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Sugar: An Ethnographic Novel
In Suva, the bustling capital of Fiji, a tropical cyclone is looming. In this city of dazzling contradictions, three strangers are living worlds apart.
Hannah is a young Australian expat who volunteers at a local health organization while leading a heady life of house parties and weekend getaways. Isikeli is a teenager from the informal settlement who has given up on his childhood dream of playing professional rugby and cares for his diabetic grandmother. Rishika is an Indo-Fijian historian who put her career on hold when she got married, only to find that her once compassionate and fun-loving husband has become increasingly estranged.
When a brutal murder causes their worlds to collide, this unlikely trio must search for answers in the cyclone-ravaged city. Along the way, they are each forced to confront uncomfortable truths about development, its darker side, and their place within it.
Based on a combination of long-term research and lived experience, this compelling ethnographic novel reveals the hidden ways in which global inequality and violence play out in the developing world. Keenly observed and full of heart, Sugar is an intimate portrayal of grief, friendship, and culture clash that will prompt new ways of thinking about the world.
Hannah is a young Australian expat who volunteers at a local health organization while leading a heady life of house parties and weekend getaways. Isikeli is a teenager from the informal settlement who has given up on his childhood dream of playing professional rugby and cares for his diabetic grandmother. Rishika is an Indo-Fijian historian who put her career on hold when she got married, only to find that her once compassionate and fun-loving husband has become increasingly estranged.
When a brutal murder causes their worlds to collide, this unlikely trio must search for answers in the cyclone-ravaged city. Along the way, they are each forced to confront uncomfortable truths about development, its darker side, and their place within it.
Based on a combination of long-term research and lived experience, this compelling ethnographic novel reveals the hidden ways in which global inequality and violence play out in the developing world. Keenly observed and full of heart, Sugar is an intimate portrayal of grief, friendship, and culture clash that will prompt new ways of thinking about the world.
364 pages, Paperback
First published November 30, 2023
9 people are currently reading
627 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
June 26, 2025
A fantastic approach to ethnography that allows for the access of knowledge in quite a different way than regular ethnograpies usually do. We follow the traces of three protagonists, Australian Volontourist Hannah, iTaukei youth Isikeli, and Indo-Fijian historian Rishika in navigating their lives in Fiji's bustling capital Suva when their paths cross through a murder.
As a student of anthropology , this approach of ethnographic novel was entirely new to me. The novel was a able to address a multitude of social issues from nutrition to racial conflicts to colonialism and gender while at the same time being and interesting pageturner.
I very much liked the book and can only recommend it to fellow anthropologists or anyone looking to learn a bit more about social issues in Fiji.
As a student of anthropology , this approach of ethnographic novel was entirely new to me. The novel was a able to address a multitude of social issues from nutrition to racial conflicts to colonialism and gender while at the same time being and interesting pageturner.
I very much liked the book and can only recommend it to fellow anthropologists or anyone looking to learn a bit more about social issues in Fiji.
March 6, 2024
This is a moving and insightful portrayal of three characters whose lives in Fiji become entangled when a body is found.
While it has the gripping set-up of a crime novel, what stands out about Sugar is the detailed description of each character's family, background, challenges and hopes. Hannah, Isekeli and Rishika - the three main characters - feel like real people, and I've come away from the book feeling like I have watched them grow and change throughout the book, and as if I'm invested in their futures.
I was curious about the concept of an 'ethnographic novel', as I'd never heard that phrase before. Now that I've finished the novel and read the supplementary chapter, I realise it's a book based on detailed research and the lived-experience of the authors. The book is educational as it explores themes including inequality, capitalism, colonialism, racism, and corruption. It would be excellent in a book club or a classroom - I will be recommending it to my book club.
The authors do a great job of weaving the research in with the story. So don't be put off by the phrase 'an ethnographic novel'! It is just the same as reading a normal fiction novel, it just leaves the reader with a bit more to think about afterwards.
Due to the engaging characters and clear yet poetic writing, it is a page-turner and a pleasure to read.
