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Sweetness and Light
India, monsoon season.
Connor, an Australian expat with a brutal past, spends his time running low-stakes scams on tourists in a sleepy beachside town. Sasha, an American in search of spiritual guidance, heads to an isolated ashram in the hope of mending a broken heart.
When one of Connor’s grifts goes horribly wrong, it sets in motion a chain of events that brings the two lost souls together - and as they try to navigate a world of gangsters, gurus and secret agendas, they begin to realise that within the ashram’s utopian community, something is deeply, deeply wrong …
Racing from the beaches of Goa to the streets of Delhi to the jungles of Tamil Nadu, Sweetness and Light is an intoxicating, unsettling story of the battle between light and dark, love and lust, morality and corruption. This is an explosive and unforgettable novel that confirms Liam Pieper’s place as one of Australia’s finest, sharpest writers.
Connor, an Australian expat with a brutal past, spends his time running low-stakes scams on tourists in a sleepy beachside town. Sasha, an American in search of spiritual guidance, heads to an isolated ashram in the hope of mending a broken heart.
When one of Connor’s grifts goes horribly wrong, it sets in motion a chain of events that brings the two lost souls together - and as they try to navigate a world of gangsters, gurus and secret agendas, they begin to realise that within the ashram’s utopian community, something is deeply, deeply wrong …
Racing from the beaches of Goa to the streets of Delhi to the jungles of Tamil Nadu, Sweetness and Light is an intoxicating, unsettling story of the battle between light and dark, love and lust, morality and corruption. This is an explosive and unforgettable novel that confirms Liam Pieper’s place as one of Australia’s finest, sharpest writers.
336 pages, Paperback
Published March 3, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
May 8, 2020
I loved this till the end, then in total horror I slammed it shut. I have read an 'uncorrected proof advance', and truly thought that pages had been missed out. After reading these reviews I realise that this is the end. Aside from that the only reason I have given it 4* is because it is so well written, so adept at sucking you in, full of hope, redemption, self forgiveness. Should have realised it was too good to be true.What a s*** end. Now I hate this book.
March 29, 2020
This was a dark and deep story than it first appears. I was left with a sense of despair, but acceptance, that the search for sweetness and light in life is a triumph over the forces that have shaped us. Connor is an Australian near Goa, a conman, whose moral compass was shaped by his childhood in Newcastle with an abusive, grifting father, but also who has become who he is through the transient population he lives among. He has no personal connections, or people to support and shelter him. Then there is Sasha, an American doctor doing the Eat, Pray, Love sort of thing after a messy divorce. She shares the same childhood neglect as Connor, though hers is more benign. But how has she learned to anchor herself in this world? She tries to find purpose, a vocation. But her life's arc has also been shaped by those who have taken advantage of her. She does not have the same ability to grift as Connor. Most of the story is told through Sasha's perspective, and when the two characters' trajectories become entwined, the story races to its inevitable climax.
July 5, 2021
This is a really ambitious, action packed novel. I felt it suffered from clunky jumps between characters and backwards and forwards in time- they took me out of the story for the most part. I also didn't connect with Sasha at all, she felt 2 dimensional & artificial. It would probably make a much better tv series than book. 3 stars.
June 12, 2021
What a book - sheesh. I loved the ride this took me one. I loved the Indian setting too - it felt so real. Very well written and a real page turner. Heartbreaking on a number of occasions. What an ending! 4.5 stars, almost 5…
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February 13, 2025I'm too blown away to give it a rating.
May 17, 2020
Always a good sign when you finish a book and immediately want to reread it. I highly recommend this one!
January 21, 2025
Hmm like a 2.5. Hugely boring but the ending was a MEGA plot twist it was epic
July 18, 2021
This one threw me if I'm honest and I really wasn't too sure how I would take to it....
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March 24, 2020
I was a little challenged but the structure of Liam's latest book until my suspicions rose that, much like the Australian band's name, a tropical fu*k storm was brewing.
April 9, 2020
I found zero sweetness or light in this book. It had promise but the characters were idiots and showed zero growth.
July 12, 2020
Far from sweetness and light, with unpleasant characters. Far from my experience if India.
August 23, 2020
In yoga, one seeks enlightenment through asana, pranayama, relaxation and meditation. The lives of Connor and Sasha were created around the need to focus, and finding a sense of focus, when their actions often spoke for themselves. This book is un-nerving, unsettling. There seems to eb a constant battle everywhere and for everyone. Connor does not get to chase his Olympic swimming dream, and turns to scamming lonely rich women seeking their own enlightenment on the beaches near Goa. Sasha, doctor and only child of immigrants hiding from their own lives, leaves her empty life in the US for the same kind of search in the jungles of Tamil Nadu. Their meeting is almost of opposite forces coming together, where their karmas intertwined and reshaped their destinies unlike any other.
