Filthy Sugar

by Heather Babcock

Set in the mid-1930s, Filthy Sugar tells the story of Wanda Whittle, a nineteen-year-old dreamer who models fur coats in an uptown department store, but who lives in a crowded rooming house with her hard-working widowed mother and shrewd older sister, Evelyn, in the "slums" behind the city's marketplace; a world where "death is always close but life is stubborn." Bored with the daily grind and still in shock from the sudden death of her father, Wanda finds both escapism and inspiration in the celluloid fantasies of the Busby Berkeley musicals, Greta Garbo dramas, and Jean Harlow sex comedies. Strutting up and down the aisles of Blondell's department store, her peep-toe high heels drumming out a steady beat on the waxed linoleum floors, Wanda fantasizes that she's Ruby Keeler, the tap dancing sweetheart from 42nd Street. But Wanda wants more than to wear a glamourous woman's coat--she wants to live inside of her flesh.

Her dreams come true after a chance encounter with the mysterious Mr. Manchester, proprietor of the Apple Bottom burlesque theatre. Suddenly Wanda is thrust into a world of glitter and grit. Descending from the rickety, splintered roof top of the Apple Bottom theatre on a red velvet swing, Wanda Whittle morphs into a dream named Wanda Wiggles; sweeter than a strawberry sundae and tastier than a deep dish apple pie. At the Apple Bottom she meets Lili Belle, a naughty cartoon flapper brought to life; Queenie, a sultry headliner whom Wanda feels drawn to like a bee to a butterfly bush; the sweet and salty Eddie, a drummer who thumps out his words like bullets from a machine gun and Brock Baxter, the Apple Bottom's vaudevillian comic whose apple cheeked, pretty boy exterior belies his sinister intentions.

All will have an impact on Wanda's journey. Cowardly boxers, shady coppers, dime store hoodlums, and painted ladies--Wanda will encounter them all! On her voyage from rags to riches and back again, Wanda experiences a sexual awakening and achieves personal independence as she discovers that a girl doesn't need a lot of sugar to be sensational!

Genres: Historical Fiction

240 pages, Paperback

First published May 26, 2020

About the author

Heather Babcock’s debut novel Filthy Sugar was published by Inanna Publications in 2020. She has had short stories and non-fiction essays published in Descant, The Humber Literary Review, The Toronto Quarterly and Write magazine, among many others. Her short story collection, Of Being Underground and Moving Backwards, was published in 2015 by DevilHousePress.

She has spoken at the Toronto Public Library on the topic of "Writing a Novel When You Don't Have Time to Write a Novel."

In 2022, Heather Babcock was the lunchtime seminar speaker at the 29th Vintage Film Festival held at the beautiful Capitol Theatre in Port Hope. She spoke on the topic of "Dangerous Dames: Celebrating the Women of Pre-Code Gangster Movies."

An avid movie buff, Babcock writes about vintage fashion, silent and classic movies and 1930’s pop culture on her Word Press blog “Meet Me at the Soda Fountain”.

Heather Babcock is a member of the Writers' Union of Canada.

Reviews

[Bonnie DeMoss · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is the 1930s, and Wanda Whittle’s father has passed away. She lives behind the marketplace with her mother and sister and dreams of a more interesting life. Always the pretty one, she goes from modeling coats in a department store to mesmerizing crowds of men at burlesque shows with her considerable assets. As Wanda Wiggles, she uses her body for pleasure and profit and makes no apologies. But who is using who? Faced with the manipulations and expectations of others, will she reach for what she wants despite the men who want to control her body and her soul? And who really has her heart?

This is an extremely sensual work of art with very mature themes exquisitely written by Heather Babcock. The characters are real and raw. Wanda’s loves and losses are palpable and so clearly mirrored in the choices she makes. Babcock’s writing skill is evident, and the way she uses ordinary objects, such as a billboard or a bottle of milk, to express extreme emotions or the desperation of the time is very effective.

The 1930s come alive in this novel, but the helplessness of the Depression era is cut through with a slight thread of hope. Show business is represented mainly through the burlesque shows, but hidden gems throughout pay homage to the 1930s pre-Code movies. There is also a glossary of 1930s terms like “masher” and “tomato” that will help you navigate through this world.

Recommended for anyone interested in Depression-era history or wanting to read the first novel by a very talented writer.

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Again, just a caution that this book contains many sex scenes.

I received this book from the author, publishers, and Historical Novels Review Magazine. My opinions are my own.