While it has the gripping set-up of a crime novel, what stands out about Sugar is the detailed description of each character's family, background, challenges and hopes. Hannah, Isekeli and Rishika - the three main characters - feel like real people, and I've come away from the book feeling like I have watched them grow and change throughout the book, and as if I'm invested in their futures.
I was curious about the concept of an 'ethnographic novel', as I'd never heard that phrase before. Now that I've finished the novel and read the supplementary chapter, I realise it's a book based on detailed research and the lived-experience of the authors. The book is educational as it explores themes including inequality, capitalism, colonialism, racism, and corruption. It would be excellent in a book club or a classroom - I will be recommending it to my book club.
The authors do a great job of weaving the research in with the story. So don't be put off by the phrase 'an ethnographic novel'! It is just the same as reading a normal fiction novel, it just leaves the reader with a bit more to think about afterwards.
Due to the engaging characters and clear yet poetic writing, it is a page-turner and a pleasure to read.
November 2, 2024
As an expat who has lived in Fiji for several years, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. This was my first ethnographic novel, and I found it immersive and authentic, likely because it’s set somewhere I know well. The story and characters felt relatable, creating a strong connection for me. Each of the three main characters is well-developed and engaging, and I especially enjoyed the multiple perspectives. I appreciate how the book presents a side of Fiji that contrasts with the typical tourist view, offering a deeper, more nuanced portrayal of life here.
February 2, 2024
Loved this book as an adventure crime novel, as a character analysis but mostly as a sensitive and insightful cross-cultural narrative about place and people, and how they all see the same things from different perspectives.
February 6, 2025
Fantastic! I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Fiji, public health, structural violence, and voluntourism. It reads like a novel but it’s informed by ethnographic material.
November 21, 2024
i only read half of it but it's really good and opened my eyes about how good ethnographic novels can be
October 17, 2024
I loved this book and think the story was very sensitive and insightful, getting you to understand perspectives and pasts from so many different characters. It was very obviously well researched and the voices in the story reflect that
January 15, 2025
Sugar by Edward Narain and Tarryn Phillips is a gripping ethnographic novel that blends research and lived experiences to offer an unflinching view of the lives of three very different individuals. The book opens with a compelling hook that immediately caught my attention. However, after this initial intrigue, the narrative takes its time to build the world, introducing the main protagonists and gradually establishing their significance within the larger story. This slow start can be a bit challenging, especially with the numerous characters involved, but the payoff is worth the effort as the layers of the narrative unfold.
The greatest strength of Sugar is the authenticity it brings to the table. The authors’ unfiltered portrayal of the protagonists’ lives feels raw and honest. There is a simplicity to the writing that enhances the sense of realism, drawing the reader into the characters’ experiences. I felt deeply connected to the characters, each with their own struggles and realities, and the alternating perspectives provided a unique insight into their vastly different worlds.
As the story progresses, the narrative tightens, and the time spent on each protagonist's perspective becomes shorter, gradually building tension and urgency. This structure brilliantly contrasts the resignation some characters feel within their familiar cultural context with the naivety of others attempting to navigate unfamiliar terrain. It’s this juxtaposition of perspectives that adds emotional depth and poignancy to the storytelling.
While the book excels in its cultural immersion and powerful character exploration, one small drawback is the lack of a glossary for the Fijian/Indian words used throughout the novel. These terms are integral to the cultural authenticity of the story, but for readers less familiar with the language, a glossary would have been a helpful addition, enhancing the experience and clarifying meanings.
In conclusion, Sugar is an immersive and thought-provoking read. The authors succeed in portraying the complexities of the characters' lives with honesty and depth, while also capturing cultural nuances and societal dynamics. Despite the challenges in following multiple characters and understanding some of the unfamiliar language, the book is compelling and deeply impactful. It is a story that lingers in the mind long after the final page, leaving readers with a greater appreciation for lives and cultures that are often left unexplored.
