December 2018 - Sugar Money

[Peggy, Moderator]

One of the group reads for December is Sugar Money by Jane Harris. Please discuss the book in this thread.

Lisa will be leading the discussion.

In order to receive a badge you must:
1. have completed the book before or during December 2018.
2. discussed it in this thread. Discussion must be more than "I read the book and I liked it". Discussion requires something more substantial and analytical of what you read, for example, thoughts, opinions, impact it had on you, what was your favourite part, was it what you expected it to be like etc. You may also like to review the book and post a link to the review in this thread. Please refer to our group spoiler policy for further information.
3. Report that you have read AND discussed the book in the reporting thread (include a brief summary of what you thought of the book).

General Rules:
1. Please mark your spoilers with the spoiler tags along with mentioning what stage of the book you are at so other's don't get a nasty shock. Chapter numbers/titles are generally best as they are the same across all formats and editions. See our spoiler policy
2. The book may be combined with the Year Long Challenge, Topplers, and Monthly Challenges.

Happy reading!

[Lisa]

I have been really looking forward to reading this. It's been on my TBR for ages and I have heard so many good things about it. Who is going to be reading it alongside me?

[Jenn]

I’ll be joining you post toppler 😃

[TrudyA]

I have my library copy ready to go, right after my toppler book.

[Janice, Moderator]

I have a book between the toppler and this book, so I'll be about a week joining in.

[Lisa]

Great! I'm looking forward to discussing it with you all 😀. I am not going to be participating in the toppler so I have already made a start on this. From what I've read so far, I think it's going to throw up some interesting discussion.

[Lilisa]

I'll be joining next week some time - looking forward to the discussion.

[Lisa]

I have read up to Chapter 10 (page 51). I abandoned the previous Jane Harris book I tried to read, The Observations, because I just could not get into it. However, I think I am going to have much better luck with this one as it has already pulled me in.

I really like the way the book is written. The dialect spoken by both Lucien and his brother Emile is a mixture of English, French and Creole which took a tiny bit of getting used to initially, but I can see why the author chose to use it as it adds a real authenticity to the writing and the characters. I am also enjoying reading along in a Caribbean accent inside my head. Although I am not far in, I already think Lucien is shaping up to be a really memorable main character. He is quite witty and I am enjoying the interactions between himself and Emile. Emile is also very intriguing. It's clear that (view spoiler)[he has witnessed (and possibly participated in) some terrible things which he is now trying to keep a secret from Lucien, which probably explains why he sometimes acts a bit cold towards him. He is trying to protect him from something (hide spoiler)].

Hands up who guessed (view spoiler)[Emile and Lucien's mission to Grenada was going to be far more dangerous than Father Clèophas made it out to be? It sounds like they are walking into a death trap so it's little wonder Emile was so reluctant for Lucien to come along. How awful as well for them not be able to refuse to go because they are slaves. No matter how many books I read on the subject, it always makes my skin crawl and my stomach turn to think how many people were subjected to slavery and all the appalling things that came with it. It must have been such a horrible thing to live through (hide spoiler)].

Bianco is (view spoiler)[pretty creepy. I really don't like the way he keeps staring at Lucien. It makes him seem untrustworthy. Also, is he really deaf and mute? I know he didn't react when Emile threatened to murder him but I'm still not convinced that it isn't all an act (hide spoiler)].

Apparently this book is based on a little known true story. Has anyone here heard of it before? I certainly hadn't.

[Lisa]

I'm now at Chapter 16 (page 88).

(view spoiler)[Bianco, or Mr. White as he is actually known, is not deaf or mute. I was not surprised by this revelation, I said in my previous comment that I had my suspicions he was only pretending. What I was surprised about is that he is English. That makes him even more untrustworthy IMO. Why is he seemingly helping Emile and Lucien to steal back slaves from his own countrymen? Has he turned against the English for some reason? Can he be trusted not to double cross Emile and Lucien? Also, does Clèophas know he is English? It seems like he does as he was the one who hired him and let him know all about the plan, but maybe Mr. White was playing him too? At this point, I don't really know who to trust, apart from the obvious (hide spoiler)].

What happened (view spoiler)[with the French Lieutenant that Emile is so reluctant to talk about? Every time Lucien brings it up, he either changes the subject or pretends not to have heard. Is he ashamed? Does he feel guilt over something? I really hope we find out what is was (hide spoiler)].