[Cate McKim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Filthy Sugar takes us to the mid-1930s, from the struggles of a working class slum, to the hustle and excitement on and off the burlesque stage. Here, we follow redheaded heroine Wanda Whittle’s rise and fall from fame in a journey of self-discovery that reveals desires and reserves of strength she never knew she possessed. Erotic, compelling and full of richly textured characters, Heather Babcock’s storytelling is equal parts moxie and poetry—tinted with the heartbroken nostalgia of memory and lost dreams; and sparkling with striking, evocative imagery. More than a backstage pass into this world, Filthy Sugar shines a light on the challenges faced by working class women. Dancing as fast as they can in order to survive, they must navigate the unapologetic misogyny and hypocritical social codes that govern their bodies and behaviour as they pursue their hopes, dreams and desires. Sounds kind of familiar, doesn’t it?

[Brenda Clews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Filthy Sugar brings the Depression-era life of a young, single, desirable woman alive with Wanda Wiggles, a sensuous, curvaceous model, burlesque dancer, harlot who is driven by sexual appetite and a desire to stay alive in a world of dire penury. Never downtrodden, despite the many men in her life who use her financially, she maintains a sass, is naughty, breaks social rules. She grew up in the Market, a working-class slum, in a complex, loving family. Sub-plots, where stories of the usury of the working-class echo, interweave the main plot. Never harder than in the depression, the harshness of labouring classes’ lives are ever-present in Filthy Sugar — the story takes place in a world of bread lines, veteran marches, and a looming black-listing of ‘commies.’ Beaming within this often camp and well-researched historical novel is also a strong feminist tale of the multiplicities of female sexuality, of an un-stripped agency and, in the final scene, an empowerment that will leave you clapping and laughing. Masterfully written with the sensibility of a poet, Heather Babcock is a writer to watch.

[Lizzie Violet · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the grit and desperation of the Depression, the forgotten man, the sassy dames and dirty little secrets sprouting out of dandelions, Filthy Sugar is a dream wrapped up in a sassy pre-code cinematic adventure and its heroine Wanda Wiggles is all the parts of a swell dame made up of a fine mix of Barbara Stanwyck, Thelma Todd, Jean Harlow, Joan Blondell, and Clara Bow.

Heather Babcock has captured the pure essence of the 1930s with eloquent, colourful words that flourish across the pages. You literally feel as if you are part of the audience in the burlesque house, hooting and hollering as Wanda wiggles across the stage. You don’t need to be a fan of pre-code movies to enjoy this wonderful debut novel.

[Delaney · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm rating this two stars instead of one star because I acknowledge that this book might be right for some people. But just know that in my heart, personally, it is a one star book.

I just straight up did not enjoy this book. I was really looking forward to it - the last time I read a historical fiction set in the great depression was when I read the Kit Kitteridge books, and I was really excited to see something in this time period. And the description implied that there might be a bit of a sapphic romance, and I'm always looking for more sapphic historical fiction.

But I just couldn't get into it. Our main character, Wanda, was exceedingly stupid. Stupid and naive. And I never knew what she wanted. In acting one of the most important things you need to identify is what your character wants, and what they're willing to do to get it. And Wanda was willing to do all sorts of things, but I really just couldn't figure out what she wanted. To escape poverty? To have lots of sex? To marry Mr. what's-his-name? To have sex with what's-his-name? I have no idea! And I could maybe take stupid and annoying if she wasn't totally directionless as a character. There was just nothing interesting about her.

There wasn't really much interesting about any of the other characters either. I would say her mom and her sister were the only characters I thought were interesting. The rest were just whatever. Every man in the book was gross, and I guess that was probably a point the author was trying to make, but it certainly did not make reading the book enjoyable at all.

While there was a bit of sapphic themes, I couldn't actually call it romance. There was sapphic lust, and sex, but I really didn't get any romance. Which also would have been fine! Except I didn't really feel like the author did a good job of exploring those themes.

Plus, all in all, there was just waaaay too much sex in this book than I was interested in reading. Like, way too much.

Like I said, I acknowledge that the right person might enjoy this, but I am not that person.

I received an ARC of the audiobook from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Heather Babcock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, it's been over half a year since Filthy Sugar was released! I definitely never anticipated my debut novel coming out during a pandemic. One thing that readers have mentioned to me is that in this time of Covid-19, there are many parallels in my Depression-era story to what is going on right now. My hope is that Filthy Sugar, which was inspired by the escapist fare of the 1930s, can itself provide modern readers with some escapism during these difficult times.

