Robin Loves Reading

Before I start my review of Queen Sugar I must say that I had to separate the book from the television series. In order to do so, I cataloged the differences, put the book down for a couple of days and then resumed reading. There are plenty of places online to compare the two, so I will not do so at this time. I would hope the merits of this review will be based on the book alone.

The story begins as Charley Bordelon and her daughter Micah are heading to her home in Louisiana after her father leaves her a huge sugarcane and its land. Leaving Los Angeles is no doubt difficult for Charley and Micah, but perhaps they can start again. Things do not go easy, however, because there are a lot of obstacles. For one thing, a black woman owning such a large business will most certainly be a challenge in the rural town. Also, weather plays a heavy hand. In addition, Charley must contend with specific family members, including grandmother Honey. Her brother, Ralph Angel, now an ex-con, does not make things easy for her either.

There is quite a positive influence in Charley's life now, though. That is her Aunt Violet. Her relationship with Violet has its struggles, but it does lend her strength. Meanwhile, Charley has some romantic entanglements to continue. A widow of several years, she is attracted to Remy, someone quite knowledgeable about the sugarcane business and a big help to the family. But there is also Hollywood, her brother's former best friend, who likes her quite a bit.

I got this book in two formats from my library, both in audio and in an e-book. I mostly listened to the audio version and it was done quite well, Miriam Hyman was the narrator. I felt this lent well to a story similar to what I have been viewing on the small screen.

This debut novel by Baszile hits on a host of issues. The dynamics exposed here can no doubt be felt by the hordes of people who have read this book. I enjoyed the masterful nature in which this story was told. I felt the drama affecting me as I glided through the pages of this book. I am very interesting in seeing what else this author has in store.