I am really enjoying this book so far. It's more character-driven than plot-driven at the moment, but it's still very dramatic and gripping. I can see why it has so many rave reviews.

[Dawn]

I am currently listening to the audiobook of this. I generally have a hard time with books written in dialect, but the Caribbean accent is charming to listen to. Highly recommend the audiobook!
I am about halfway through and the suspense is killing me!

[Lisa]

Dawn wrote: "I am currently listening to the audiobook of this. I generally have a hard time with books written in dialect, but the Caribbean accent is charming to listen to. Highly recommend the audiobook!
I a..."

I agree about how suspenseful it is, Dawn. I wasn't expecting it to be as gripping as it is. It's got all the tension and suspense of a thriller, even though it technically isn't one.

I'm glad you are enjoying the audiobook. Who is the narrator?

[Dawn]

The narrator is James Goode. His narration is excellent and is really adding a lot to an already enjoyable read.

[Lisa]

Dawn wrote: "The narrator is James Goode. His narration is excellent and is really adding a lot to an already enjoyable read."

I might have to check it out. I'm reading it in hardback but I think it would be an experience to listen to it as well. Caribbean accents are always quite pleasing on the ear I find.

[Margo]

I will start this very soon. My current book is limping, painfully to an end with less than 2.5 hours to go. It will be a relief to put myself out of its misery LOL I am excited to get started on this one.

I listened to The Observations and really enjoyed it. It this one if half as good I will be happy. I am glad to read such positive comments about the audio Dawn 😃

[Lisa]

Margo wrote: "I will start this very soon. My current book is limping, painfully to an end with less than 2.5 hours to go. It will be a relief to put myself out of its misery LOL I am excited to get started on t..."

Is that One Day, Margo? I tried to read that whilst on holiday 6 years ago and I ended up DNFing it. It was pretty awful. Hopefully you will enjoy this a lot more.

[Lisa]

I'm now up to Chapter 21 (page 130).

I love the banter between Lucien and Emile. I wasn't expecting there to be any humour in a book like this, so it's been a nice surprise. Their little quips are really adding to the reading experience for me as they are helping to balance out the darker and more intense moments.

Talking of darker moments, (view spoiler)[some of the horrors and brutality of the slave trade are now starting to come to light. The punishments handed out to the slaves are shocking, particularly the nailing of an ear to a wall. I have read about that kind of thing happening before, it seemed to be a pretty common punishment in many countries back in the day, but it always makes me cringe. As for Lucien and Emile's father, what a nasty piece of work he was! It feels like he forced himself on female slaves just so he could be cruel to any resulting mixed race children. What he did to Lucien, flogging him half to death, was awful! One last thing about punishments, I wonder what it was that Chevallier was alluding to when he said there were worse punishments handed out to the slaves than ear nailing, collars and bilboes? It must be pretty horrific as he clearly didn't want to go into detail about it (hide spoiler)].

(view spoiler)[Céleste is pregnant. I had a feeling she was going to be. The question is, who is the father? Another slave or one of the English? My money is on the latter. Either way, it's clearly devastated Emile (hide spoiler)].

If this book carries on being as good as it has been so far, I can see it becoming one of my favourite books of the year. I am trying to ration myself to a few chapters each day because otherwise I would just keep on reading and not get anything else done!

[Margo]

Lisa wrote: "Margo wrote: "I will start this very soon. My current book is limping, painfully to an end with less than 2.5 hours to go. It will be a relief to put myself out of its misery LOL I am excited to ge..."

Yep, it is One Day. I have the audio in my library for years so I wanted to get it out of the way. I wouldn't call it awful, I'll give it 2.5 stars. Not sure why I'm still listening but I have only 5 min left thank goodness!!

[Lisa]

Margo wrote: "Lisa wrote: "Margo wrote: "I will start this very soon. My current book is limping, painfully to an end with less than 2.5 hours to go. It will be a relief to put myself out of its misery LOL I am ..."

Sounds like you enjoyed it a tiny bit more than I did! I couldn't stand either of the main characters, particularly the guy, which is why I ended up DNFing it. I also thought it was pretty boring. At least you are almost at the end now and it's one more book ticked off the list.

[Margo]

Lisa wrote: "Margo wrote: "Lisa wrote: "Margo wrote: "I will start this very soon. My current book is limping, painfully to an end with less than 2.5 hours to go. It will be a relief to put myself out of its mi..."