Here are some additional editorial reviews:


“Heather Babcock’s novel, Filthy Sugar, artfully takes the reader into the Jazz Age of flirty flappers and boozy philosophers.”

– Pat Connors, author of Scarborough Songs and Part-Time Contemplative

“Heather Babcock’s Filthy Sugar is both a sweet and saucy journey behind the curtain. A time traveled, tantalizing, and tumultuous tale, to be sure.”

—Valentino Assenza, Co-Host/Co-Producer HOWL, CIUT 89.5FM

“Filthy Sugar is a real time-travelling excursion. Heather Babcock brings alive the era of Trilbys, hoofers and two-bit scriveners with vividness, imagination and striking description. A good read – and how!”

—Jeff Cottrill, writer, actor, journalist and spoken-word artist

[Lisa Nikolits · Rating 5 out of 5]

Filthy Sugar is so delicious it’s positively sinful! Wanda Wiggles will take you to another time and place, but a place where love, lust, greed sex and power are just as heartbreaking and complex as they are today.

This reviewer was aware that Filthy Sugar was inspired the women of the Pre-Code period of Hollywood film, referring to the films that were made from 1930-1934, prior to the enforcement of the amended Production Code "to govern the making of motion and talking pictures" and Wanda Wiggles is a stellar female character of that time – she is a dame not to be messed with! Her heart is as soft as a kitten’s fur but the claws come out when they need to! She's sensual, sassy and stunning and she isn't afraid to be her true self, even when that self lands her in some hot water.

The dialogue and setting are pitch-perfect, demonstrating a great deal of research and love for the time period, but the author’s voice never intrudes; the reader is fully engaged.

I truly hope this exquisitely written debut novel will enjoy the love and attention it deserves. Superb, poetic and cinematic, Filthy Sugar will transport you into another world and you won’t want to leave!

[Myna · Rating 5 out of 5]

With her first novel, Filthy Sugar, Heather Babcock has created a fully realized 1930’s backdrop—complete with thirties lingo—for her loveable protagonist. Wanda starts out modelling fur coats at a department store and quickly graduates to the world of burlesque, taking her clothes off at the Apple Bottom and earning her stage name, Wanda Wiggles. Her new job is thanks to Mr. Manchester, the club owner, who Wanda has a simmering crush on.
As a burlesque dancer, Wanda finds self-sufficiency, making money, and gaining the attention from men she craves. As she moves from one challenging situation to another, she never loses her sense of humour, or her kindness to others. She's a dancer with the proverbial heart of gold.
Wanda’s life seems littered with anti-heroes. Between Mr. Manchester and Brock, it’s a coin toss as to who treats women worse. By the novel’s end, there’s a filmic finale where Wanda gets her just desserts. It’s a delightful novel full of hilarious scenes (Wanda meeting Brock and his mother is one of my favourites). Heather Babcock sets up the hypocrisy of male expectations and the male gaze with gusto. In completely unexpected ways, Wanda gets her revenge.

[Ann McDougall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book. Fast-paced and racy with a really richly developed 1930s world. I loved it.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I positively loved this one! Sex, sass, female liberation all in the depression era of the 1930's, yes please!

This story follows Wanda Wiggles, a young, single gal with grandiose dreams who lives with her mother and sister in a crowded rooming house. After the sudden death of her father she finds escape and infatuation with beautiful stars like Greta Garbo, Jean Harlow and Ruby Keeler. Her need for her dreams to become a reality hits its peak when she meets the owner of a burlesque theater. Wanda throws herself into this strange and sparkling new path and stage persona. But the grass isn't always greener. Wanda's journey of her rise and fall from fame is one full of life lessons and personal awakenings.

Babcock shines in this well researched and vivaciously told story invoking a time of dispair, old Hollywood, sexual deliverance, and the hustle and bustle of post war times where people were just trying to survive.
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Thank You to the author for sending this to me opinions are my own.
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[Ursula Pflug · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heather Babcock's 1930's heroine Wanda Wiggles (her stage name) finds work on a burlesque stage after losing her job modeling furs at a department store. Babcock's characters are sexy and playful, and we almost don't notice when she slides in the lessons. She deftly reminds us that to judge an erotic dancer is to admit both sexism and classism; most of the club owners were (and are) wealthy and sometimes gang-affiliated men who care little for their performers' safety. Nonetheless, strutting your stuff on stage has always mainly been a way to make more than minimum, and that's important when you're helping family with their grocery bills. A fun, tough, sexy, and also sad novel. Impressive debut.

