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Sugar Cage
The story of the Looneys and the Jewels, two families fiercely bound to each other--as well as to the soil and sensibility of the modern South. An unforgettable tale about everyday people searching for a history and a heritage that can explain who they are.
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1992
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316 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
June 28, 2022
I started this (for a book club) during a busy time, when I could read just a few pages before going on to something else. It doesn't work well as a novel read in bits and pieces. It was only when I read the last 2/3rds in 2 days, really getting into the characters and place that I enjoyed it and started feeling its themes.
Book is told from so many points of view; each of the 7 or 8 major characters get some alternating chapters to narrate but even the minor characters have their moments of telling the story, too. That can be confusing and reader can lose connection & sympathy for some of these multiple characters when you don't have a consistent voice to follow.
This was Fowler's first novel, published 30 years ago, and the setting (near St. Augustine, FL) and characters were inspired by her own early life. Story begins with the WWII Hiroshima bombing in the headlines as the 2 couples who are at its center are newlyweds; last chapters have one couple's son in Vietnam. In between there are personal stories and the stories of the times, with emphasis on the characters dealing with the internal and external changes brought by civil rights era in the South.
The narrating characters vary so much -- male & female, black & white, child & adult. But they are all "stuck" somehow, in relationships or just in how they define themselves, and the tension is created as they try, in various ways, to free themselves.
Most of the magic realism in the book (which increases exponentially at the end) comes with the characters of Inez and Soleil Marie, the women of color. Soleil Marie, the daughter of a Haitian woman and a Seminole father, is in tune with ancestors, nature and spirits but Inez (born in Eatonville, Florida, is that meant as connection to Zora Neale Hurston?) comes to that slowly.
Lots to think about from this book.
Book is told from so many points of view; each of the 7 or 8 major characters get some alternating chapters to narrate but even the minor characters have their moments of telling the story, too. That can be confusing and reader can lose connection & sympathy for some of these multiple characters when you don't have a consistent voice to follow.
This was Fowler's first novel, published 30 years ago, and the setting (near St. Augustine, FL) and characters were inspired by her own early life. Story begins with the WWII Hiroshima bombing in the headlines as the 2 couples who are at its center are newlyweds; last chapters have one couple's son in Vietnam. In between there are personal stories and the stories of the times, with emphasis on the characters dealing with the internal and external changes brought by civil rights era in the South.
The narrating characters vary so much -- male & female, black & white, child & adult. But they are all "stuck" somehow, in relationships or just in how they define themselves, and the tension is created as they try, in various ways, to free themselves.
Most of the magic realism in the book (which increases exponentially at the end) comes with the characters of Inez and Soleil Marie, the women of color. Soleil Marie, the daughter of a Haitian woman and a Seminole father, is in tune with ancestors, nature and spirits but Inez (born in Eatonville, Florida, is that meant as connection to Zora Neale Hurston?) comes to that slowly.
Lots to think about from this book.
February 9, 2011
Sugar Cage is a novel that took my completely by surprise. It was one of those dreaded summer readings in high school, meaning I had to slave away at another book that I would inevitably hate and have nothing to offer come the first day of class when we discussed it as a group. However, as the novel began to get going, I found out that I was very, very wrong. Not only do I find the execution of Sugar Cage to be fascinating, but I've found that it has been one of the chief sources of inspiration in my writing. I'm a character buff, and this story bounces between the perspectives of numerous characters throughout the years, each of them connected in some way, and when every characters' stories are put together, a brilliant and emotional roller coaster has been created. The idea of seeing one event or time through the eyes of many characters is something I desperately wish to incorporate into a future work of mine, and I know it's because of this novel that I have that focus.
June 22, 2011
I actually teach this novel in my ENG 1102 class--I love the nine different points of view from which the story is told--all at the same time going forward in time. It is great for students to use to write an analysis of use of points of view and symbolism.