Finished now (hurrah!!!) and ready to start Sugar Money tonight.

[Lisa]

Margo wrote: "Lisa wrote: "Margo wrote: "Lisa wrote: "Margo wrote: "I will start this very soon. My current book is limping, painfully to an end with less than 2.5 hours to go. It will be a relief to put myself ..."

Yay!

[Margo]

I am somewhere in chapter 6. Liking it so far. The audio is great. The sing song cadence of the boys voice is very easy on the ear and a pleasure to here. I'm not catching every word but it feels like what I miss is unnessessary. I love the mix of dialects, it adds to the atmosphere.

Chapter 1 to 5 (view spoiler)[ Great start. We are introduced to the young slave boy. He is a lively, cocky character who seems likable but nieve. I am guessing that his elder brother has seen bad things and wants to protect his kid brother. Needless to say, I don't trust the friar who is sending on this mission which you just know is going to end well.

Jane Harris has a real knack for creating morally dubious characters that the reader can't help but care about. (hide spoiler)]

[Lisa]

Glad you are enjoying it so far, Margo. I'm pretty certain the words you are not catching are not important to the story. I have had to look some words up on odd occasions because I wasn't 100% sure what they meant, and others where I couldn't be bothered to look something up (just me being lazy) so I have probably missed the odd thing too.

I had similar thoughts to you with regards to your spoilers from Chapters 1-5. (view spoiler)[I love Lucien's cockiness. I have actually been laughing out loud at some of his comments and reactions to things. He thinks he is a man and there are times when he seems older and more mature than his actual years, but then there are other times when you can see he is very much still a child (hide spoiler)].

[Lisa]

I'm up to Chapter 30 (page 181).

I now know what the (view spoiler)[horrible punishment that Chevallier was so reluctant to talk about is. 'Martial Medicine'. That was seriously disgusting to read about! I can't believe they actually forced people to do that. Forcing Augustin to eat his severed, cooked ear was vile too. These punishments are off the scale! It says something that many of these slaves wanted to go back and serve the French (who dealt out pretty nasty punishments too) rather than stay and suffer under the English. The French seem to treat their slaves positively kindly by comparison.

So, it looks like Bryant is the father of Céleste's baby. Out of all the people, it had to be him, possibly one of the cruelest characters we have met in the book so far. I can't imagine she willing gave herself to him either. I expect he raped her or threatened her with punishment if she did not agree to give herself to him.

The scene where Lucien met Maillard and Bryant in the woods was so tense! I was certain Bryant was going to have him captured or follow him back to the cabin and catch both him and Emile. He was certainly suspicious and I don't think he bought Lucien's story for a second. Thankfully Maillard came to Lucien's rescue and diffused the situation but I think that will only be a temporary respite. Bryant definitely smelt a rat and I doubt he will let it go. I just hope they can get away with the other slaves before he discovers who they are and what they are doing.

I think it may have been a mistake to trust Saturnin with the plans for escape. I know Emile didn't really have much choice but to tell him of the plan, seeing as he is the driver of the slaves, but if anyone is likely to go and blab to the English, it's going to be him (hide spoiler)].

[Lisa]

I'm now up to Chapter 35 (page 213).

(view spoiler)[The time to try and escape from Grenada is nearly upon us. At the moment Saturnin appears to be onside but I still don't trust him.

I was holding my breath when the drunk Bell nearly discovered Lucien amongst the crops. I also thought he might discover the plans for escape and all hell would break loose. Thank goodness Lucien was able to advert it by making his animal noises! But now he has been bitten by something. What bad timing! He seems to think it was some kind of insect but I'm wondering if it was a snake. Whatever it was, it certainly caused him to have one weird dream! I really hope it doesn't interfere with their plans. If he can't walk, run or climb properly because of it I'm not sure what they will do. Emile could possibly carry him, or some of the other slaves could, but it will slow them down which is not what they need (hide spoiler)].

This is getting tense!

