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I read this book in one sitting, something I haven't done since I fell in love with the girl in the sweet shop. This is a page turner, I just kept wanting to know. I loved the mystery, I loved the characters, I loved the setting, I loved the writing, I loved the sugar cane.
Benjamin Zephaniah
A fascinating and accomplished debut novel, 21 Jun 2013
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This review is from: Sugar Cane (Kindle Edition)
A thought-provoking and interesting novel that deals with Beth's life as she journeys to Mauritius to scatter her father's ashes. The descriptions of Mauritius and its history invoke a desire to visit and find out more. A very enjoyable read.
By P. A. Morgan
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canne à sucre, February 13, 2013
This review is from: Sugar Cane (Kindle Edition)
I picked up this book at a famous travel book shop in London not knowing about the author. But I do know Mauritius, Reunion and England and I love the taste of sugar cane, a chilhood taste for me also so her description made complete sense. The story reads quickly and there is good suspense throughout, excellent beach read or to keep the winter away. It is much more than a beach read though.The author certainly has captured some of the difficulties about living in one country being from a different culture/colour. She expresses very well how lost you can feel - a stranger in both the land where you live/were born and in the land of your foreparents. Most probably deep personal thoughts and hurts are being exposed in a very lively, colourful and precise way. It is rare to read an author who addresses racism in such a tactful and meaningful way, yet it exists whether in England or in an exotic island. The people in the story are credible. It turns essentially between the main character and her father and the main character and her girl friend. (The relation between the main character and her friend seems to be more important and closer than the relation with the husband, a sign of the times perhaps...) (...spoiler removed....)
A very good read to take you to parts of Mauritius that you may not discover by yourself. The use of language is pleasant and does reflect Mauritius multi-lengualism although the author having lived in England and writing for an anglo saxon audience does not mix in nearly as much French and Creole as a local would do.
An incredible debut!, 2 Feb 2013
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David Fenn (UK) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Sugar Cane (Kindle Edition)
I’d only got a few pages in to this book when I realised I liked what I was reading and had discovered an author of some significant talent.A girl’s father dies and leaves her with a mysterious apology and half a confession; so she travels to his homeland of Mauritius only to discover a very dark and troubled past indeed.
Sounds formulaic, doesn’t it – however this story is anything but. This is in fact a rattling good read and a superb piece of work. After an intriguing start, the pace builds steadily throughout and although the switch to first person immediate for the final section is perhaps too much of a gear change, I can see why the author did it.
It does work; I’m just not a fan of that tense.
Sugar Cane is not my usual reading genre, but I was absolutely drawn in by the plot and realistic characters. That’s the cornerstone of Emma Fry’s writing; characters – the realistic and down to earth nature of our protagonist and the dialogue throughout is superb, and I’d honestly go as far as to say that her dialogue is the best I have read from a new writer in a very, very long time. With colloquialisms, accent, French and a bit of Creole, it is totally believable and engaging beyond belief for a first novel. Only Steve King can do dialogue better than this!
Regardless of what you usually read – this will be the best few quid you’ll spend on your kindle this month – and I don’t half look forward to more work from a lady who is I am sure going to be quite a name in the writing world.
Dive in, the Sugar Cane is lovely!, 12 Jan 2013
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This review is from: Sugar Cane (Paperback)
I have a few favourite authors whose style I enjoy and whose stories I am happy to escape into despite that fact that this same familiarity also leads to my ability to second guess the plot, the characters, the twist and often the climax.So even on the back of glowing reviews and recommendations, I opened Sugar Cane with that prickle of uncertainty that I would be able to connect and enjoy this story from an unfamiliar pen. That fear was unfounded, and the opening chapters quickly introduced a dual story thread and twin character origins, each with its own voice and angle on the plot.
The writing style is accessible and light, without the baggage of drawn out description or the condescension of excruciatingly detailed exposition. There are terms and language that I wasn't familiar with, and yet it was intriguing, in context and did nothing to distract. The chapters were succinct, advancing one character, and then alternating to the other storyline allowing you to keep up with both effortlessly as well as digest the developments and twists as they arrived.
The story, a voyage of discovery and an unravelling of the central character's past and present kept developing. As soon as you had an idea what was next, the plot would twist again. At the end of every chapter I was compelled to read on and find out what came next.
