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The House at Sugar Beach

Helene Cooper

Discussion: Books Set in Africa

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Books Set in Africa

* African Authors
By Diane , Armchair Tour Guide · 16 posts · 923 views

last updated Feb 06, 2025 09:27PM

Gambia
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What Members Thought

Sep 28, 2008 Susan rated it liked it

The author's ancestors were freed slaves, among the first to be relocated to Liberia. The writing could have been a bit more interesting, but still, it is a good look at lives in a country most people (including me) really didn't know anything about. ...more

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Aug 28, 2015 Beverly rated it really liked it

This was a 3.5 read for me

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Sep 13, 2008 Nadine in NY Jones rated it really liked it

Shelves: memoir-and-autobiographical-essays

I read an excerpt from this book during the summer (possibly in the NY Times, can't remember) and it was completely engrossing. Saw it on the front page of the NYT Book Review this Sunday and remembered how much I enjoyed the excerpt - I'll definitely be reading this one in its entirety.

Fascinating and well-written. The author was extremely sympathetic and charismatic, and I enjoyed all the family pictures included. Unfortunately, I couldn't help comparing this book to "Don't Let's Go to the Dog ...more

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Jun 29, 2012 Ruth rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites, memoir-read

Helene Cooper's memoir of love, tragedy, and survival during the war in Liberia is as moving as it is unforgetable. ...more

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Jan 10, 2010 Doina rated it liked it

Shelves: biographies-memoirs

I kind of liked it. I'm not quite sure why though. It was an easy read, I'll give it that. I also liked the fact that she inserted snippets of history in the memoir. As for the memoir part, she focuses too much on her childhood (where she presents herself as a spoiled brat), and skips over most of her teenage years and adulthood. I wish she would have included more details. There's also too much repetition, i.e. when talking about her great-great grandparents and other relatives, etc. I'm divide ...more

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