Azúcar! The Story of Sugar
A Review of work by Dominican Republic author Alan Cambeira
By Laurel Johnson, Midwest Book Review | Posted: March 09, 2005
Azúcar! is a beautifully written, starkly realistic story of life on a Caribbean sugar cane plantation. Alan Cambeira constructs this tale with vivid prose and memorable characters. Readers will be enchanted and horrified in turn, as they are transported into the lives of those who toil in horrible conditions from sunup to sundown harvesting the cane fields. Those living in comfort around the world, enjoying the fruits of such labors, may be unnerved to learn the harsh realities revealed in Azúcar!
Azúcar is an innocent young girl when she is brutally raped by the son of a cane plantation overseer. Dona Fela is the grandmother who raised her, the matriarch of those who come and go from this plantation. She vows to find a better life for Azúcar somehow, and calls up island mysticism to fulfill that vow. Life for laborers on the present day plantation is no better than it was centuries ago. Men, women, and able children are forced to labor long hours under the brutal tropical sun. They live in squalor, without electricity, indoor plumbing, or running water. Food provided them is minimal. Still, the workers band together to survive and maintain their humanity as best they can.
Through a series of chance happenings, Azúcar is taken from her life in the cane fields to one of privilege and comfort. It's a long way from the sugar cane fields to Toronto's Victoria College, but she makes that transition with ease. She is tranformed from a slave into a young woman of natural beauty and intelligence. When Azúcar meets the wealthy and successful Lucien St. Jacques, the attraction is immediate and lasting. His face and voice remind her of the islands and passion swiftly follows.
Mr. Cambeira has captured the mysterious and sensual rhythm of the tropics in his prose. He clearly portrays the beauty and courage of its native people, and helps the reader understand Caribbean history. Azúcar! is a troubling tale set in a breathtaking locale. The author does an outstanding job in the telling.
Azúcar is available at Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Borders Books and Publish America.
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Reader Comments
Whao, the Best Book I have ever read in a long tine. Love this writer. Thanks Caribbean Tales from bringing this talent writer to your audience. thanks. Joan Sebastian
"A Brilliant Literary Adventure,"
Reviewer: Carzo W. (Ft. Lauderdale, Florida) -
AZUCAR! The Story of Sugar has a personal value for me because I am a proud Haitian and I could understand verbally and culturally much of my Creole language and proverbs that were in this book, especially since I've heard them before. This was also a pleasure for me to share with my parents. Every time I got to a section with a Haitian proverb or phrase, I went and told them so I could get their reaction. I can rarely ever do that with any literary work. I would gladly recommend this book to any of my family members or friends. This is a brilliantly written book full of beautiful English, Creole, and Spanish dialect. The plot was genius and the way the characters were all brought together was so perfect that no one could have done it better. My Compliments and many congratulations to the author.
Excellent Novel! Waiting for the movie version.