This novel covers the time period beginning with the day the atom bomb was dropped to the ending of the Vietnam War. Magical realism is abundant and no one is better with symbolism than Connie May Fowler. The characters magical flights to freedom throughout the novel are mesmerizing. Each character is locked in a cage/prison of his or her own making. Until these characters can rid themselves of the hatred/distrust they have within themselves, they will never be free. Charlie, one of the most racist characters in the novel, is the character who has the biggest chance at redemption. Charlie is an honest reflection of how people felt prior to integration. His responses are real--but his reactions are also real--he is the one who actually sees the changes and realizes he needs to change with the times--unfortunately for Charlie, the reader may not get to see his complete transformation-it just needs to be enough to see if change is possible for Charlie--it is possible for all of us. Fowler leads the reader down the path to understanding her characters via the names she bestows on each of them: Eudora Jewel, Burl "Junior" Jewel, Charlie, Rose and Emory ("Uncle's Boy") Looney, Soliel Marie Beauvois, Patrick LACKEY, and the imitable Inez Temple, the tower of strenghth, the character who begins and ends the novel, and helps rescue a future generation. This book is about the idiocy of racism, the pointlessness of hatred, and much more. Also it delves into the idea of how when we spend time on such meaningless activities, we only end up locking ourselves in our own private prison cells/cages. It is important to release the hate and distrust and to embrace our fellow human beings in order to make us all whole and free.
I first met Connie May Fowler at Florida State when she came to the Writers' program on a very cold March day (in fact, we had snow flakes in Tallahassee on that day). She read part of Sugar Cage to us that day--and I became a fan. Everyone should listen to Fowler read her own words--extremely powerful.
This novel covers the time period beginning with the day the atom bomb was dropped to the ending of the Vietnam War. Magical realism is abundant and no one is better with symbolism than Connie May Fowler. The characters magical flights to freedom throughout the novel are mesmerizing. Each character is locked in a cage/prison of his or her own making. Until these characters can rid themselves of the hatred/distrust they have within themselves, they will never be free. Charlie, one of the most racist characters in the novel, is the character who has the biggest chance at redemption. Charlie is an honest reflection of how people felt prior to integration. His responses are real--but his reactions are also real--he is the one who actually sees the changes and realizes he needs to change with the times--unfortunately for Charlie, the reader may not get to see his complete transformation-it just needs to be enough to see if change is possible for Charlie--it is possible for all of us. Fowler leads the reader down the path to understanding her characters via the names she bestows on each of them: Eudora Jewel, Burl "Junior" Jewel, Charlie, Rose and Emory ("Uncle's Boy") Looney, Soliel Marie Beauvois, Patrick LACKEY, and the imitable Inez Temple, the tower of strenghth, the character who begins and ends the novel, and helps rescue a future generation. This book is about the idiocy of racism, the pointlessness of hatred, and much more. Also it delves into the idea of how when we spend time on such meaningless activities, we only end up locking ourselves in our own private prison cells/cages. It is important to release the hate and distrust and to embrace our fellow human beings in order to make us all whole and free.
I first met Connie May Fowler at Florida State when she came to the Writers' program on a very cold March day (in fact, we had snow flakes in Tallahassee on that day). She read part of Sugar Cage to us that day--and I became a fan. Everyone should listen to Fowler read her own words--extremely powerful.
August 10, 2012
I love, love, love Connie May Fowler's use of voice - and in this particular story, written in close first POV, the mix of opposite cultures, the setting for these characters to collide, or overlap during one of the most tenuous times in American History and the earthy threads of how they were each connected - was superemly satisfying. I miss Inez, Soleil and Luella already. They'll long stay with me.
November 6, 2013
Such a gorgeous powerhouse of a book. I really enjoyed reading it and am not sure I want to leave it yet. Connie May Fowler has the gift of description, she brings the people and places in her book to life for the reader. I basically fell in love with every main character despite their human frailties, maybe even more so because of them. There is a lot of redemption in this book, a lot of places where one has to forgive and understand. This is true of the characters but also of the history as it covers a time of huge change in our country in relationships between black and white people. There is magic and power in this book and it is not just the hoodoo, although that provides the magical realism and is used, I think, to show how different black and white were emotionally and practically, and how in the end that makes no difference in love or worship of God.
