The House That Sugar Built

by Donna Brewster

The nineteenth century saw many changes in the county town of Wigton. A great deal of money was brought to the town by merchant travellers and those engaged in the sugar trade, all of whom profited from slavery. The book records the history of one family, the McGuffies and the connection between Scotland and Barbados.

229 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 1999

Reviews

[Claire O'Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been looking for this book for some time and was very kindly lent a copy by Jacqui of Reading Lasses in Wigtown,Scotland. It’s always very special to read a book in the setting of the story. This was a really interesting read, rich in history with the added benefit of being able to visit some of the settings. I would love to see this republished.

[Kevin Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tremendous book.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm very glad this is now available again, new edition 2023.
Donna Brewster has written a brilliant book. I couldn’t put it down. It reaches me in multiple ways:
Touching me with the humanity, so eloquently expressed. Donna brings the characters alive, imagining their emotions and conversations in the events of their lives.
Informing me on the tragedies and complexities of slavery, and its ongoing effects.
Enlightening me with the places and times portrayed so vividly.
Connecting me with the small-town community, and the isolated woman of colour in their midst.
Fascinating me with the research underpinning the story, especially in the days before so much was available on the internet.
And not least, giving me a deeper look at my own attitudes on difference between human beings, the “us/not us” distinction.

[Fay Emerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book found it very sad at the end. I know it’s a story but it’s part of my family my nana was a Mcgufie and I did get to Wigtown to see our old home stead which was beautiful being refurbished by this beautiful family that welcomed me into there home I would have loved to see the writer but was with husband and family and we were on a time line Regards Fay Emerson

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book whilst on holiday in Wigtown. Really enjoyed reading about the different characters, the scenery I’d seen in Dumfries and Galloway, as well as an insight into Barbados during the time of slavey and colonialism.

[Pam Kerr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great insight into history within Wigtown