A Tall History of Sugar
An epic love story across time and cultures
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Canongate Books
Published:4th Feb '21
Should be back in stock very soon
This epic love story explores the mysterious relationship between Moshe and Arrienne, navigating challenges across Jamaica and England. A Tall History of Sugar is a captivating tale.
In A Tall History of Sugar, readers are taken on a vivid journey through the complex love affair of Moshe Fisher and Arrienne Christie, spanning their childhood in rural Jamaica to their adult lives in England. Moshe, with his strikingly unusual appearance and mysterious origins, finds solace in the companionship of Arrienne, a bold and spirited young woman. Their connection, however, is not without its challenges, as societal pressures and personal struggles often threaten to pull them apart. The narrative intricately weaves their story against the backdrop of significant historical events, including Jamaica's fight for independence and the turbulent social climate in England during the 1960s.
The novel begins in the late 1950s, a time when Jamaica is on the brink of change, and the scars of colonialism are still deeply felt. As Moshe and Arrienne navigate their relationship, they confront not only their own insecurities and fears but also the broader societal issues of race and class that impact their lives. The lush landscapes of Jamaica and the stark realities of England create a rich tapestry that enhances the emotional depth of their journey.
Ultimately, A Tall History of Sugar is a tale of resilience, love, and the enduring quest for identity. It captures the magic and passion of a relationship that defies the odds, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in stories that blend personal and historical narratives.
A Tall History of Sugar is captivating from the very first page. Mythic in dimension yet movingly human in its details, alive with atmospheric richness, it heralds a fascinating new voice in English-language fiction -- JENNIFER EGAN
A novel of Jamaica, brimming with magic, passion and history . . . Forbes's writing combines the gale-force imagination of Margaret Atwood with the lyrical pointillism of Toni Morrison . . . This is a book for savouring * * New York Times * *
The premise . . . is ingenious, and the novel is an epic modern fairytale that offers the pleasure of being steeped in Forbes's poetic, intoxicating sentences right from the opening line -- SARA COLLINS * * Guardian * *
Forbes' novel has the register of a fairytale or a myth; Arriene's narration flows in storytelling fashion and is as intimate as a tale shared around a campfire. Moshe himself becomes a cipher through which Forbes explores issues of racism, heritage, colonialism and identity. Forbes' skilful and instinctual use of local languages and dialects further taps into a rich Jamaican oral culture, in a story that dreams of being read aloud * * Irish Times * *
Densely descriptive, linguistically rich . . . its heart is the thread connecting two people who believe they are the halves of a single whole, and the intense, exquisite agonies of their obsessive love * * Herald * *
Eclectic, feverish . . . Who [Moshe] is and who he becomes . . . is a riddle that unfolds in episodic bursts and linguistic flourishes * * Vanity Fair * *
The strength of Curdella Forbes' prose is her ability to deftly represent characters throughout varying stages of their lives . . . Forbes perfectly captures the essence of her characters throughout the passing time * * The Skinny * *
A rich tale of love in trying times. Definitely a book you'll want to savour * * i-D * *
A Tall History of Sugar transports you to warm, colourful Jamaica, both in content and in style. It's an antidote to depression, a book to escape with . . . This is a subtle book about racism in a post-colonial world, but it is also a beautiful, piercingly imaginative tale about transcendent love . . . The lyricism makes the story soar . . . each page has something to dwell upon, and every line is a pleasure * * Bookmunch * *
Mesmerising mythic writing set in more modern times * * LoveReading * *
- Short-listed for OCM BOCAS Prize for Caribbean Literature - Fiction 2020 (Trinidad and Tobago)
- Short-listed for The Kitschies Red Tentacle Award 2021 (UK)
ISBN: 9781786898708
Dimensions: 198mm x 129mm x 22mm
Weight: 248g
368 pages
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