A gorgeous story of friendship between two very different women. It really reminded me of one of my favourite books The Colour Purple by Alice Walker. McFadden is a great storyteller and really sets a scene that is vivid and engaging. I definitely need to look into more of her work.

The audio was also really great.

Set around 1955 in Alabama. A Southern read which I love. I listened to this on audio and loved the dialogue and accents.

Pearl.
15 years ago before she met Sugar her daughter was horrifically murdered. Be aware there are some graphic scenes, but it had to done to show the reader how violent this was.
Imagine Pearl, not only her heart breaking from the loss of her beloved daughter but the horrifying way she went to her death.

Hate, rape, shame, secrets, murder and friendship found in unusual places.

This is a very intense.

Although the ending isn’t what you’d expect for one character I was happy to see Sugar ending for a brighter future seeing as she had never experienced real love from anyone in her life.

This was a startlingly beautiful story of two women, Sugar and Pearl, who become neighbours. Both have haunted pasts and become friends despite that. Having lost their respective mother and daughter they start to fill these roles. I noticed when I added this to goodreads there is a second book and I hope this is being produced as an audiobook as well. I'd love to listen to the follow-up as this was so beautifully told. Great narration of this story.

This is a powerful story about the friendship of two women set in the 1950s Alabama. My review is on the audiobook version and the narrator did a great job making it even more enjoyable. Beautifully written, would recommend.

This book was quite eye opening. The views of Sugar actually made me stop and think- women should have been treated better. The story that twists round itself is well developed and the characters were really well described. I listened to this as an audio book and found the narrators voices really helped build the characters.
I was moved emotionally by Sugars story, her life was not an easy one. The adult content was quite shocking, but there were also parts of the story that made me smile. This book was very different to my usual type of book, but I really enjoyed the story it told.

A story of unconventional friendship born from trauma and heartache. A joy of an audiobook beautifully narrated

Sometimes harrowing story of an unlikely friendship between neighbours. Both women have lived through their own trauma, pain and angst. Sugar lost a mother and Pearl lost a daughter, so there is a natural pull despite a nosey and interfering neighbourhood. The author writes really well and develops the characters and their history superbly, There are some acts of violence and racist victimisation which leaves you feeling angry however that is very much part of the developing story. Thank you #NetGalley for the audiobook to review.

Oh my, what a joy this book was to listen to. I feel awakened to the beauty of Bernice McFadden's writing. She has written a beautiful story of friendship, womanhood love forgiveness and acceptance. Myra Lucretia Taylor narrates this story with poise and grace held my attention throughout. I didn't quite know what to expect from Sugar Lacey but boy has she firmly won a piece of my heart. I am very much looking forward to reading/listening to more in the series.

It's time for me to spread the word on this book! An absolute delight of a read and fine example of 1950's American historical fiction.

Thank you to Penguin Audio and Netgalley for my review copy in response for my honest review.

Sugar by Bernice McFadden
Narrated by Myra Lucretia Taylor
Listening time-8hrs 44 minutes
I give this audiobook 4.stars


Young and confident, with a swagger in her step, Sugar arrives in the southern town of Bigelow hoping to start over. Soon Bigelow is alight with gossip and suspicion, and Sugar fears her past is catching up with her. Then she meets Pearl, a woman trying to forget her own traumas. As these next-door neighbours become unlikely friends, they wonder if their lives could finally be changing for the better. But small towns have long memories...

It took me a while to get into this BUT but lm so glad l did.Such a heartwarming and emotional audiobook.A story that weaves and flows with a bond that develops between 2 women who seemingly have nothing in common.Love (good and bad) secrets and heartache with such beautiful character development.The narrater made me feel like l was there and living the experience with Pearl and Sugar!
With thanks to Netgalley,Bernice McFadden and Penguin Random House UK Audio, Vintage Digital for my chance to listen and review.