• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Peeking Between the Pages

Peeking Between the Pages

...escape into the pages of a good book

  • HOME
  • ARCHIVES
  • PAST READS
  • REVIEW POLICY
  • ABOUT ME
  • CONTACT ME

Book Review: Sugar by Bernice McFadden & Giveaway

April 5, 2010 by Darlene

Sugar by Bernice McFadden is a book I would have to say will stick with me for a long time.  This book is not for the faint hearted I will say right off the bat.  The best way to describe it to me is raw and blunt- it is not a book prettied up for people to read- it’s authentic.  It gives us real life back in the 1950’s for the African Americans living in the deep South.  To me, this is what makes this book so powerful – the gritty realness of it.

Bernice McFadden’s writing is vivid in it’s descriptions and she writes with a depth of feeling I haven’t felt from a book in a long time.  Sugar is about two women: Pearl and Sugar and the ways in which lives intertwine even when you aren’t aware of it.  These two women end up affecting each others lives in so many ways.  As the book opens we are shocked by the brutal murder of Pearl’s daughter Jude.  It will leave you feeling battered just reading about it but it has implications further on in the book.  We then find ourselves whisked ahead fifteen years as these two women begin to forge the  friendship that will grow between them.

Pearl, a sixty year old woman is living her life with her husband Joe.  Jude was her daughter and Pearl has never gotten over the horror of the murder of her young daughter.  Pearl is just a simple woman living a simple life.  I was drawn to her in both her grief and in her personality in general.

Sugar is a woman who was left by her mother at a brothel – this is where she grew up.  No surprise that this is the direction her life took as well – she knew no other way.  She tried though, she had always wanted to be a singer but a young black girl – well, let’s just say it was assumed by many that she was anything but a singer.  It broke my heart to read of Sugar’s struggles.  Really she never had a chance with her upbringing and the times that this story takes place.

At first when Peal and Sugar come together there are some fireworks.  Sugar has been hurt by pretty much everyone in her life; she’s not open to new friendships.  Then again she’s never met someone like Pearl who just doesn’t give up.  Plus there’s this one big thing – Sugar reminds Pearl of her daughter Jude.  Over some time these women start to share their thoughts and feelings and in doing this, they are brought together in friendship.

It’s interesting to read just how cruel people can be.  Yes Sugar was a prostitute and I can well imagine that most women wouldn’t want her around their husbands but it still hurt me to read how they treated her.  I guess it’s because as a reader I had the background story on Sugar and could feel these sympathies.  Pearl however saw past that.  Now that’s not to say she agreed with what Sugar did  but she looked past the outer shell to the vulnerable person Sugar was inside and taught her that people could love her for who she was.  In turn, Sugar taught Pearl to live again; to be happy.

The novel Sugar just celebrated it’s 10th anniversary in January of this year.  I am surprised that I had never heard of it before but I have to say that I feel grateful now having had the opportunity to read this novel.  There is also a sequel to Sugar called This Bitter Earth which I intend to read soon.  Sugar is a novel of tragedy, love, loss, forgiveness and to me, most of all, friendship.  It’s well worth reading!  Again, just as a note there is blunt language and graphic sexual content but I have to say at the same time, that in many ways, that’s what makes this novel real in what is the tragedy of life for some.

Be sure to check out Bernice McFadden’s website for information on all of her novels.

GIVEAWAY DETAILS

I’m happy to say that courtesy of the author Bernice McFadden and the publisher, I have 3 copies of Sugar to share with my readers.  All you have to do…

  • Leave me a comment with a way to contact you.
  • Blog or Tweet this giveaway.

This giveaway is open to all!  I will be drawing for the winners on  Sunday, April 25, 2010.  Good luck everyone!

My thanks…to me – I bought my own copy of Sugar.