[TrudyA]

I read Gillespie and I a few years ago, and enjoyed it immensely, so have been looking forward to Sugar Money since I became aware of it via Lisa’s nomination. I have finally been able to get a good start on the book, and so far at least, it is living up to my high expectations. I’m at the end of chapter 20 (view spoiler)[ Celeste and Emile have just met again, and circumstances aren’t ideal. (hide spoiler)]

Jane Harris is such a wonderful story teller! The writing is so vibrant, and not a word is wasted. (view spoiler)[ Lucien is a terrific narrator. I love his cockiness, his sarcasm, and his quirky use of similes. There is no melodrama in his telling of the story, even when brutal. I was caught off guard by the manner in which he told the story of Augustin and his ear. I fear the atrocities of slavery are going to take on greater importance as the story progresses. Suspense is building. (hide spoiler)]

Time to review the comments above.

[Lisa]

TrudyAn wrote: "I read Gillespie and I a few years ago, and enjoyed it immensely, so have been looking forward to Sugar Money since I became aware of it via Lisa’s nomination. I hav..."

I'm glad to hear it's living up to your high expectations so far, TrudyAn 🙂. I haven't read Gillespie and I but I did try to read The Observations and that didn't turn out too well as I ended up DNFing it. I was interested in reading this but I wasn't sure what to expect from it in all honesty. It's blown me away completely. I LOVE it! I have been recommending it to as many people as I can get to listen to me and I haven't even finished it yet. They are probably sick of hearing me rave about it! Lol.

I completely agree about the author's writing here. It has a vibrancy which wasn't noticeable to me in The Observations. I may have to give it another go as it's possible I wasn't in the right frame of mind for it the last time I tried to read it. I am a mood reader and if I am not in the right mood for a book, I do tend to struggle with it. That's probably what happened with 'The Observations'. Now, back to this. (view spoiler)[Lucien is a delightful character isn't he? He is very matter-of-fact about things and I really like that (hide spoiler)]. What do you think about his brother? Do you like him?

[TrudyA]

Lisa wrote: "What do you think about his brother? Do you like him?."

(view spoiler)[ Emile is intense, somewhat aloof, and a bit morose. I like that he is very protective of Lucien. I don’t feel I know him well enough yet to understand his real character. There have been hints of something going on with him, and of course, he is understandably upset about Celeste. What do you think of him? (hide spoiler)]

I hope you add Gillespie and I to your TBR. It’s the type of book where it is best to avoid the reviews before you read it.

[Lisa]

TrudyAn, (view spoiler)[I like Emile. He is difficult to understand and nail down but that is what makes him interesting to me. You can tell he is hiding things and I like the air of mystery that gives to him. I love how he is with Lucien. You can tell he really cares for him. The banter between them is great too. It adds a whole other layer to the story and it was something that was totally unexpected. You don't expect humour in a story about slavery (hide spoiler)].

I have added Gillespie and I to my TBR. I will make sure not to read any reviews beforehand.

[Lilisa]

Just finished Part 1. I am enjoying it so far - nice set up and now I'm interested in the voyage. I'm impressed by the writing - don't know if it's authentic but it works for me.

[Lisa]

Lilisa wrote: "Just finished Part 1. I am enjoying it so far - nice set up and now I'm interested in the voyage. I'm impressed by the writing - don't know if it's authentic but it works for me."

I've a feeling the writing is fairly authentic. Some of the words the characters use are a bit too modern for the 1760s but I reckon the dialects, accents etc, are pretty accurate. As you say, it works and it works well.

[Margo]

Sorry I haven't been very involved in this read. I am making my way through it but there's alot going on here. I have had visitoers for the weekend and they've only just left.

Chapter 34 (view spoiler)[ I am not sure if the fault lies with me or with with the story but I am not grabbed by this one. I loved the first bit with the two brothers and the monks and then the so called deaf- mute sea captain but when hoards of slaves came into it, it lost me. I will look through the spoilers up to where I'm at tomorrow and see what you are all making of it (hide spoiler)]

[Margo]

I finished the book earlier.

Overall thoughts (view spoiler)[ I was a little disappointed in this one, maybe because I expected too much from it, maybe I just wasn't in the right frame of mind.

I loved the main characters. As others have commented the banter between was excellent and seemed really natural. I loved Laurants turn of phrase and similes (also previously commented on). I guessed pretty early that they wouldn't both make it and as the younger was narrating it wasn't hard to figure out how was for the high jump! That too a bit of enjoyment from the book.

Once the boys met up with all the other slaves I had an awful job figuring out who was who. Also, at that point it became more plot driven which was also a turn off for me. Really I was just waiting for the hatchet to drop!

