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A review by aztlan
Sugar by Carly Nugent
dark
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Sugar follows a diabetic 16 year old girl, Persephone, who lives in a small community in the Australian bush. I initially picked it up because I saw the cover at the bookstore and absolutely adored it, and reading the synopsis also sounded like something I'd enjoy.
The first thing I noticed was the uniqueness of the narrator's voice. Persephone makes lists about people, and associates imagery with words (often saying things such as "Search ______: There's me."). Personally, I really loved this, it's something that really helps me feel like I know who a character is, and to connect to them. However, I actually found Persephone very unlikable. She is self-destructive and obstinate, and while I understand why, I didn't really feel like she had any qualities to redeem her for the majority of the book. The novel does follow her as she attempts to reconcile a stranger's death with their life, and in the process is forced to reflect on her own life and attitude. This led her to grow into a character who I think I would like, given more time.
I liked how this was a mystery around death, but did not focus on the cause of the death, but rather on Persephone's perception that there was another reason why she died. This was a more unique mystery to read, and I liked how the rest of the world was forgotten by Persephone, but not by the author, as she got increasingly absorbed. The rest of the world keeps turning, and Persephone is forced to come to terms with her realities as the book progresses.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I thought it was an interesting perspective, and I particularly enjoyed Carly Nugent's writing style.
The first thing I noticed was the uniqueness of the narrator's voice. Persephone makes lists about people, and associates imagery with words (often saying things such as "Search ______: There's me."). Personally, I really loved this, it's something that really helps me feel like I know who a character is, and to connect to them. However, I actually found Persephone very unlikable. She is self-destructive and obstinate, and while I understand why, I didn't really feel like she had any qualities to redeem her for the majority of the book. The novel does follow her as she attempts to reconcile a stranger's death with their life, and in the process is forced to reflect on her own life and attitude. This led her to grow into a character who I think I would like, given more time.
I liked how this was a mystery around death, but did not focus on the cause of the death, but rather on Persephone's perception that there was another reason why she died. This was a more unique mystery to read, and I liked how the rest of the world was forgotten by Persephone, but not by the author, as she got increasingly absorbed. The rest of the world keeps turning, and Persephone is forced to come to terms with her realities as the book progresses.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I thought it was an interesting perspective, and I particularly enjoyed Carly Nugent's writing style.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Car accident
Moderate: Cancer, Death of parent, and Physical abuse
Minor: Medical content