#ARC #NetGalley
The greatest strength of Sugar is the authenticity it brings to the table. The authors’ unfiltered portrayal of the protagonists’ lives feels raw and honest. There is a simplicity to the writing that enhances the sense of realism, drawing the reader into the characters’ experiences. I felt deeply connected to the characters, each with their own struggles and realities, and the alternating perspectives provided a unique insight into their vastly different worlds.
As the story progresses, the narrative tightens, and the time spent on each protagonist's perspective becomes shorter, gradually building tension and urgency. This structure brilliantly contrasts the resignation some characters feel within their familiar cultural context with the naivety of others attempting to navigate unfamiliar terrain. It’s this juxtaposition of perspectives that adds emotional depth and poignancy to the storytelling.
While the book excels in its cultural immersion and powerful character exploration, one small drawback is the lack of a glossary for the Fijian/Indian words used throughout the novel. These terms are integral to the cultural authenticity of the story, but for readers less familiar with the language, a glossary would have been a helpful addition, enhancing the experience and clarifying meanings.
In conclusion, Sugar is an immersive and thought-provoking read. The authors succeed in portraying the complexities of the characters' lives with honesty and depth, while also capturing cultural nuances and societal dynamics. Despite the challenges in following multiple characters and understanding some of the unfamiliar language, the book is compelling and deeply impactful. It is a story that lingers in the mind long after the final page, leaving readers with a greater appreciation for lives and cultures that are often left unexplored.
#ARC #NetGalley
December 17, 2024
Sugar by Edward Narain and Tarryn Phillips is an ethnographic novel based on long-term research and lived experiences. The book opens with a compelling hook that immediately drew me in. However, after the initial intrigue, the pace slows as the narrative takes time to introduce the main protagonists and establish their roles in the story. With numerous characters involved, it took me some time to fully grasp who each person was and the significance of their role within the broader narrative.
The authors offer a raw and unfiltered insight into the lives of three very different individuals. This authenticity is the book's greatest strength—everything feels exposed, honest, and free of pretences. At times, the simplicity of the writing enhances this sense of realism, allowing me to truly connect with the lived experiences presented.
The story alternates between the lives of the protagonists, and as the book progresses, the time spent on each perspective gradually shortens, building a sense of tension and urgency. This structure allowed me to feel the contrasts between the characters' lives, particularly the resignation of some to their circumstances within one culture, and the relative naivety of others navigating unfamiliar terrain. This juxtaposition brought depth and poignancy to the storytelling.
One small drawback was the absence of a glossary for the Fijian/Indian words used throughout the book. While these terms enriched the cultural texture of the story, I believe a glossary would have clarified their meanings and enhanced the reading experience for those less familiar with the language.
In conclusion, Sugar is a thought-provoking and immersive read that succeeds in portraying the raw complexities of its protagonists' lives. Through its careful blend of ethnographic research and storytelling, the book captures cultural nuances, personal struggles, and societal dynamics with honesty and depth. Despite some challenges in keeping track of characters and understanding unfamiliar terms, the authenticity and gradual build-up of tension make this a compelling read. It is a book that lingers in the mind, leaving readers with a deeper appreciation for lives and cultures often left unexplored.
The authors offer a raw and unfiltered insight into the lives of three very different individuals. This authenticity is the book's greatest strength—everything feels exposed, honest, and free of pretences. At times, the simplicity of the writing enhances this sense of realism, allowing me to truly connect with the lived experiences presented.
The story alternates between the lives of the protagonists, and as the book progresses, the time spent on each perspective gradually shortens, building a sense of tension and urgency. This structure allowed me to feel the contrasts between the characters' lives, particularly the resignation of some to their circumstances within one culture, and the relative naivety of others navigating unfamiliar terrain. This juxtaposition brought depth and poignancy to the storytelling.
One small drawback was the absence of a glossary for the Fijian/Indian words used throughout the book. While these terms enriched the cultural texture of the story, I believe a glossary would have clarified their meanings and enhanced the reading experience for those less familiar with the language.
