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atsundarsingh's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Didn't like this one as much as I had hoped I would. The stories were very real and varied, but I found them inconsistently developed. I can see using some in a class, but others I would ignore entirely.
booksadaisyes's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 -4⭐️ A collection of short stories that are confronting and challenging from the themes and the language to the characters of each story. Not sugar coated as the title might imply. These stories are not easy to read, I’m not sure if it’s because the writer is presenting an unheard voice - the stories are diverse as they are often raw. This is quite a remarkable collection when considering what Hernandez-Ramdwar conveys through each short story. I didn’t enjoy this in that it left me feeling warm and fuzzy, but I enjoyed it as it stirred so many other emotions and not necessarily positive ones. Anger, disgust, shock, sadness, disbelief…despair at the harsh reality of these stories and sometimes humour, although a dark one. And on reflection, also excitement for a new voice writing ‘…in honour of the ancestors who persevered despite the odds, and for those who continue to suffer injustices in our present world.’
msbookmarked's review against another edition
4.0
First of all, Hernández-Ramdwar can write. Her prose was beautiful and expressive, and her use of accents and slang was brilliant in that it gave personality to the characters and the ambiance without explicit description. Though as someone not from the Caribbean nor much exposed to the culture, there were times where I did not understand the phrases or implication, and perhaps was the reason some of the stories fell slightly short for me.
A lot of the stories in the book were unresolved, but I personally find it quite fitting as a lot of these issues nowadays are still ongoing and it would have been rather jarring if things were wrapped up nicely with a bow. Themes explored in these stories were gritty and heavy, and most of them were thought-provoking. This was highlighted in The Death of Carribana with the conflict discussion, which I particularly loved. I felt like I got a crash course on the history of Carribana in a creative setting. It's Lit was also a personal favourite as it was set in Toronto that I can more closely connect to, and The Biggest Fete was simply a beautifully written piece of longing.
Overall, I've enjoyed most of the short stories presented in Suite as Sugar and its poetic prose and thought-provoking scenarios lingered in my mind long after I turned the last page.
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A lot of the stories in the book were unresolved, but I personally find it quite fitting as a lot of these issues nowadays are still ongoing and it would have been rather jarring if things were wrapped up nicely with a bow. Themes explored in these stories were gritty and heavy, and most of them were thought-provoking. This was highlighted in The Death of Carribana with the conflict discussion, which I particularly loved. I felt like I got a crash course on the history of Carribana in a creative setting. It's Lit was also a personal favourite as it was set in Toronto that I can more closely connect to, and The Biggest Fete was simply a beautifully written piece of longing.
Overall, I've enjoyed most of the short stories presented in Suite as Sugar and its poetic prose and thought-provoking scenarios lingered in my mind long after I turned the last page.
bookofcinz's review against another edition
3.0
Let's just say, the stories that were really good, were exceptional, the ones that weren't good, were disappointing.
However, its clear Ramdwar can WRITE
However, its clear Ramdwar can WRITE
kate66's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 I only knocked off the half point because I struggled with some of the slang and would have loved a glossary of terms.
Otherwise I really enjoyed thus collection of short stories. Camille Hernandez-Ramdhwar is (so the blurb says) multi-racial, multi-lingual, multicultural and trans-national. It certainly comes across in her writing. As does the thin line between corporeal and incorporeal worlds.
The stories move from Cuba to Canada to Trinidad giving the reader a flavour not only of the cultures and experiences had by the writers characters but also of historical changes in the countries. The prose is often quite poetic and lyrical. Not too much though. I'm not a huge fan of poetic prose.
My favourite was most definitely the title story "Suite as Sugar" which weaves several stories with one binding issue - sugar - in all its forms, guises and treachery.
Thoroughly enjoyed this collection. Its certainly like nothing I've ever read before.
Otherwise I really enjoyed thus collection of short stories. Camille Hernandez-Ramdhwar is (so the blurb says) multi-racial, multi-lingual, multicultural and trans-national. It certainly comes across in her writing. As does the thin line between corporeal and incorporeal worlds.
The stories move from Cuba to Canada to Trinidad giving the reader a flavour not only of the cultures and experiences had by the writers characters but also of historical changes in the countries. The prose is often quite poetic and lyrical. Not too much though. I'm not a huge fan of poetic prose.
My favourite was most definitely the title story "Suite as Sugar" which weaves several stories with one binding issue - sugar - in all its forms, guises and treachery.
Thoroughly enjoyed this collection. Its certainly like nothing I've ever read before.
the_sassy_bookworm's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
Book Review: Suite as Sugar: and Other Stories by Camille Hernández-Ramdwar
Rating: ⭐⭐ stars
Suite as Sugar: and Other Stories by Camille Hernández-Ramdwar is a collection of short stories that explores the interplay between resilience and trauma in the lives of its characters. Set in various locations such as Winnipeg, Toronto, Havana, and Trinidad, these stories are deeply influenced by the violence of colonial histories and personal struggles. While some stories in this collection shine with their poignant narratives, a significant portion of the book falls short in terms of development and impact.
The author skillfully captures the essence of the characters’ connection to their ancestral roots in the absence of elders. Through their experiences, we witness the legacies of abandonment and consequential loss. Hernández-Ramdwar blurs the line between the living and the dead, creating an atmosphere where chaos becomes a panacea and characters are compelled to take matters into their own hands.
