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Windowgirl
Nov 07, 2017Windowgirl rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
"She knew what The Cane Cutter represented . . .It symbolized generations of struggle and perseverance in the face of insurmountable odds. Yes, it told her family'a story but it could have just as well have told the story of any other family-black, white, brown, yellow, or whatever-whose forefathers (and mothers) had stayed the course." This quote from Queen Sugar describes the statute that Charley Bordelon's late father passed down to her. But it might as well describe the book itself. Queen Sugar-which tells the story of a Black woman's who struggles to make a sugarcane farm she inherits from her father prosper-is a tale with a universal theme to it. Anyone who's ever tried to make a fresh start in life or to achieve and impossible goal will be able to relate to Charley's story (as well as the story of her brother Ralph Angel, who's on the run from the law). And yet, Queen Sugar is not a "color-blind" book. Charley and Ralph Angel deal with stereotyping, discrimination, and police brutality-issues that many in the African American community face. Also, the rich Black culture of New Orleans permeates the pages. In short, I would recommend Queen Sugar to anyone who is looking for a special book. A book that is at once universal and local, beautiful and heart-wrenching. A book that makes New Orleans and a family's struggles come alive.