Sugar

Title: Sugar

Author: Edward Narain and Tarryn Phillips

Genre: Ethnographic Novel

Publisher: University of Toronto Press

Date Published: 2023

Book Length: 362

Format: E Book supplied by the publisher in return for an honest review

Star Rating: 4**** I liked it a lot and recommend

About Book: In Suva, the bustling capital of Fiji, a tropical cyclone is looming. In this city of dazzling contradictions, three strangers are living worlds apart. Hannah is a young Australian expat who volunteers at a local health organization while leading a heady life of house parties and weekend getaways. Isikeli is a teenager from the informal settlement who has given up on his childhood dream of playing rugby and cares for his diabetic grandmother. Rishika is an Indo-Fijian historian who put her career on hold when she got married, only to find that her once compassionate husband has become increasingly estranged. When a brutal murder causes their worlds to collide, this unlikely trio must search for answers. Along the way, they are each forced to confront uncomfortable truths about development, its darker side, and their place within it.

Based on a combination of long-term research and lived experience, this compelling ethnographic novel reveals the hidden ways global inequality and violence play out in the developing world. Keenly observed and full of heart, Sugar is an intimate portrayal of grief, friendship, and culture clash that will prompt new ways of thinking about the world.

My Thoughts: Sugar by Edward Narain and Tarryn Phillips is an ethnographic novel based on long-term research and lived experiences. The book opens with a compelling hook that immediately drew me in. However, after the initial intrigue, the pace slows as the narrative takes time to introduce the main protagonists and establish their roles in the story. With numerous characters involved, it took me some time to fully grasp who each person was and the significance of their role within the broader narrative.

The authors offer a raw and unfiltered insight into the lives of three very different individuals. This authenticity is the book's greatest strength—everything feels exposed, honest, and free of pretences. At times, the simplicity of the writing enhances this sense of realism, allowing me to truly connect with the lived experiences presented.

The story alternates between the lives of the protagonists, and as the book progresses, the time spent on each perspective gradually shortens, building a sense of tension and urgency. This structure allowed me to feel the contrasts between the characters' lives, particularly the resignation of some to their circumstances within one culture, and the relative naivety of others navigating unfamiliar terrain. This juxtaposition brought depth and poignancy to the storytelling.

One small drawback was the absence of a glossary for the Fijian/Indian words used throughout the book. While these terms enriched the cultural texture of the story, I believe a glossary would have clarified their meanings and enhanced the reading experience for those less familiar with the language.

In conclusion, Sugar is a thought-provoking and immersive read that succeeds in portraying the raw complexities of its protagonists' lives. Through its careful blend of ethnographic research and storytelling, the book captures cultural nuances, personal struggles, and societal dynamics with honesty and depth. Despite some challenges in keeping track of characters and understanding unfamiliar terms, the authenticity and gradual build-up of tension make this a compelling read. It is a book that lingers in the mind, leaving readers with a deeper appreciation for lives and cultures often left unexplored.