even though she was considered wealthy for the times, she died penniless. 

This book had such a profound effect on me. It’s so sad that even in this day and age, there is still so much inequality. 

Genre/Type: Historical Fiction 

Format: Audiobook- Hoopla

Pages: 432

Audio length: 15 hours, 28 minutes 

Narrator(s): Lynnette Freeman

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Series or Standalone: Standalone 

Characters: Hattie McDaniel, Louise Beavers, Clark Gable

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