Starting after WWII, maybe 1948 or so, the story starts with 2 honeymooning white couples and a black maid working at the motel where the couples meet and become friends.
The black maid is Inez Temple, the two couples are Rose and Charlie Looney, and Eudora and Burl Junior Jewel. Rose and Charlie have a son Emory and when that son is near grown his relationship with his father reaches a boiling point resulting in Emory being sent to live and work on his uncle's sugar plantation. This is where he meets the beautiful black field worker Soleil Marie Beauvoir. A love story is created here that just swept me away. But we are dealing all along, in every character, with love, human nature, how we make excuses for ourselves and justify our actions, how we find redemption. This is just a really beautiful and emotional book. I recommend it.
Starting after WWII, maybe 1948 or so, the story starts with 2 honeymooning white couples and a black maid working at the motel where the couples meet and become friends.
The black maid is Inez Temple, the two couples are Rose and Charlie Looney, and Eudora and Burl Junior Jewel. Rose and Charlie have a son Emory and when that son is near grown his relationship with his father reaches a boiling point resulting in Emory being sent to live and work on his uncle's sugar plantation. This is where he meets the beautiful black field worker Soleil Marie Beauvoir. A love story is created here that just swept me away. But we are dealing all along, in every character, with love, human nature, how we make excuses for ourselves and justify our actions, how we find redemption. This is just a really beautiful and emotional book. I recommend it.
April 24, 2013
This was a imagination inspiring, character-driven book that sucked me into its world every time I picked it up. It spans the life of a young black maid, and the the two families effected by premonitions she sees and feels. Set in North-Central and Eastern Florida, this book hit close to home. I knew all the places the characters lived and visited, and it made me feel even closer to them. Fowler's descriptions leave you tasting the stifling humidity of hot summer afternoons, and breathing in the cool mist settling over the tops of the cane fields. I was very impressed with her ability to paint the readers surroundings. Also, the fact that she writes from the point of view of multiple characters who each have their very own distinct voice is uncanny. I would've sworn I was reading the diary entries of each unique member of the Looney and Jewel families. All and all, I'd say Sugar Cage was an impressive and memorable novel.
April 13, 2011
The one thing I absolutely adored about this book is that it took nine completely different characters and dedicated chapters specifically to each one, still managing to create coherence within the story. I’ve read books that have one two or three main characters, but never to Sugar Cage’s extent. The novel looks at the domestic lives of these Southerners during the time of the civil war rallies and shows the struggles each must attend to on a daily basis. This book pulled at my heart strings at times and also caused me to burst out laughing all alone. Fowler did an excellent job at creating a piece that has realistic characters, emotions, and settings.
November 12, 2012
I really enjoyed this book with its realistic depiction of the sugarcane harvesting life, made me think a bit of Zora Neale Hurston. In addition, the suggestion of hoodoo, or magic realism, or whatever scope of belief the reader wishes to accept, adds a kind of timelessness to the whole thing. The depiction of relationships between Florida "crackers, a favorite subject of Fowler's and African Americans put in historical context adds to the strength of this book. I felt it had more layers of meaning and more complexity than Fowler's The Problem with Murmur Lee. I look forward to reading more of Fowler's work.
September 27, 2008
I liked this one better than the last book I read by this author. However, I felt it ended rather abruptly. I would have liked a little more information about where the lives of the characters were going. I loved the writing style and the multiple points of view.
July 8, 2010
I really, really enjoyed this book. The story was my treat to read on my lunch breaks, and I savored every page. I love stories that are realistic, but with a touch of superstition or magic mixed in. Read it!
August 30, 2011
Magical realism woven into the 1960's, a perfect place for it! Brilliant storytelling filled with grit, and humor. I read this several years ago. The creative symbolism cast a spell that has stayed with me.
February 18, 2013
I really enjoyed the author's style. Mesmerizing insight to cultures I have never understood and deeper insight to the ones I should.
The transition in time and history was subtle but powerful. Great read. I will look for her books in the future.
The transition in time and history was subtle but powerful. Great read. I will look for her books in the future.