[Geneviève (thefreckledbookworm) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I wish I'd loved this book, but sadly I was mostly bored throughout. The main character is sassy and funny, but very self-centered, difficult to like 😅

PROs :
- Glossary of 1930s slang words
- Entertaining, quick read (loved the burlesque part)
- Refreshing to read about the "debauchery" of the 1930s lower class
- Curvy main character
- F/F romantic interest

CONs :
- Lots of (equally as disgusting) manly characters, so you can't really differentiate one from the next
- The way it's written, I can't tell if the main character is just naive or if she knew exactly what she is getting into (also the tone adopted by the audiobook's narrator really didn't help)
- Told from the main character's point of view, but no insight about her personal thoughts and motives (so you never really get to "know" her)

[Zoe Krainik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heather Babcock’s debut novel, Filthy Sugar, is a hot fudge sundae that doesn’t skimp on the cherries. Delicious and rich in detail, with a heroine to match, Filthy Sugar seamlessly incorporates the best parts of the naughty and rule breaking Pre-Code Hollywood film era with the author’s own flair for imagery and language.

***Full review on my blog:

https://zestyz.wordpress.com/2020/07/...

[Elizabeth Allan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from an old boyfriend as an early Christmas present. He knows I love 1930's movies and clothing so he thought I'd like this and he was right! I've never written a Goodreads review before but I had to go on to rate this as I LOVED it! I guess some would classify this as "chick-lit" but I think it was too deep and well written for that. As a thick girl, I love how body positive Wanda is. I felt like I was friends with her. I can't recommend this book highly enough. 5/5 stars!

[Frank Tse · Rating 5 out of 5]

A hidden gem! Very beautifully written and if you love classic movies there are lots of "Easter eggs" here (for example there is a chapter titled "Angels with Dirty Feet" - Ha!). The characters were all unique and memorable. Is it wrong though that I think Brock is a great guy?

[Diane Bracuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a fan of old movies, I discovered Heather Babcock’s writing through her popular blog, “Meet Me at the Soda Fountain”, “The Bee’s Knees of 1920’s and 1930’s film and pop culture.” One essay about Mae Clarke, a relatively unknown 30s actress “who portrayed tragic and figures who derive little pleasure and much pain from their romantic attachments” struck me with its poignant insights into a woman “moving with the sexual politics of her time, yet never boxed into them.” And so, when Babcock's first novel “Filthy Sugar” popped up on my social media feeds (hard to miss with its exquisite art deco illustration), I decided to give it a read.

It did not disappoint. Suffice to say I was quite taken in by the rags to riches, then back again journey of Wanda Wiggles, an ambitious, resilient, busty beauty who becomes a burlesque dancer during the censorious, Pre-Code period of Hollywood film in the 30s. To put it mildly, Wanda refuses to be “boxed in by the sexual politics of her time,” and explores her sexuality as freely as any liberated, braless woman during the 60s. In fact, her braless, at times pastie-less bountiful breasts propel her to career success. Unfortunately, the sexual revolution is still 30 years away, and Wanda’s world is still staunchly a man’s world, controlled by entrenched standards for women —good girl or bad girl—and sleazy, hypocritical males who exploit, profit from, and ultimately condemn the unapologetically bad ones like Wanda.

Like the sassy, wisecracking 30s stars she adores, Babcock has a gift for snappy, sharp dialogue. “Kissing Lili Belle is devouring an ice cream cone in July; it is a hotdog at the ballpark; it is Jean Harlow slipping into something more comfortable and it is better than all those things. Kissing Lili Belle is better than the movies.”

Although Wanda may feel like her idol Jean Harlow on her better days, the reality is that she’s often down on her luck, broke, unable to afford a hot dog, and turning tricks to pay her rent on her “home” a bed-bug ridden sleazy hotel room. Despite her feisty front, she secretly dreads if she always be this way, one of the have-nots, only getting the crumbs in life.

In one of the novel’s most moving, poetic passages, Babcock writes:

“The afternoon is hotter than any spring day has any right to be. Children play hooky to hopscotch in the streets; men tumble out of saloon doors and women’s bare legs dangle from open windows, like the hands of a clock. In the middle of the road, a gang of pigeons, hobo-doves, feast on a filthy, forgotten sandwich. They waddle quickly to the safety of the gutters every time that an automobile turns the corner.
I venture out to road and pick up the sandwich, holding it gingerly between my thumb and forefinger. “There you go boys,” I say, tossing the food onto the sidewalk. “No need to risk your life for a little breakfast!”
The pigeons watch, their tiny heads cocked inquisitively, but rather than following me—and the sandwich—back to the curb, they chose to say in the middle of the road; pecking away at the now bare pavement in earnest ignorance.
Dumb clucks.”