One of the standout features of this collection is the author’s ability to depict survivors of all kinds seeking strategy and solace amidst their challenging circumstances. For instance, we encounter a group of homeless individuals who organize an occupation of vacant condos, a newcomer to a disturbing neighborhood grappling with madness, and even a dog investigating the sudden disappearance of its owner. These stories showcase the author’s talent for crafting unique narratives that offer a fresh perspective on human experiences.
However, it is important to note that while certain stories in Suite as Sugar captivate readers with their depth and emotional resonance, a significant portion of the collection falls flat. These particular stories feel underdeveloped and fail to leave a lasting impact on the reader. This inconsistency in quality prevents the book from reaching its full potential.
Despite its shortcomings, the central thread tying this collection together is the casual brutality of everyday life. Whether viewed through the eyes of animals, spirits, or human beings, Hernández-Ramdwar consistently addresses the harsh realities that individuals face. This exploration adds depth to the overall theme of resilience and trauma, highlighting the author’s intention to shed light on the unseen forces that shape our lives.
In conclusion, Suite as Sugar: and Other Stories by Camille Hernández-Ramdwar is a collection with mixed results. While some stories shine with their poignant narratives and unique perspectives, others feel underdeveloped and fail to leave a lasting impact. However, the book’s exploration of resilience and trauma in the face of casual brutality is commendable. Readers interested in diverse short story collections may find value in exploring this work, but those seeking consistent excellence may be left wanting more.
**ARC Via NetGalley**
Rating: ⭐⭐ stars
Suite as Sugar: and Other Stories by Camille Hernández-Ramdwar is a collection of short stories that explores the interplay between resilience and trauma in the lives of its characters. Set in various locations such as Winnipeg, Toronto, Havana, and Trinidad, these stories are deeply influenced by the violence of colonial histories and personal struggles. While some stories in this collection shine with their poignant narratives, a significant portion of the book falls short in terms of development and impact.
The author skillfully captures the essence of the characters’ connection to their ancestral roots in the absence of elders. Through their experiences, we witness the legacies of abandonment and consequential loss. Hernández-Ramdwar blurs the line between the living and the dead, creating an atmosphere where chaos becomes a panacea and characters are compelled to take matters into their own hands.
One of the standout features of this collection is the author’s ability to depict survivors of all kinds seeking strategy and solace amidst their challenging circumstances. For instance, we encounter a group of homeless individuals who organize an occupation of vacant condos, a newcomer to a disturbing neighborhood grappling with madness, and even a dog investigating the sudden disappearance of its owner. These stories showcase the author’s talent for crafting unique narratives that offer a fresh perspective on human experiences.
However, it is important to note that while certain stories in Suite as Sugar captivate readers with their depth and emotional resonance, a significant portion of the collection falls flat. These particular stories feel underdeveloped and fail to leave a lasting impact on the reader. This inconsistency in quality prevents the book from reaching its full potential.
Despite its shortcomings, the central thread tying this collection together is the casual brutality of everyday life. Whether viewed through the eyes of animals, spirits, or human beings, Hernández-Ramdwar consistently addresses the harsh realities that individuals face. This exploration adds depth to the overall theme of resilience and trauma, highlighting the author’s intention to shed light on the unseen forces that shape our lives.
In conclusion, Suite as Sugar: and Other Stories by Camille Hernández-Ramdwar is a collection with mixed results. While some stories shine with their poignant narratives and unique perspectives, others feel underdeveloped and fail to leave a lasting impact. However, the book’s exploration of resilience and trauma in the face of casual brutality is commendable. Readers interested in diverse short story collections may find value in exploring this work, but those seeking consistent excellence may be left wanting more.
**ARC Via NetGalley**
tinamayreads's review against another edition
dark
reflective
tense
slow-paced
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Bullying, Death, Drug use, Gun violence, Miscarriage, Racism, and Rape
melc's review
This collection of short stories was a mixed bag for me. Some were punchy and I immediately engaged with the characters and felt challenged by what the author was discussing.
I particularly liked the opening story about a group of spontaneous gurilla homeless squatters protesting against the unfair property system in Toronto. I also liked a killer of a story called Yellow Dog Blues narrated by a stray dog.
But there were quite a few that I just didn't get and they left me cold. The language was hard to understand and some of the cultural settings weren't very accessible.
An interesting and challenging read overall.
This honest review is given with thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book.
I particularly liked the opening story about a group of spontaneous gurilla homeless squatters protesting against the unfair property system in Toronto. I also liked a killer of a story called Yellow Dog Blues narrated by a stray dog.
But there were quite a few that I just didn't get and they left me cold. The language was hard to understand and some of the cultural settings weren't very accessible.
An interesting and challenging read overall.
This honest review is given with thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book.
abbyreads8's review against another edition
2.0
Hernández-Ramdwar stuns with her writing skills in this debut collection of short stories. I appreciated a lot of the perspectives and language. A couple of these stories were absolute hits, but unfortunately most of them fell a little short for me.
Thank you to Dundurn Press for the advanced copy of this book.
Thank you to Dundurn Press for the advanced copy of this book.