Share this post!
Share

Filed Under: 2010 ARC Challenge, 2010 Book Reviews, 2010 eBook Challenge, 2010-100+ Challenge

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Alice Teh says

    April 5, 2010 at 10:59 am

    This is exactly the type of book I'd read. I didn't know about this book before your review and certainly didn't know that it is 10 years old! I want to read Sugar's story. I'm glad this is an international giveaway, so I definitely want to give it a shot. Thanks!

    teh(dot)alice(at)gmail(dot)com

  2. Mystica says

    April 5, 2010 at 11:30 am

    I hadnt heard of it at all and am so glad that you have highlighted it. Thanks for that.

    mystica123athotmaildotcom

  3. Just Mom says

    April 5, 2010 at 11:59 am

    love to win this book. This is the second review I've seen on a blog and they were both complimentary.
    theroundfile at live dot com

  4. Sheila (Bookjourney) says

    April 5, 2010 at 1:36 pm

    This sounds like a fantastic read. Excellent review – you really made me want to read this one!

    journey through books @ gmail dot com

  5. Sheila (Bookjourney) says

    April 5, 2010 at 1:36 pm

    I am off to tweet about this one now

    bookjourney

    journeythroughbooks@gmail dot com

  6. Marq says

    April 5, 2010 at 1:43 pm

    I read Glorious last week and loved it! Everyone's been telling me that I should read Sugar. It sounds like a very powerful book.

    lovetoreadforfun (at)gmail (dot)com

  7. rhapsodyinbooks says

    April 5, 2010 at 2:06 pm

    I already have this but just wanted to chime in and say I too thought it was a very good book worth reading! I loved the relationship between the two women, and the character depictions, and the warmth and humor and optimism in the midst of the bad things that happened. Your review is lovely and I hope it convinces many people to read this book!

  8. Zia says

    April 5, 2010 at 2:24 pm

    This sounds like a book that I would enjoy. I would love to be entered.

    Zia
    ziaria(at)gmail(dot)com

  9. traveler says

    April 5, 2010 at 2:25 pm

    Thanks for this giveaway. This story sounds compelling and I would love to read it. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

  10. Serena says

    April 5, 2010 at 2:36 pm

    wow, this book is 10 years old and I haven't even heard of it before. amazing…sounds like a good story. I'd be happy to read this one.

    savvyverseandwit AT gmail

    I'll pop this in my sidebar as usual.

  11. itsJUSTme-wendy says

    April 5, 2010 at 2:37 pm

    Oh my goodness, I think I would LOVE this book.

    Please enter me!

    I am a follower.

    I will post about it , hmmm, on Sat.? Just before the Read-a-thon.

    forevereading at gmail dot com

  12. skkorman says

    April 5, 2010 at 3:32 pm

    Sounds like a good read—please enter me to win!

    skkorman AT bellsouth DOT net

  13. fredamans says

    April 5, 2010 at 3:45 pm

    I just obtained a copy of her new book Glorious, and would love to read Sugar as well.

    freda.mans[at]sympatico.ca

  14. fredamans says

    April 5, 2010 at 3:46 pm

    tweet; http://twitter.com/fredalicious/status/11646701201

    freda.mans[at]sympatico.ca

  15. tetewa says

    April 5, 2010 at 3:51 pm

    I'd like to be included, count me in! tWarner419@aol.com

  16. Tribute Books says

    April 5, 2010 at 3:57 pm

    Sounds good,count me in.info@tribute-books.com.

  17. Bethie says

    April 5, 2010 at 3:58 pm

    Please count me in. I would love to read this. Sounds very interesting to me.
    I am a follower.

    lizzi0915 at aol dot com

  18. bermudaonion says

    April 5, 2010 at 6:00 pm

    Stories like this are great reminders to all of us to try not to judge people – you just never know the hardships someone else has had to deal with. Great review, Dar. No need to enter me.

  19. carolsnotebook says

    April 5, 2010 at 6:16 pm

    Sounds like a very powerful story. I've never heard of it before.

  20. MJ says

    April 5, 2010 at 6:47 pm

    I'd love to read this.

    mj.coward[at]gmail.com

  21. Sheila Deeth says

    April 5, 2010 at 7:09 pm

    I really enjoyed Glorious, by Bernice McFadden, so I'd love to read this one too.

    sdeeth at msn dot com

  22. Sandra K321 says

    April 5, 2010 at 8:23 pm

    Please include me in this giveaway. I have read several reviews (all positive) of this book and would enjoy a chance to read it.
    seknobloch(at)gmail(dot)com

  23. Zibilee says

    April 5, 2010 at 9:27 pm

    No need to enter me, as I have a copy that I will be reviewing shortly. It sounds like I am really going to love this book and I think you wrote a wonderful review on it. Glad you liked it so much, Dar!