The author's voice is fresh and vibrant, describing a world and characters I related to and then gloriously leading to an unfamiliar place and filling it with beauty, adventure and intrigue.
For a new adventure and a wonderful story experience, open Sugar Cane, dive in and enjoy!
Gripping and different, 6 Oct 2012
This review is from: Sugar Cane (Kindle Edition)
I think the best thing about Sugar Cane was how different it was, a different country and a different culture and most certainly a different way of telling a story, having her father telling his part of the story from beyond the grave was quite brilliant and I couldn't stop turning the pages to find out what happened next to poor Beth who had unintentionally dropped herself into a deep mire where there seemed little or no escape. I think E E Fry is a writer to watch and I will most certainly be looking for future work.
Brilliant,
By
This review is from: Sugar Cane (Paperback)
Fantastic Read! Easy to read and get lost in for many hours into the morning! would recommend to many others. |
Four and a half stars - Let Sugar Cane take you away!,September 20, 2012
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This review is from: Sugar Cane (Kindle Edition)
I'm sure my high school geography teacher would be thrilled if he knew one of his students actually retained something from his class all these years later. When I received Sugar Cane for review, I actually delighted myself when I realized I remembered that the island of Mauritius was located in the Indian Ocean. Being from the U.S. where our island destinations tend to trend towards Hawaii, the Caribbean and Bali that's about all I knew, though. I'm happy to say that quickly changed as I dove into this novel, which gave me Mauritian history and social studies lessons, and a travel guide so well written I could almost "see" the island. All this was woven so artfully and intricately throughout the story and the lives of its characters that I didn't even realize I was actually learning something. Bravo, Ms. Fry!Sugar Cane is the story of Elizabeth "Beth" LaBelle, a young woman uneasy with her heritage in her homeland of England. Although she has a good life with her husband and loving parents, her father, George, has been quite secretive about his Mauritian roots, which has translated to insecurity and doubt for his daughter. George dies, leaving Beth a mysterious box full of devastating family secrets and one final request -- that she scatter his ashes in a specific sugar cane field on the island of his birth.
Sugar Cane is told from two points of view, Beth's and her father's (his from beyond the grave), as well as two periods of time. Beth's story is told in the present, as she travels to Mauritius and struggles to carry out her father's last wishes and to understand who she really is. George tells a tale of his youth, a period of social unrest and forbidden love, in an attempt to explain his actions to both himself and the reader. Ms. Fry does all of this with flair and an obvious deep understanding of the human emotions involved. She guides the reader gently but firmly through the recesses of Beth and George's psyches, eventually wrapping the reader in a warm blanket of understanding and empathy for the characters. Despite the different points of view and travelling from time period to time period, the reader is never confused and it doesn't feel like there is too much going on; a trap that a lesser writer could have easily fallen into. Quite the contrary, the two separate stories complimented each other nicely, and I enjoyed the rhythm of going back and forth between the two. In spite of the seriousness of the subject matter, the author takes us on a fun ride, blending humor and colorful characters with a good, solid mystery.
Ultimately, this book is also a story about the island of Mauritius itself, and Ms. Fry incorporates its personality throughout the story, taking us past the sleek touristy image and giving us a glimpse of the social turmoil and political unrest of the past. She dares point the finger at western culture and its greedy ways that so often throughout history has stuck its paws where it didn't belong, taking what it wanted and leaving native cultures confused and used up. You may or may not agree with her opinions here, but I tip my hat to her for having the courage to write what she believes is an integral part of the story despite the fact that it may turn some readers away. If it does turn you away, you are narrow-minded and naive, and it is your loss.
I thoroughly enjoyed Sugar Cane. It is a mature, well thought out story that obviously means a lot to the author. The plot is captivating and the writing polished. I loved the element of mystery and suspense, which kept me guessing and turning the page. I didn't see the ending coming, and I love it when that happens! The characters of Beth and her family are well-drawn and fully fleshed out, and I felt I was inside their heads learning about them as they uncovered secrets about themselves that even they didn't know. This is on my must read list, and I will heartily recommend it to my friends. Congratulations, Ms. Fry, on a commanding, elegant, and thoroughly engaging first novel!