I was really grateful that this book didn't focus too much on the cruelty that most "slave" stories seem to revel in. There was a nod to that side of things but it wasn't a theme.

I loved the narratuon. The reader was so good! I wish it eas possible to share clips online but I would urge anyone who read this to go to audible and listen to the sample - 5 star narration though I would give the story between 3 and 4 stars.

Can anyone tell me what happened to Celeste? Either I snoozed and missed it or it didn't say. Of course that's the problem with true stories - life doesn't dot all the i's like fiction does LOL

(hide spoiler)]

[Lisa]

Sorry to hear this didn't quite work for you, Margo. It's always a shame isn't it, when you have high expectations for something and it's doesn't meet them.

I haven't been able to read much these past couple of days so I still haven't finished but I'm hoping to get it done in the next few days. I will take a look at your final thoughts then, Margo.

[Margo]

I did like it, just not as much as I thought I would. I use GR rating system so 3.5 stars (I always use half stars which is not the GR way!!) means I like it. The Observations was 5 star for me so I went in with false expectations LOL

I guess my comments focused on the things I was disappointed with. Jane Harris writes extremely good characters and that is what saved this book. Sorry for sounding overly critical! I really do like this author ;-)

[Lisa]

Margo wrote: "I did like it, just not as much as I thought I would. I use GR rating system so 3.5 stars (I always use half stars which is not the GR way!!) means I like it. The Observations was 5 s..."

Don't apologise for being critical, Margo. You are only expressing your opinion. You weren't particularly critical of it anyway 😉. It would be so much easier if Goodreads allowed us to use half stars. I often have to round up or round down when it comes to rating books and it's not always reflective of how I truly feel about them.

The characters are definitely the highlight of this book for me. The plot is good too, it's had me on the edge of my seat plenty of times, but the characterisation is what has given it that little "something extra" for me. I could read about them and their interactions with each other all day.

[Jenn]

Noooooooooo, I was getting all excited for this one, went to download it last night only to find that my library didn't get this one in its Hoopla bundle :( so, I'll have to wait and see if they work fast on my suggestion

[Lisa]

Jenn wrote: "Noooooooooo, I was getting all excited for this one, went to download it last night only to find that my library didn't get this one in its Hoopla bundle :( so, I'll have to wait and see if they wo..."

Oh no, Jenn! That's so annoying!

[Debra]

I started today. Wish I knew a bit of French or had the audiobook. I always get a hiccup in my reading when a foreign language is included. It isn't deterring from my enjoyment of the first-person narration, though. So far, I'm liking the flow and getting to know the main characters.

[Janice, Moderator]

I started the book yesterday. I'm not sure where I am in the story, (listening to the audiobook). I just know I'm a little lost about what's going on. I'll go back and read some of the spoilers.

[Dawn]

Margo wrote: "I finished the book earlier.

Overall thoughts I was a little disappointed in this one, maybe because I expected too much from it, maybe I just wasn't in the right frame of mind.

I loved the mai..."
If you listen to the afterword on the audiobook, you can find out what happened to Celeste.

[Lisa]

I finished last night. I gave it 4/4.5 stars in the end because the final few pages were not the strongest. Up until then it had been a 5 star read without question. It's still one of my favourite books of 2018 though 🙂. Here is my review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I will post some further thoughts in a bit.

[Margo]

Dawn wrote: "Margo wrote: "I finished the book earlier.

I ..."

I completely missed the afterword! (view spoiler)[ so, looks like Cleofas is the father. Wow, he was a nasty piece of work! (hide spoiler)]

[Lisa]

Lol, Margo! I had just read your comments and wondered if maybe you had missed a bit out. (view spoiler)[I was so pleased that Celèste survived and Lucien was able to hook up with her and eventually escape. However, I didn't read it as Clèophas being the father of Celèste's baby. I still think it was Bryant. However, it's clear that Clèophas had forced himself on some of the other female slaves so it's likely he was the father of any children they may have produced. He was definitely a nasty piece of work, although I suppose he did at least show up when he said he was going to and try and get the slaves off the island. However, I hated how he point blank refused to even try and help Emile. What a coward! I also think it was horrible how he beat Lucien around the head when he was pleading with him to help his brother (hide spoiler)].

[Lisa]

Some further thoughts:

(view spoiler)[I was completely wrong about Saturnin. I thought he was going to be the one who let the cat out of the bag but it seems it was just bad luck that the plot got discovered (hide spoiler)].