  24. Beth(bookaholicmom) says

    April 5, 2010 at 10:25 pm

    I have heard great reviews for this book and would love to win a copy.

    bthgordon at yahoo dot com

  25. Staci says

    April 5, 2010 at 10:34 pm

    It is very amazing how cruel we humans can be to each other…this book sounds hard to read but one that you won't regret spending time with!

  26. J.T. Oldfield says

    April 5, 2010 at 10:40 pm

    I'd love to read this!

    j.t.oldfield[at]gmail.com

  27. xxsquigglesxx says

    April 5, 2010 at 10:44 pm

    Please enter me!

    Tweet: http://twitter.com/squiggles87/status/11664830364

    xxsquigglesxx(At)gmail(Dot)com

  28. mariag says

    April 5, 2010 at 11:12 pm

    Sugar sounds like an amazing read.

    Please count me in.

    fmlj94[at]yahoo[dot]com

  29. Anonymous says

    April 5, 2010 at 11:15 pm

    I would like to read this book!!

    billiondollarprincesss@hotmail.com

  30. Liz says

    April 6, 2010 at 12:30 am

    wow! what a lovely book! thanks for the giveaway 😀

    tweet: http://twitter.com/Lizzyrm/status/11669708403

    Thanks!

    Elizabeth R.
    metalliz_gunner@hotmail.com

  31. GABY says

    April 6, 2010 at 12:44 am

    This is the first time I read about this book, but it seems good.

    Plase enter me for this giveaway: magabygc AT gmail DOT com

  32. Sharli says

    April 6, 2010 at 1:08 am

    I love learning about new books! And this sounds really good. Thanks!

    Tweet: http://twitter.com/Entre_Libros/status/11671016111

    entrelibros_blog at hotmail dot com

  33. Marie says

    April 6, 2010 at 1:16 am

    wow, sounds great! I'm going to pass on the giveaway- I have too many TBRs- but I'll add it to my bookmooch list, and who knows 🙂

  34. rubynreba says

    April 6, 2010 at 1:27 am

    Your review made me really want to read this book. The characters sound so interesting!
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

  35. Martha Lawson says

    April 6, 2010 at 1:45 am

    This one sounds awesome. Please enter me for it..

    I follow

    mlawson17 at hotmail dot com

  36. Marilu says

    April 6, 2010 at 1:54 am

    This book has been on my to read list for a little while. I would love to win a copy. Please enter me.

    lovemykidsandbooks AT gmail DOT com

  37. Margie says

    April 6, 2010 at 2:08 am

    Sounds like an interesting book.
    Thanks for the giveaway.
    mtakala1 AT yabhoo DOT com

  38. Spav says

    April 6, 2010 at 2:16 am

    This sounds really interesting.
    Tweet: http://twitter.com/Sparima/status/11674789425

    spav05(at)gmail(dot)com

  39. Jenn says

    April 6, 2010 at 2:26 am

    What a great referral. Thanks for the giveaway!

    sleepingbette[at]yahoo[dot]com

  40. buddyt says

    April 6, 2010 at 7:38 am

    I had never heard of the book before reading your review.

    Thank you for opening the giveaway up to all, worldwide.

    I am from South Africa and have seen and experienced many of the problems regarding black/white racism and the different experiences of people on both sides of the colour bar.

    Add to this I lost my daughter to an unsolved murder when she was only 24.

    I would dearly like to read this book.

    Thanks.

    Carol T

    buddytho {at} gmail DOT com

  41. Lauren says

    April 6, 2010 at 2:20 pm

    Again with the whole gripping, intense thing. I LOVE books in the old South that discuss slavery issues. They're some of my favorite reads. I follow, and tweeted. @herslntmusings

  42. Aik says

    April 6, 2010 at 2:22 pm

    I'd love to enter. Thanks!

    aikychien at yahoo dot com

  43. Aik says

    April 6, 2010 at 2:23 pm

    I tweeted:

    http://twitter.com/aikchien/status/11700617491

    aikychien at yahoo dot com

  44. AmandaSue says

    April 6, 2010 at 3:10 pm

    I'd love a chance to read this.

    unforgetable_dreamer_always(at)hotmail.com

  45. Anonymous says

    April 6, 2010 at 3:12 pm

    Sounds like a great book
    hails_18@hotmail.com

  46. Tara says

    April 6, 2010 at 4:28 pm

    This sounds amazing, and like you, I'd never heard of it. Thanks for the recommendation.

  47. Christine says

    April 6, 2010 at 4:53 pm

    Interested in reading a new to me author.

    Contact me at chirth7@yahoo.com

    http://twitter.com/Romantic73

  48. IK says

    April 6, 2010 at 5:04 pm

    Thank you for the Giveaway !

    Posted it here:-
    http://internationalgiveaways.blogspot.com/2010/04/3-copies-of-sugar-from-peeking-between.html

    IK
    itzme(dot)insi(at)gmail(dot)com

  49. avalonne83 says

    April 6, 2010 at 6:42 pm

    Great giveaway!

    Please count me in. Thanks.

    avalonne83 [at] yahoo [dot] it

  50. Damla says

    April 6, 2010 at 9:12 pm

    I'd like to win, thanks.
    Tweeted: http://twitter.com/sweepstakelover/status/11718857767

    annabell_lee_dk (at) yahoo.com

  51. a real librarian says

    April 6, 2010 at 9:16 pm

    Sounds awesome!! Thanks for the chance to win!!

    areallibrarian[at]gmail[dot]com

  52. Pam says

    April 7, 2010 at 12:29 am

    This book sounds so intense and emotional. I'd like to read it.

    melacan at hotamil dto com

  53. Anonymous says

    April 7, 2010 at 1:57 am

    A book that would touch the heart and stimulate the soul… Would love to read this. Thank you!

    Aliya D.
    aliyadaya(at)shaw(dot)ca

  54. Toni says

    April 7, 2010 at 3:10 am

    Oh Dar..I have wanted to read this one for a while. Please enter me. Your review only makes me want to read it more.

  55. Amanda says

    April 7, 2010 at 3:32 am

    This sounds really good. =] Ah, so many books to read, so little time!

    ihappydance at gmail dott com

  56. MoziEsmé says

    April 7, 2010 at 4:44 am

    Interesting.

    janemaritz at yahoo dot com

  57. pam says

    April 7, 2010 at 11:16 am

    Open Books. Open minds.

  58. monkey-shines says

    April 7, 2010 at 12:23 pm

    Brand new book to me and it's been around 10 years? Where have I been?

    rubymoonstone at gmail dot com

  59. Desiree says

    April 7, 2010 at 2:51 pm

    I loved this book the first time I read it I am definitely due for a read of this and the sequel

  60. Wanda says

    April 7, 2010 at 5:47 pm

    I've been wanting to read this book for awhile. Like you, it sounds like one that would stay with me long after the last page is read. Glad to hear you enjoyed it, Dar!

    Please count me in for a chance to win, thanks! I'll post here.

    wanda_waiting[@]hotmail[.]com

  61. Burcu says

    April 7, 2010 at 6:29 pm

    love to win this book.

  62. Nicola says

    April 7, 2010 at 6:35 pm

    I've been eyeing this one for a while. Please enter me.

    nicolama at cogeco dot ca

  63. Beth says

    April 8, 2010 at 2:09 am

    This looks great! Please enter me!

    BethsBookReviewBlog AT gmail DOT com

  64. ChristyJan says

    April 8, 2010 at 2:33 am

    Please enter me to win a copy of this book

    hawkes(at)citlink.net

  65. EVA SB says

    April 8, 2010 at 8:55 am

    I would love to read this book – please count me in.

    I tweeted
    http://twitter.com/EVA_n_essence/status/11814104809

    eva.s.black[@]gmail[.]com

  66. Anna says

    April 8, 2010 at 11:43 am

    I've heard a lot of good things about this one. Sounds emotional and powerful.

    I've added the giveaway to my sidebar.

    –Anna
    Diary of an Eccentric
    diaryofaneccentric at hotmail dot com

  67. Debbie says

    April 8, 2010 at 12:44 pm

    I really want this one!
    fourkidsrgreat(at)gmail.com

  68. suzie says

    April 9, 2010 at 12:39 am

    Sounds interesting
    tweeted
    http://twitter.com/suzquiz/status/11852726920
    9oofus(at)gmail(dot)com

  69. Penny says

    April 9, 2010 at 7:21 pm

    I heard about this book awhile ago and it sounds like a great read. Please enter me for the giveway. I follow

    copperpenny12(at)hotmail(dot)com

  70. Darcie K. says

    April 9, 2010 at 9:37 pm

    I can't wait to read this. Thanks for the chance!
    dmkayes@gmail.com

  71. cherylbaryl says

    April 12, 2010 at 6:42 pm

    This sounds like a book I would like to read. Thanks for the chance to win it!
    cherylbaryl@hotmail.com

  72. International Giveaways says

    April 14, 2010 at 4:36 am

    Another great giveaway. 🙂
    Please enter me, it looks like a great read!