There was such a juxtaposition of the setting of this book. The idea that many come as a pilgrimage to find a deeper meaning within themselves, in sheer contrast to the poverty, illness, and misery of some. The sweetness of the book was sickly, the light was shrouded by shadows and a veil of butterflies churning like birds of prey, waiting to land. Connor, really, is nothing more than despicable, stripped away of emotion from childhood to his place now, running from the drug cartels he mixed himself up within. Sasha had a lovely heart yet felt the owed the gods a little too much for all of her mistakes.
Those last pages, those last very lines, make you wonder whether the path to enlightenment is always about looking after number one. And whether that really is the point of it all. No matter what you might do for another, you always still have your own interests at heart. There was no warming to either Connor or Sasha – neither being redeemable - and the tipping point between selflessness and selfishness seemed to always be lurking around every corner.
There was such a juxtaposition of the setting of this book. The idea that many come as a pilgrimage to find a deeper meaning within themselves, in sheer contrast to the poverty, illness, and misery of some. The sweetness of the book was sickly, the light was shrouded by shadows and a veil of butterflies churning like birds of prey, waiting to land. Connor, really, is nothing more than despicable, stripped away of emotion from childhood to his place now, running from the drug cartels he mixed himself up within. Sasha had a lovely heart yet felt the owed the gods a little too much for all of her mistakes.
Those last pages, those last very lines, make you wonder whether the path to enlightenment is always about looking after number one. And whether that really is the point of it all. No matter what you might do for another, you always still have your own interests at heart. There was no warming to either Connor or Sasha – neither being redeemable - and the tipping point between selflessness and selfishness seemed to always be lurking around every corner.
March 10, 2021
Connor is an Australian living in Goa and after a rather brutal childhood in Newcastle, he now spends his time scamming tourists. Sasha is a New Yorker who after her own traumatic childhood and adult life, comes to India to an ashram seeking spiritual guidance.
The two meet on a train and although Connor tries one of his scams on Sasha he is foiled and they develop a relationship of sorts, despite being vastly different people. Connor goes to live at the ashram with Sasha and through their involvement with the ashram/village school, it looks as if both of them are on the road to reconciling their pasts and finding some purpose in life.
Well.....let me tell you, there is nothing sweet or light about this book and I’m still not entirely sure how I feel about it. I was initially drawn to it by it being set in Goa and Delhi - both places I have been to, however I do have to say that I did not get a real sense of place from the author’s writing. However, the characters were very strong. They were not particularly likable, but they were definitely interesting. I will note that there is not a strong plot in this book, as it is more character driven. I don’t mind that at all, in fact I’m a big one for strong characters, but if you’re more plot driven this may not be for you.
The ending is what completely threw me. Just when you felt that you were getting a feel for where the characters were heading, the ending was very confronting and like a slap in the face. What I had considered was around a 3.5 star book had just been shattered by the very unsettling ending! But does that make it better or worse than 3.5 stars?? I literally considered this for hours! Finally I realized that any book that has the power to unsettle me so much and make me think about it for hours is a good one, so I’m giving this ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5.
The two meet on a train and although Connor tries one of his scams on Sasha he is foiled and they develop a relationship of sorts, despite being vastly different people. Connor goes to live at the ashram with Sasha and through their involvement with the ashram/village school, it looks as if both of them are on the road to reconciling their pasts and finding some purpose in life.
Well.....let me tell you, there is nothing sweet or light about this book and I’m still not entirely sure how I feel about it. I was initially drawn to it by it being set in Goa and Delhi - both places I have been to, however I do have to say that I did not get a real sense of place from the author’s writing. However, the characters were very strong. They were not particularly likable, but they were definitely interesting. I will note that there is not a strong plot in this book, as it is more character driven. I don’t mind that at all, in fact I’m a big one for strong characters, but if you’re more plot driven this may not be for you.
The ending is what completely threw me. Just when you felt that you were getting a feel for where the characters were heading, the ending was very confronting and like a slap in the face. What I had considered was around a 3.5 star book had just been shattered by the very unsettling ending! But does that make it better or worse than 3.5 stars?? I literally considered this for hours! Finally I realized that any book that has the power to unsettle me so much and make me think about it for hours is a good one, so I’m giving this ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5.
June 19, 2020
I know from previous writings by Liam that he has a documented history of drug addiction and therefore (I guess) memories and access to those memories of the depravity of that kind of world, characters and behaviour.
