Sugar's Sweet Allure

by Khalil Rahman Ali

It is 1843, and Mustafa Ali, an 18 year-old Muslim Indian labourer is forced to run away from home after the discovery of his forbidden love for Chandini Sharma, his Hindu childhood sweetheart. His dream is to find work, save his money and return to ask for his beloved's hand. He ends up following the promise of good work, pay and conditions as an indentured labourer on a sugar plantation in British Guiana. Sugar's Sweet Allure tells of Mustafa's journey and the struggles he endures. His is a story shared by millions of Indian labourers spread around the world.

312 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2013

Reviews

[Diane Buxo]

This was a fascinating book which held quite closely to the historical facts, as far as I am aware of them. The character development was especially impressive, as it had to cover years of a man's life and thousands of miles. It may be hard for modern readers to put themselves into a time without planes or cell phones, but Khalil does a wonderful job conveying the absolute nature of the characters' journey, which for most of them meant forever.
And isn't this kind of story timely today, when we're still arguing about immigration? For a more recent take on Guyana try the second novel in this trilogy The Domino Masters of Demerara!

[Kislay · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good story about the plantation workers who left their all in search of good opportunities, hoping to return home one day! Though the story has touches of a Bollywood film.