    Ronit
    internationalgiveaways[at]gmail[dot]com
    http://internationalgiveaways.blogspot.com

  73. International Giveaways says

    April 14, 2010 at 4:36 am

    Blog post:

    http://internationalgiveaways.blogspot.com/2010/04/3-copies-of-sugar-from-peeking-between.html

    Ronit
    internationalgiveaways[at]gmail[dot]com
    http://internationalgiveaways.blogspot.com

  74. nfmgirl says

    April 15, 2010 at 4:28 pm

    This one is going on my Wish List! Please count me in. Thanks so much!

    nfmgirl AT Gmail DOT com

  75. nfmgirl says

    April 15, 2010 at 4:28 pm

    Blogged:
    http://cerebralgirl.blogspot.com/2010/04/book-giveaways-in-blogworld-04-10-10.html

    nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com

  76. Francine says

    April 16, 2010 at 1:42 am

    Thanks for the giveaway.

    fmd518(at)gmail(dot)com

  77. Missy B. says

    April 16, 2010 at 10:01 am

    I'd love a chance to win Sugar!

    k9kutter64(at)yahoo(dot)com.

  78. Debbie F says

    April 16, 2010 at 7:44 pm

    I really want to read this one! Count me in! Thanks

    dcf_beth at verizon dot net

  79. Lady_Graeye says

    April 18, 2010 at 5:19 am

    This book sounds amazing. Please count me in.
    I am a follower

    lisaglidewell(at)gmail(dot)com

  80. librarypat says

    April 19, 2010 at 5:16 am

    I am surprised I hadn't heard of this book. It sounds like a good window into a time period and segment of the country's population. I would hope the publisher is considering rereleasing this book. There have been several new books out lately that it would complement.

    I am a Follower.

    librarypat AT comcast DOT net

  81. Elise says

    April 21, 2010 at 1:58 am

    Enter me in giveaway.

    I'm a follower.
    caliblue7@gmail.com

  82. Esme says

    April 23, 2010 at 5:01 am

    Sign me up please-sounds wonderful

    chocolateand croissants at yahoo . com

  83. Esme says

    April 23, 2010 at 5:03 am

    cococroissants

    sugar giveaway http://peekingbetweenthepages.blogspot.com/2010/04/book-review-sugar-by-bernice-mcfadden.html

    chocolate and croissants at yahoo . com

  84. Dawn M. says

    April 24, 2010 at 8:03 am

    This sounds interesting. Would love to give it a try. Count me in, please! :0)

    Thanks!
    librarygrinch at gmail dot com

  85. Giuly says

    April 25, 2010 at 5:20 pm

    Hi! thanks for the contest! the cover is beautiful!
    Sidebar: http://my-dreams-factory.blogspot.com/
    Twitter: http://twitter.com/giuly_24/status/12832587946

    giuly_4@hotmail.com

    thanks! =)

  86. Kiara says

    April 26, 2010 at 1:02 am

    Thank you for this giveaway! I'm from Chile 😀

    – I tweeted: http://twitter.com/shinodita/statuses/12853667874
    – Sidebar: http://enlibroabierto.blogspot.com
    – My e-mail address: kiara.dg(at)gmail.com

    (^^)/

  87. Judylynn says

    April 29, 2010 at 1:36 am

    Please enter me in this giveaway – Thanks!

    seizethebookblog(at)gmail(dot)com

    And I am a follower!

Primary Sidebar

Follow Me!

 

Enter your email address to get my latest reviews sent to your inbox!

Recently Shared

  • These Fleeting Shadows by Kate Alice Marshall (Audiobook)
  • The Last to Vanish by Megan Miranda (Audiobook)
  • All Good People Here by Ashley Flowers (Audiobook)
  • Local Gone Missing by Fiona Barton (Audiobook)
  • Upgrade by Blake Crouch (Audiobook)

Archives

Categories

Currently Reading

Orhan's Inheritance
Dear Carolina
The Mapmaker's Children
   

My Reading Pal Sammy

Remembering Buddy

Buddy
• May 25, 2002 - Oct 22, 2010 •
Forever in my heart