I began reading this book and thought Wow, he also has a broad handle on India, conditions, living there and being a westerner visiting India. And of course, the underworld and how it 'helps' drive India's engine, as it does (I assume) other lands with a large population of the poor.
Enjoyed reading this book isn't the most accurate description of the experience, but it definitely caught me up and I engaged in the story.
On the flip of a coin / the head of a nail is how grey the line is between living a 'good' life and not. Having and having not. And Liam describes this in Connor's life very clearly and with intricate skill. He could have had it all!
Well worth the read. Bleak.
I began reading this book and thought Wow, he also has a broad handle on India, conditions, living there and being a westerner visiting India. And of course, the underworld and how it 'helps' drive India's engine, as it does (I assume) other lands with a large population of the poor.
Enjoyed reading this book isn't the most accurate description of the experience, but it definitely caught me up and I engaged in the story.
On the flip of a coin / the head of a nail is how grey the line is between living a 'good' life and not. Having and having not. And Liam describes this in Connor's life very clearly and with intricate skill. He could have had it all!
Well worth the read. Bleak.
July 25, 2021
This story of a hustler doing what he needs to get by and a woman trying to find herself in a foreign land reminds me of the people you meet while travelling. Many times I know I’ve been ripped off but I let it be as it doesn’t make too much difference to me. However, a few blind eyes and aloofness, you can find yourself in a dangerous situation.
I was frustrated with the main female character, she let herself be ‘played’ and as a result endured tough consequences. I’m sure this happens to many solo female travellers - who while looking for something, are often blindsided.
Through my psychological training, I understand just how much our upbringing and our parents shape us and influences our behaviour, well into adulthood. The hurt adult is a child trying to figure it out. Some do figure it out, some keep hurting and end up hurting others along the way.
I was frustrated with the main female character, she let herself be ‘played’ and as a result endured tough consequences. I’m sure this happens to many solo female travellers - who while looking for something, are often blindsided.
Through my psychological training, I understand just how much our upbringing and our parents shape us and influences our behaviour, well into adulthood. The hurt adult is a child trying to figure it out. Some do figure it out, some keep hurting and end up hurting others along the way.
June 18, 2020
Fav quotes:
He has brought a well-thumbed copy of Catcher in the Rye, a guaranteed conversation starter—everyone's favorite book—especially those who have only read one book. - Page 25.
Sasha knew she had no reason to be unhappy, which only made it worse. She began to understand depression as a finance term—you have everything yo could possibly want, but your resources are scuppered by inflation, practically useless. Her spirit made no sense to her anymore. - Page 214.
He's so graceful in the water, a different person entirely—to see him dive under the waves and pop up and improbable distance away, playful as the foam, makes Sasha wonder how many different people a person can house inside them. - Page 266.
He has brought a well-thumbed copy of Catcher in the Rye, a guaranteed conversation starter—everyone's favorite book—especially those who have only read one book. - Page 25.
Sasha knew she had no reason to be unhappy, which only made it worse. She began to understand depression as a finance term—you have everything yo could possibly want, but your resources are scuppered by inflation, practically useless. Her spirit made no sense to her anymore. - Page 214.
He's so graceful in the water, a different person entirely—to see him dive under the waves and pop up and improbable distance away, playful as the foam, makes Sasha wonder how many different people a person can house inside them. - Page 266.
December 9, 2022
Not a bad read, but nothing particularly memorable. I think the author had the bones of the story but couldn't quite wrap it up - like some of the details of the climax were just too hard to get down, so he just skipped them completely - and just starts the next paragraph as if it all happened in the past leaving you to fill in the details yourself. Not an uncommon technique, but it felt like a bit of a cop-out in this case
Shows a familiarity but not a deep understanding of India, where the novel is set. It's well-written enough, evenly paced and in clear prose. Although the author does take time to develop the characters and give them a history, they remain a little unrealistic and two-dimensional.
Shows a familiarity but not a deep understanding of India, where the novel is set. It's well-written enough, evenly paced and in clear prose. Although the author does take time to develop the characters and give them a history, they remain a little unrealistic and two-dimensional.
February 9, 2024
If Shantaram and Eat Pray Love had a baby, it would be Sweetness and Light!
An Aussie escaping the repercussions of his actions, finds himself in India where he learns the ways of the locals at an out of the way beach-side tourist town.
An American escaping her broken marriage gets an exclusive invitation to join a secret ashram in the jungles of India where she’ll scrub floors and do yoga.
Everything is challenging but hopeful and somewhat idyllic, until it’s not…
A tragic accident leads to a chance encounter that will lead to the most unexpected ending for one!
A great read, laying bare the realities of living in a foreign culture and a reminder that travelling to escape or erase your past (or present) does not always end in bed with Javier Bardem!
An Aussie escaping the repercussions of his actions, finds himself in India where he learns the ways of the locals at an out of the way beach-side tourist town.
An American escaping her broken marriage gets an exclusive invitation to join a secret ashram in the jungles of India where she’ll scrub floors and do yoga.
Everything is challenging but hopeful and somewhat idyllic, until it’s not…
A tragic accident leads to a chance encounter that will lead to the most unexpected ending for one!
A great read, laying bare the realities of living in a foreign culture and a reminder that travelling to escape or erase your past (or present) does not always end in bed with Javier Bardem!
April 13, 2020
This was a beautifully written joy to read. I really enjoyed the way it wound back the clock and delved into the character's origin stories.
It has me longing to travel again only with some new found wariness of strangers. Longing for the days when the EPLs can roam around with their yoga mats and serene smug smiles.
I strongly recommend this book. It was wonderful. So well written. One minute I was tense, the next smirking, the next full of hate for the protagonist. I won't give away how I felt at the end but I will say that I just loved this book from start to finish.
It has me longing to travel again only with some new found wariness of strangers. Longing for the days when the EPLs can roam around with their yoga mats and serene smug smiles.
I strongly recommend this book. It was wonderful. So well written. One minute I was tense, the next smirking, the next full of hate for the protagonist. I won't give away how I felt at the end but I will say that I just loved this book from start to finish.
July 13, 2021
I chose to read this book as the male protagonist grew up in Newcastle, Australia - a pretty grim description of the town in the 90s is depicted.
Connor lives in India, scamming tourists; his path crosses with Sasha, a broken hearted New Yorker who seeks recovery in a yoga ashram.
I found this a bit of a nothing story but a very easy n quick read. The ending seemed rushed and was hugely disappointing.
Connor lives in India, scamming tourists; his path crosses with Sasha, a broken hearted New Yorker who seeks recovery in a yoga ashram.
I found this a bit of a nothing story but a very easy n quick read. The ending seemed rushed and was hugely disappointing.
April 29, 2022
As a note in the local library copy says: “Disturbing”
I’m dithering between 3 and 4. At times the writing is a bit clunky and some of the characters’ actions in particular Baba’s don’t ring true. Sasha is a little one dimensional.
Nevertheless it is a story that will stay with me for a long time.
I’m dithering between 3 and 4. At times the writing is a bit clunky and some of the characters’ actions in particular Baba’s don’t ring true. Sasha is a little one dimensional.
Nevertheless it is a story that will stay with me for a long time.
May 7, 2022
This book was a great read from start to finish. The way the plot's momentum developed kept me just wanting to read more. The two main characters were depicted brilliantly and the story of their relationship was unpredictable. No way did l see the last page ending coming!
Liam..... l look forward to reading your next book
Darren
Liam..... l look forward to reading your next book
Darren
May 15, 2020
This is such a good book with an ending that takes you completely (and perfectly) by surprise.
Liam Pieper is one of my favourite authors and this book absolutely does not disappoint.
Highly recommend.
Liam Pieper is one of my favourite authors and this book absolutely does not disappoint.
Highly recommend.
December 9, 2020
All sweetness and light (and darkness and menace)
Great storytelling and memorable characters and settings. I read it in a day. Brim full of insights into the paradoxical qualities of all of the big feelings and experiences
Great storytelling and memorable characters and settings. I read it in a day. Brim full of insights into the paradoxical qualities of all of the big feelings and experiences
June 3, 2021
Couldn’t put it down. These characters really get under your skin. Loved the way the writer used childhood flashbacks to add depth and context to the characters, especially all the inter-generational trauma around alcohol. The ending will rock you.
May 17, 2023
This was brilliant. Criminal underbelly of India amidst the flotsam of touristic superficiality blends in immoral choices. Two people similarly damaged cross paths on a cliff edge of criminality and survival. She wants to help; he wants to take and survive above all else. Astonishing read.
January 6, 2025
I really enjoyed this, a perfect summer read - light but not too light, and sweet but not too sweet. The darkness is gripping and the setting is fabulous. The pacing of the book was just right and I finished it far too quickly.
May 16, 2020
I was swept along with this book. Complex characters and just when all is tied up neatly, a surprise and tragic ending. Loved it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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May 23, 2020Mostly engaging, there was a point that my interest waned, but it picked up again. Good, solid ending.
May 31, 2020
Well written and engaging. Liam is a fantastic story teller however the ending was not what I had hoped for. Left me with a sour taste in my mouth.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews