A review by books_baking_brews
Sugar by Bernice L. McFadden

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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