It’s passages like this that made me adore Wanda, and almost sad when the book ended (quickly. It’s a page turner). The ambiguous ending left me with so many questions. Will Wanda prevail? Can she put her natural business acumen to good use running her own business? Will she have better luck with romance, or will be always be a “dumb cluck” when it comes to men? Maybe a sequel in the works? Hope so!

[Priya Ramsingh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wanda Whittle is a survivor. After her father dies, she, her sister and mother must learn how to make ends meet, while living in the crowded rooming house in the world behind the Market. Putting food on the table isn't easy for three women during the Great Depression. Jobs are hard to find, but Wanda has assets she can use. She catches the eye of a Burlesque theatre owner and soon rises to fame, a headliner known as Wanda Wiggles. But fame is short-lived and after what feels like a betrayal, she moves out on her own. I rooted for Wanda at the turn of each page, relishing each chapter as her story unfolded. The book is well researched and takes you deep into the heart of the Great Depression, showing what women like Wanda needed to do in order to survive in a world where rich men called the shots. An entertaining read!

[Carolyne Van Der Meer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Filthy Sugar for a number of reasons. First, Heather Babcock knows her burlesque theatre and knows her eras—pre-Code cinema and how women’s emancipation traversed these times. Filthy Sugar’s main character, Wanda Whittle, aka Wanda Wiggles, takes us on her journey to independence at a time when women had little of it. Second, in addition to being an expert in the Great Depression, Babcock is a master of the story arc, adept at carrying us along the ebbing tides of Wanda’s successes and failures—all the way to her winningest moment. Finally, gutsy writing sweeps the reader up into Wanda’s charm and allure, creating her greatest fan by the end of the novel, sad to see her go, but thrilled that she came out on top.

[Hollay Ghadery · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an exciting, entertaining read! 💕 Filthy Sugar by Heather Babcock published by @inannapub was just what I needed right now: escapism with substance. The story of 19-year-old model turned peeler turned prostitute Wanda “Wiggles” Whittle is told cinematically, but also, with an unflinching eye for the filth of the body (and bawdy) that we wouldn’t have seen in most films in guys and dolls era. Babcock has created an tremendously fun book that tickles the tropes and stereotypes of the time into a story of rebellion and subversion. Loved it.

[Terri Favro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sassy, saucy, sexy, fun to read and ultimately a beautifully-told story about female empowerment and friendships in the pre-code era, "Filthy Sugar" opens a window onto the world of the 1930s burlesque houses. If you love wordplay, you'll particularly enjoy this novel -- the characters' dialogue is rich in slang expressions from the era, complete with glossary. "Filthy Sugar" itself is a term of the author's own invention, which perfectly captures the spirit of this novel. A wonderful read.

[M.H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written with a lyrical evocation of 1930s lingo, some of which author, Heather Babcock, created specifically for this book like "filthy sugar" to mean money. An unflinching look at the obstacles faced by working class women during the Depression - and a wonderfully empowering read. Heather explores the cruelty of sexism then uplifts us in the protagonist's resounding victory. All women should read this book!

[Roland S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know I am probably not the target audience for this book but I have to say that I really enjoyed it. It was fun and good escapism. The main character, Wanda, is not a perfect person but that's probably what makes her intriguing. There was also a sub plot which involves media manipulation which I found very interesting.

[Maria]

The writing is fresh and funny. You'll want to be friends with some of the characters, and you'll hate others. A fun read and a good view of what things were like back in the day. Read it; enjoy it; write a review.

[Anneke Alnatour · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just a really easy and fast read. Enjoyed it.

[Natasha Jolly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wanda Wiggles is a star! Fun, sexy & a whirlwind of a ride. Loved the 30’s backdrop, brought me back in time. Great read, I must say I did miss Wanda when I finished reading it.

[Loretta Traynor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book was well researched. I enjoyed the story and it was well written.

[Ele Pawelski]

A lovely, light summer read, almost like reading a comic book. All the language and descriptions are so evocative of the 1920s/1930s. Wish there could have been more depth to the characters, though.

[K.R. Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got a real kick out of this saucy, Depression-era burlesque novel by self-described swell dame Heather Babcock. It has the feel of a classic film, but with a decidedly R rating.

[Lynnie]

I loved the Glossary and the book itself was titillating and I was a wee bit scandalized! Lovely.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lusty and poetic, this novel provides a peep into the pre-code era of burlesque versus morality.