In conclusion, Sugar is a thought-provoking and immersive read that succeeds in portraying the raw complexities of its protagonists' lives. Through its careful blend of ethnographic research and storytelling, the book captures cultural nuances, personal struggles, and societal dynamics with honesty and depth. Despite some challenges in keeping track of characters and understanding unfamiliar terms, the authenticity and gradual build-up of tension make this a compelling read. It is a book that lingers in the mind, leaving readers with a deeper appreciation for lives and cultures often left unexplored.
February 14, 2024
When an amazing book, I really loved it. Because at the endthe book that told The story about How does two authors wrote this book. It was like a love story in mystery everything rolled into one. H e a n n a h came to fiji to work for public health on diabetes. This was really interesting because she meant a lot of different people there is well. There was a bunch of Australians and people from different parts. Who came together to work on different projects in F I j I. They're also worried about a typhoon called dorothy. Hannah Made friends with the family in the settlement. They talked about this indian woman her husband used to drive for the prime ministers. They talked about the racial problems between the native Fijians, and these Indians were brought there to work on. The Sugar C a n e or For the british issue control these plantations. And how some of these people had a lot of problems with the sugar because they became diabetic. I've put that really interesting when she met. This boy who had a lot of problems because his grandmother named bo was very diabetic. We try to do everything right. But things just didn't go with his way every time. I like how the author played all these things together.. Hannah may friends one dorothy hit the island she helped with The people who lost their homes. She became friendly with the ex patriots there and she went to the party. Today's money to help these people. Her friend ethan was her really good friend Because he was a lawyer and he became involved in this as well. The indian husband was murdered and they blamed it on this child. And she became really strong in the book look as well. You can tell society was against these people because they do not have money more power. Native Fl JI. Put up with a lot of the stuff..
April 22, 2024
A brilliant novel revealing the challenges of life in Fiji holiday magazines won't tell you about.
If you like to be fully immersed in a culture you know little about while being swept away in a terrific story, this is the book for you.
Sugar is an ethnographic novel, impeccably researched and keenly observed by people who have enormous experience with the subject matter – Fiji.
The story is set over 27 days in Suva as a dangerous tropical cyclone threatens the island. Tension builds with the storm as we follow three people from different cultural backgrounds and see, through their eyes, the structural inequities that plague Fijian life and the corporate interests that profit from them.
Murder, political intrigue, corruption, and a love story keep you turning the pages sleeplessly until the end.
If you like to be fully immersed in a culture you know little about while being swept away in a terrific story, this is the book for you.
Sugar is an ethnographic novel, impeccably researched and keenly observed by people who have enormous experience with the subject matter – Fiji.
The story is set over 27 days in Suva as a dangerous tropical cyclone threatens the island. Tension builds with the storm as we follow three people from different cultural backgrounds and see, through their eyes, the structural inequities that plague Fijian life and the corporate interests that profit from them.
Murder, political intrigue, corruption, and a love story keep you turning the pages sleeplessly until the end.
December 3, 2024
Sugar skillfully weaves together storylines of Fijians with native, Indian, and white roots into a compelling story that kept me turning the pages. Sugar follows several characters who experience a murder in their community. In delving into the crime and unraveling the mystery of whodunnit, the authors dissect modern Fiji and the effects of multinational corporations, immigration, and political unrest on its society.
My favorite part of this book was the nuance with which the authors discussed the characters' various cultural identities. The authors dove into the history of each of these groups and how they affected each character. The characters were well-developed and the plot moved along quickly.
Highly recommend, and I'll be looking for more books from these authors.
Thanks to NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
My favorite part of this book was the nuance with which the authors discussed the characters' various cultural identities. The authors dove into the history of each of these groups and how they affected each character. The characters were well-developed and the plot moved along quickly.
Highly recommend, and I'll be looking for more books from these authors.
Thanks to NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 17, 2025
Informative, thought provoking work in the socioeconomic context of Fiji and with appeal to a wide audience including tourists, researchers and anyone in Fiji or elsewhere who enjoys a good read whilst being informed - people who can appreciate a better understanding of social dynamics in Fiji than the oversimplification that is sometimes presented to them. The characters are complex, yet easy to connect with. The book is so much more than a crime story as you get a picture of multicultural Fiji in the international context with the beauty and not so beautiful. Having grown up in Fiji, there is much that resonated with me. The end bits on 'Reading Sugar' which includes 'Questions for Discussion' and the 'Glossary' are worthwhile and very useful. If planning a trip or another one, do read 'Sugar' as this will deepen and add meaning to your Fiji experience!
Well done to both authors!
Well done to both authors!
February 7, 2024
This book is a thrilling, edge-of-the-seat murder mystery that feels like it is grounded in the lived experience of the two authors. The development of a sense of place and the characters in the novel has a refreshing authenticity.
I like the use of sugar as a literary device to explore the multiple layers of old and new colonialism in Pasifika culture. The tension between economic progress and third world exploitation is made visceral, and raises thorny questions on the morality of charity and tourism in developing nations.
This is my favourite kind of book - an exploration of the collision of different cultures and complex themes wrapped up in a thrilling murder-mystery ride. Enjoy!
I like the use of sugar as a literary device to explore the multiple layers of old and new colonialism in Pasifika culture. The tension between economic progress and third world exploitation is made visceral, and raises thorny questions on the morality of charity and tourism in developing nations.
This is my favourite kind of book - an exploration of the collision of different cultures and complex themes wrapped up in a thrilling murder-mystery ride. Enjoy!
April 30, 2025
This was such a good read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm not sure if I've encountered ethnographic novels before, but as a visitor of Fiji I appreciated how carefully done the treatment was of the place and its people. I've been to Fiji seven times in the last year, and I always loved coming here - even including that one time my passport was stolen in broad daylight. If anything, this book heightened my appreciation of Fiji and I would highly recommend it.
**From Baka Books, recommended by the lovely lady at the front desk (vinaka, this was an excellent rec)
**From Baka Books, recommended by the lovely lady at the front desk (vinaka, this was an excellent rec)
September 10, 2025
This book was super interesting. The approach of an ethnographic novel is new to me and worked really well. I especially liked the supplementary chapter which put everything into context and showed the positionality of the authors. I learned so much about Fiji and had so much fun while reading. I felt like injustices and social hierarchies were shown really well and at the same time the plot was always super interesting and kept me on my toes
I definitely recommend this book :)
I definitely recommend this book :)
February 3, 2024
I'm obsessed! I fell immediately into the world the authors wove and loved the complexity and intriguing movement between the stories, places and time-scapes. It has the sophisticated tension of a great thriller and the thought provoking attention to context that allowed me to simultaneously reflect on my own lived experience, privilege and participation. A truly remarkable book!
January 26, 2025
This one has a lot going on with it. Not only is there a lot of story, but there's a lot of description, so much that I lost track of everything happening in the book. Each time I picked it up, I had to work to remember what I had read the time before, but it got to a point where I couldn't go through that any longer. After too many frustrating reading attempts, I had to walk away.
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February 6, 2024read for a class.
for a educational novel, this one was fairly interesting. it's a story about three different people living different lives in fiji, and honestly i wouldn't say i'd had read this without the class but i am glad i did.
for a educational novel, this one was fairly interesting. it's a story about three different people living different lives in fiji, and honestly i wouldn't say i'd had read this without the class but i am glad i did.
January 5, 2024
I found this book interesting. I liked that it had the viewpoint of 3 very different people represented throughout the narrative and showed the growth of those 3 people throughout the book.
February 3, 2024
A beautiful, evocative journey into a world that rarely appears on the page. Loved it and learned so much.
June 21, 2025
Incredible book- I loved the layout, the writing, and the layers of themes and intertwining storytelling. This book has inspired me to read more ethnographic novels.
December 5, 2025
AMAZING I LOVE PEOPLE!!! I LOVE SEEING HOW CULTURES AND PEOPLE COME TOGETHER. IM SOBBING. I LOVE YOU RISHIKA🤍🤍🤍
December 12, 2025
3.5 stars.
An interesting topic with a lot of food for thought. However the writing style was a bit bland
An interesting topic with a lot of food for thought. However the writing style was a bit bland
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December 26, 2025only read for a class
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