(view spoiler)[I can't believe they hanged Emile! I knew something like that was likely to happen but I kept holding out hope that they would show him mercy seeing as how he was only following orders. It's not like he could question them or refuse to carry them out. It was awful that Lucien had to witness the execution too. I felt so sorry for him and wished that I could somehow leap into the book and shield him from it all (hide spoiler)].

I really wish we had been given (view spoiler)[more insight into Lucien and Celèste's lives after the events of the book than what Jane Harris gave to us. Obviously we know they got off the island and ended up serving a new master in England and lived reasonably comfortable lives but I wanted to see how the events of the book affected them going forward. Lucien was clearly badly affected having watched his brother die, so much so that he wanted to die himself, and it would have been interesting to know how that impacted him going forward. Also, although not much was made of it at the time, did him being groped by the English soldier who thought he was a girl affect him in any way? You would think it would have done. Also, did any of the other slaves who tried to escape and were recaptured ever try to escape again? If so, did any succeed? It didn't sound like any of them were keen on trying again as they feared the repercussions from the British too much, but neither did it definitively rule out any of them trying again. It would have been nice to have known for sure (hide spoiler)].

The author's note at the end was quite interesting to read. I'm guessing the audiobook doesn't have this? I will summarise some of the more interesting parts of it here just in case so don't read this spoiler until you have finished the book. (view spoiler)[It appears that the hanging of the slave (whose real name seems to have either not been recorded or lost to the passing of time) caused a lot of tension between the slaves, the free French and the English and was the catalyst for a bill called 'For the Better Government of the Slaves' which was calling for better, more ethical treatment of slaves in Grenada. The bill, which came about in 1766, failed to pass and this led to several revolts by the slaves against their masters, including one in 1767, in which several slaves were killed and the ringleaders were executed. The executions caused further hostility towards the British who did eventually tone down their brutal treatment of slaves, although they remained deeply unpopular in Grenada right up until the abolition of slavery in 1834 (Britain) and 1848 (France) (hide spoiler)].

[Lisa]

Janice wrote: "I started the book yesterday. I'm not sure where I am in the story, (listening to the audiobook). I just know I'm a little lost about what's going on. I'll go back and read some of the spoilers."

Although I want to listen to the audiobook in order to hear it being narrated in the proper accent, I'm glad I read it first in print form. There are a lot of things going on and quite a lot of characters to keep track of so I can imagine it could get a bit confusing at times listening to it on audio.

[Lilisa]

I wonder (view spoiler)[how the groups were able to run away and evade being caught for so long. They weren't organized and didn't have much of a plan. So sad about Emile. In some way I see him as a tragic hero. He tried so hard to protect Lucien but it was only later that Lucien realizes that. (hide spoiler)] So I must have missed what happened between Emile and Celeste when Emile and Lucien were in Grenada earlier?

[Lilisa]

I'm close to the end and will definitely the Note from the a Editor/Afterword. Thanks for the tip!

[Lisa]

Lilisa wrote: "I wonder [spoilers removed] So I must have missed what happened between Emile and Celeste when Emile and Lucien were in Grenada earlier?"

Lilisa, I think it was (view spoiler)[just pure luck that some of the slaves evaded capture for so long. I reckon the terrain helped them a bit as there were plenty of places to hide and it would have been difficult for the soldiers to hunt for them in the dense forests and amongst the mountains. I agree with your comment about Emile being a tragic hero. I felt that way about him too. It's tragic really that Lucien didn't realise how much Emile tried to protect him until it was too late (hide spoiler)].

With regards to Emile and Celèste, what is it you think you might have missed between them?

[TrudyA]

Lisa wrote: "I really wish we had been given more insight into ..."

I like that Jane Harris didn’t expand on (view spoiler)[what happened to Lucien and Celeste after they escaped. We know that they survived, stayed together, and fared fairly well. It would have been a let down to read about their (comparatively) uneventful lives after the few weeks that was covered by this story. It leaves unanswered questions, but I am okay with that. (hide spoiler)]

[TrudyA]

I finished Sugar Money last night. Overall, I thought it was very good. I think I enjoyed the first-person telling of the story more than the story itself, if that makes sense. Harris is a terrific storyteller and created an unforgettable character in Lucien. The story was devastating, though I found the ending to be satisfying. I rate it a solid four stars.