Excellent read that transports you away!,
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This review is from: Sugar Cane (Kindle Edition)
Sugar Cane made going to bed (my reading time!) an absolute pleasure! Centered around the island of Mauritius, the authors love and knowledge of this island is very apparent. Told in modern day with a historical back story, the island and her history are absolutely fascinating. It is a history that I knew nothing of, and as well as learning something about what is generally perceived to be an island of paradise, there was plenty of action and adventure.Highly recommended and I am looking forward to reading more by Ms. Fry
This was a great book, it kept me guessing right to the very end.
What is really interesting is that the story, a mystery, is told from two perspectives; a living person and a dead person, and the story is a culminates in the shared understanding of the two.
The story takes you from England (dreary and grey) to Mauritius (exotic) and blends in some of the island history, cuisine and language.
The story, as I said above, is a mystery with a twist; a confession in the form of a letter left to a daughter. The information turns her world upside down and sends her on a journey to discover her Mauritian roots and perform a final deed for her father.
Loved it, loved it, loved it
What is really interesting is that the story, a mystery, is told from two perspectives; a living person and a dead person, and the story is a culminates in the shared understanding of the two.
The story takes you from England (dreary and grey) to Mauritius (exotic) and blends in some of the island history, cuisine and language.
The story, as I said above, is a mystery with a twist; a confession in the form of a letter left to a daughter. The information turns her world upside down and sends her on a journey to discover her Mauritian roots and perform a final deed for her father.
Loved it, loved it, loved it
A Mauritian Tour de Force!, August 30, 2012
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This review is from: Sugar Cane (Kindle Edition)
When George Labelle dies, he leaves his 33-year-old daughter Elizabeth a curious legacy: a box full of memories and a letter containing, among other things, a startling confession. Now she must go to Mauritius, not only to carry out her father's final wishes, but also to discover her long-concealed (but long-suspected) roots. Will she succeed against the opposition of those who, for reasons of their own, would much prefer the dead past to remain so?Although a work of fiction, E. E. Fry's SUGAR CANE reads at times almost autobiographically--a product, undoubtedly, of the author's skill and of her love for Mauritius. The book is divided into three parts. In the first two, Elizabeth's journey is alternately interspersed with chapters from her father's history, as told from his point of view. In Part Three, as the tale reaches its climax, the author switches to a present-tense narration--something I'm usually not comfortable with, but that in this case works exceptionally well. The story has everything a good story needs: a protagonist with a goal, conflict with opponents who don't want her to win, and a (contextually) logical and satisfying resolution.
My criticisms are slight by comparison. The book is liberally seasoned with words and phrases from Mauritian Creole, the meaning of which is usually (but not always) obvious from the context of the story. Ms. Fry provides a glossary at the back of the book, but the reader may find himself momentarily baffled from time to time as he reads. The formatting and arrangement are generally excellent, though in the .pdf copy I read, I found the paragraphs indented more deeply than usual. Errata are few and far between, certainly no more than would be found in a traditionally-published book: in the most glaring example, "Mauritians" was on two occasions rendered as "Mauritian's"--also, early in the book, the 23d Psalm was mistakenly identified as the 27th.
I give 4 marks out of 5 for technical merit, and all 5 for artistic impression. That rounds up to a 5, and I wholeheartedly second the author's motion: Dive into SUGAR CANE!
Hooked, 20 Aug 2012
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This review is from: Sugar Cane (Kindle Edition)
Sugar Cane was the first book I had bothered to pick up for quite a while after previously being an avid reader. I was hooked and read the book (on my kindle) on the train whilst commuting over a couple of days. Not being familiar with Mauritius the book paints a vivid picture for you where you can smell, feel and hear the story and thats exactly what a good story should do. I could see in my imagination Beth standing in the Sugar Cane field. The story wasn't predictable, it has a fabulous twist. The plot had everything, suspense, love, hate, romance, regret, sorrow...well done Emma, I await your next book.
A Beautiful Journey in the Depth of Faith <3, August 12, 2012
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Nuz (BE) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Sugar Cane (Paperback)
Emma E Fry amazes by all the choices she made for this book. The title relates instantly to sugar sweet Mauritius, the darling of tourists and the haven of love and harmony. The strength of Emma's words, the beauty of her descriptions are just too real. The tantalising scents and tastes of enchanting Mauritius hearken to life at the touch of her pen. This book is 'unputdownable' in one invented word! Before reading I have also shared with my Auntie Katie who read through it till the very last pages on the same day and she also thought it was really very well written. I will be offering a copy to my most treasured people because the book speaks of a Treasure Island in every sense of the word 'Treasure', and it relates to the Mauritian heritage in the highest doses of justified prettiness and hope. Mauritius is beautiful and Emma captured its essence most observingly in one captivating story which is touched by the magic of FAITH. I loved every sentence.
Best ever novel i have read in ages., August 9, 2012
This review is from: Sugar Cane (Kindle Edition)
Let me just say that i have not read a book in ages. The last time i can remember having read one would go back to as far as 1985 or so. Anyway coming to this novel, all i can say is that it is one most intriguing and captivating book i have ever read. I finished it in almost 4 days and the last time i was reading it was from 1 am till about 8 am . I spent a whole sleepless night since i wanted to know what was unfolding chapter after chapter. I am of Mauritian origin and have been to many of the places mentioned in the book, yet the way they were described in the novel made me want to re visit them. Once i started the novel, i would not bulge and got stuck to reading for hours. What was interesting though was the feeling of being part of the plot or it was like i was watching a movie.I am even thinking about asking a few movie directors if they would be interested in putting all this in images. Hats off to the author Emma Fry. I look forward to reading more of her future works. She has just made another big fan;)
A compelling read, 19 July 2012
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This review is from: Sugar Cane (Kindle Edition)
As a prolific reader with a diverse taste in reading material -from autobiographies and travel stories to thrillers and chick-lit, I was intrigued by the synopsis and excellent reviews for this book and eagerly downloaded a copy.Wow I was certainly not disappointed! From the first paragraph I found myself unable to put it down. The story itself is full of mystery, suspense and family ties, told in such a way that as a reader you are literally transported to Mauritius where much of the action takes place. I loved how the author used colloquial dialect, vivid description of delicious food and the mysterious sugar cane fields that harbour a secret the heroine of the tale, Beth, has to unravel in order to lay ghosts of the past to rest. The main characters in this book are depicted in such a way that even with their insecurities and misguided loyalty, you care about them and want to keep reading to find out what happens to them. One of my favourite parts in the book is where Beth is recalling her childhood when she would ask her father to `read her.' I had thought this was a childlike way of asking for a story but was enchanted to discover it was in fact a precious moment when her father lovingly read her face. When she enquires `And do you like reading me daddy?' He answers `Of course, because I helped to write you, Elizabeth. Just like you helped to write me.'
It is hard to believe this is a debut novel as the author writes in such a compelling way and clearly has a natural gift for storytelling. I have read some amazing books this year, one of my favourites being The Help, I would put Sugar Cane right up there in the same league and would highly recommend you discover it for yourself.
Sugar Cane, July 7, 2012 (Amazon US)
This review is from: Sugar Cane (Kindle Edition)
I picked up the book "Sugar Cane" on my way to the beach. I had never heard of the author, but the title was quite intriguing. Sugar is my weakness. I thought it would be fun to read, just another book to kill time while lying on the beach. Oh My Gosh! Was I ever surprised? It was 11:00 in the morning when I openned the book and set my eyes on the first page, and the next thing I knew the sun was dipping below the horizon and the shore was nearly deserted. I was still sitting glued to pages, drawn to the story like metal to a magnet, unable to put the book down.It story took me into an amazing journey from gloomy England, to the shores of the enchanted island of Mauritius! Where you live and breath sugar cane and you can feel the hidden merger of the early tremulous times of slavery and horror to the present-days of tranquility and beauty. Fry has done an excellent job in keeping the reader eager trying to keep up with Beth Stephens's journey following her father's passing. She blends smoothly into those pages a mixture of so many tangible feeling such as loss, fear, love, hope, murder, and self-identity. The book is enticing and I know you would love it. When I finally finished the book I found myself wanting more. I hope Fry will keep writing because she has an amazing talent for telling a story that will hold you a prisoner to the very end. Fry will be on the list of favorite authors.
Transports you away to another dimension!, 5 July 2012
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This review is from: Sugar Cane (Kindle Edition)
.A book has to be good to capture my imagination and keep me wanting to turn the pages. It has to demand my attention, rudely, if necessary. It has to blend the transition between everyday life and pure, evocative horror. This book does not fall into a 'dip in occasionally' category, far from it. This book is tantalisingly teasing in its subtle, subversive, and secretive way. It tempts you to turn the pages without shouting out loud. The author has presented the reader with not only an educational taster for this beautiful jewel of an island in the Indian Ocean,but takes you there as well. You can actually taste the food, smell the street vendors mouthwatering chilli hot treats, gasp at the symphony of colours in the market in Quatre Bornes, even roast in the heat, and take your life in your hands when you cross the roads, there! Yes, the buses churn out fumes, cars that have long ceased to be seen on the roads here in the UK can be seen there, a feast indeed for enthusiasts. Flic en Flac has a magic all of its own, where you can lose yourself, literally.The sand is so white it hurts your eyes, the sea so blue, its unreal. This book builds slowly into a catalogue of events that will leave you breathless in their apparent innocence, but then the 'dark side' appears, and you wonder what happened to the last 2 hours of your life. It will lay bear your suspicious nature, and with a cruel twist of the authors pen, will leave you wondering who to trust. After reading this book, you will be demanding its sequel, or another brilliant work, and if its not forthcoming, will be complaining bitterly to this 'new kid on the block'. Read it, enjoy it, it almost comes with its own guarantee, as they say, you will not be disappointed - nor will the Mauritian Tourist Board!
By bugster
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
Cracking debut novel., 2 July 2012
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This review is from: Sugar Cane (Kindle Edition)
I really enjoyed this book which takes you from England to the warm sandy shores of Mauritius. This is a love story, a travel book and also a thriller with good strong dialogue and evocative descriptions.You are taken beyond the tranquil perceived facade to the undercurrents of racialism both in the past and the present, here and in Mauritius. E.E.Fry writes with authority and,as a first novel, Sugar Cane will hopefully not be her last.
An eye opener, 8 Jun 2012
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This review is from: Sugar Cane (Kindle Edition)
I loved this book and got well and truly lost in it on those cold wet bus journeys to work. We think of Mauritius as an island paradise of endless white sandy beaches, crystal clear water, palm trees and tropical fish......and it is! That's what makes it a wonderful setting for an adventure but Sugar Cane goes much further, delving into the island's turbulent past and the stuff they don't talk about in glossy brochures and travel guides. The author transports you there (saving you the 900 odd quid it costs for a return ticket these days) and some clever writing and even some Creole help to suck you in and keep you there. Highly recommended.
Sugar Cane, 10 Jun 2012
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This review is from: Sugar Cane (Kindle Edition)
It is a long time since a book kept me from my beauty sleep but 'Sugar Cane' was one of those novels which it was impossible to leave. At first I stopped reading to check the meanings of some of the Creole terms but, by the second chapter this wasn't necessary, they blended seamlessly into the story.The descriptions of the characters and locations were detailed enough to fire my imagination but not too detailed to overpower the scenes moving through my mind. I was oblivious to the passage of time, transported to another world with its sights, sounds and smells. It is unlikely that I will be lucky enough to visit Mauritius but whilst reading Emma's book I was already there!
This novel is not only a love story, travelogue and thriller it also gives an insight into the impact of the introduction of a mix of race, religion and culture on a small island which has lessons for us in our own time.
I enjoyed reading this book with its unexpected twists to the plot leading me in directions I didn't expect to go. I would highly recommend this book, well done.
a perfect holiday read, 31 May 2012
This review is from: Sugar Cane (Kindle Edition)
As a general rule I rarely read fiction, but with its characters and dialogue sugar cane had this awkward, gritty realism to it that reminded of what I love about some of my favourite films. Then in the space of a few pages the story instantly transported me to another world and time, to an equally gritty but more romantic Indian Ocean reality sometime in the 60's with plenty more equally wonderful and woeful characters which helped the narrative twist, turn and bite you when you least expect it. A great story with an unlikely heroine, believable and entertaining characters, excellent dialogue..... and a big secret.
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