June 28, 2022
The writing was unique and the book was well-researched and evocative, but it was too weird and off-kilter for me.
June 10, 2017
An unusual and daring book, told from the perspective of many narrators, each with their own concerns, limitations, and beliefs. In short, it is a love story - all about the various ways we disappoint, deceive, and also honor those we love. All sorts of love is portrayed here: friendship; parent/child; husband and wife; lovers; love for the past. The backdrop to this rich tale is Civil Rights-era Florida, a fascinating setting in itself. My favorite parts were the glimpses of voodoo culture, magic, and the focus on Haitian immigrants' experiences. A beautiful book in so many ways, and well worth the read.
March 29, 2023
Sometimes a bit hard (for me, anyway) to keep track of characters, but nonetheless a great story about how lives come together in unexpected ways.
July 28, 2015
The varied voices of the memorable characters make this an extraordinary read. For instance, Soleil Marie, a Haitian immigrant working in Florida's sugar fields: "To talk to him, someone would have thought Carnival was important. They'd think, 'Oh, Carnival. Must be mystery, love, good times, like Feast for Dead.' But knew better, me. See, many times I watched, I studied these things when I passed through the cities. Cities always have a big party. Lights, people, music, food. But never once does the people think, 'Souls, they are here. I beat this drum, I blow this horn for my passed papa or sister or aunt.' No, believe me, this they never do."
Or Emory Looney: "Shit, I said under my breath. But it wasn't that I was angry or nothing. It was just that, well, getting a letter from home was always like walking into a dark room. Even if you'd been in the room a thousand times, the possibility for something disastrous waiting for you was always there."
Or Emory Looney: "Shit, I said under my breath. But it wasn't that I was angry or nothing. It was just that, well, getting a letter from home was always like walking into a dark room. Even if you'd been in the room a thousand times, the possibility for something disastrous waiting for you was always there."
June 15, 2014
I loved this book! The story of many connecting characters was told through each of their voices and experiences. It flowed together very well. I loved the weaving in of the native spirituality/voodoo as it was practiced by tradition. The characters had hard lives; hard lessons to learn; things they had to deal with --and they didn't always deal with well. Their stories show how life goes on, no matter how you face it. Struggles are your own--also the way you cope with your struggles. 4.5 stars :D
October 21, 2013
This book portrayed different perspectives from multiple intertwined characters regarding their personal feelings about symbolism, stereotypes, and racism in a previous era.
It was frustrating since I couldn't identify with any of the characters personally and the conclusion was terribly disappointing .
It was frustrating since I couldn't identify with any of the characters personally and the conclusion was terribly disappointing .
July 6, 2019
The stories are tragic. There is almost no breath of fresh air throughout the story. Not even when it seems the author is planning to give you some peace...
3 is conservative I realize.
But maybe it's only that low because I was so sad to read the whole thing. It's like watching your friends crash and burn.
3 is conservative I realize.
But maybe it's only that low because I was so sad to read the whole thing. It's like watching your friends crash and burn.
January 31, 2012
I loved the character development. I loved that the story was told in the different voices of the characters; their accents, their speech patterns. It made for a lovely journey.
That being said, I was a bit disappointed with the ending.
That being said, I was a bit disappointed with the ending.
August 27, 2007
It is a captivating novel and just keeps getting better as it goes on.
December 19, 2007
This book will warm your soul. It is magical.
February 24, 2008
Not as good as I had hoped, but ok. Alot of downers. Was waiting for at least one uplifting thing to happen but it never did.
June 14, 2010
Good local or was a local author who lived in St. Augustine. History involved plus voodoo plus relationship and family problems...
October 19, 2010
Interesting story.
July 27, 2011
loved it.
August 11, 2012
The ending was a huge disappointment to me. Other than that, the book kept me engrossed.
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August 22, 2013Connie May Fowler's first book---interesting and a bit weird at times---during civil rights times
September 21, 2014
I really liked this book. I felt like I knew each of the characters and was sad when the story ended.
July 16, 2015
A soothing, eye-opening read about the struggles and pain that people go through alone and together.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews