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Suite as Sugar and Other Stories
From Winnipeg winterscapes to Toronto’s condo culture, from Havana’s haunted streets to Trinidad’s calamitous environs, the stories in Suite as Sugar are permeated with the violence of colonial histories, personal and intimate, in settings where the veil between the living and the dead is obscured.
222 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 25, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
May 16, 2023
In a Nutshell: Loved the introductory note and the reason behind this anthology. Couldn’t figure out the point of most of the stories. Disappointed.
The introductory note mentions that this short story collection is written in honour of the ancestors who persevered despite the odds, and for those who continue to suffer injustices today. The idea is to read it in order to reconnect with the earth, with nature, with spirit. The stories are described as Havana Noir and are located in varied places in Canada and The Caribbean.
Great intro and intent! If only the implementation created the same feelings in me. Most of the stories in this debut collection left me feeling zilch. The endings weren’t satisfactory – they were either abrupt or weird. The plot development was quite haphazard, sometimes with no logical correlation between the start and the end. They weren’t even slice-of-life in style, which could have explained away a few of the issues.
Moreover, the blurb promised stories “permeated with the violence of colonial histories, personal and intimate, in settings where the veil between the living and the dead is obscured.” This led to very different expectations. The colonial history part of the claim is visible only in bits and pieces.
I couldn’t connect to most of the characters in the stories. It was almost as if we were viewing them from a frosted glass pane, so they were visible more as blurred shapes than as well-etched figures.
One more thing that affected my enjoyment was the use of dialectical English in almost every story. While I understand why dialectical English works better in creating an authentic reader experience, reading it all through the story (especially with the Caribbean spellings and slang) is a major pain in the posterior. Audiobooks can handle dialects better, but during actual reading, a lot of time can be wasted figuring out the actual word from the spelling variant used. In fact, one of the stories (‘How to Build a Saddis’) comes from a child’s pov, and hence, the entire story is written in childish spellings (or rather misspellings.) This story is an amazing writing feat, because it surely takes a creative writer to put across every word in the tale from a child’s mind-set. But reading it? Oh my! I didn’t understand half of what the child was saying.
Basically, I loved the intent behind this collection but couldn’t bring myself to enjoy the content.
As always, I rated the stories individually, and except for one story (‘Mr. Bull's Garden’) that touched the 4 star mark for its writing style and plot, the rest generated no memorable emotions.
The author has writing talent, no doubt about it, but this just wasn’t my kind of writing. Coming from a country with a history of colonisation, I was hoping for an impactful experience with this collection. Sadly, it was not to be. Maybe fans of more abstract or surrealist works will enjoy this collection better.
2.6 stars, based on the average of my ratings for the individual stories.
My thanks to Dundurn Press and NetGalley for the DRC of “Suite as Sugar”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
———————————————
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
The introductory note mentions that this short story collection is written in honour of the ancestors who persevered despite the odds, and for those who continue to suffer injustices today. The idea is to read it in order to reconnect with the earth, with nature, with spirit. The stories are described as Havana Noir and are located in varied places in Canada and The Caribbean.
Great intro and intent! If only the implementation created the same feelings in me. Most of the stories in this debut collection left me feeling zilch. The endings weren’t satisfactory – they were either abrupt or weird. The plot development was quite haphazard, sometimes with no logical correlation between the start and the end. They weren’t even slice-of-life in style, which could have explained away a few of the issues.
Moreover, the blurb promised stories “permeated with the violence of colonial histories, personal and intimate, in settings where the veil between the living and the dead is obscured.” This led to very different expectations. The colonial history part of the claim is visible only in bits and pieces.
I couldn’t connect to most of the characters in the stories. It was almost as if we were viewing them from a frosted glass pane, so they were visible more as blurred shapes than as well-etched figures.
One more thing that affected my enjoyment was the use of dialectical English in almost every story. While I understand why dialectical English works better in creating an authentic reader experience, reading it all through the story (especially with the Caribbean spellings and slang) is a major pain in the posterior. Audiobooks can handle dialects better, but during actual reading, a lot of time can be wasted figuring out the actual word from the spelling variant used. In fact, one of the stories (‘How to Build a Saddis’) comes from a child’s pov, and hence, the entire story is written in childish spellings (or rather misspellings.) This story is an amazing writing feat, because it surely takes a creative writer to put across every word in the tale from a child’s mind-set. But reading it? Oh my! I didn’t understand half of what the child was saying.
Basically, I loved the intent behind this collection but couldn’t bring myself to enjoy the content.
As always, I rated the stories individually, and except for one story (‘Mr. Bull's Garden’) that touched the 4 star mark for its writing style and plot, the rest generated no memorable emotions.
The author has writing talent, no doubt about it, but this just wasn’t my kind of writing. Coming from a country with a history of colonisation, I was hoping for an impactful experience with this collection. Sadly, it was not to be. Maybe fans of more abstract or surrealist works will enjoy this collection better.
2.6 stars, based on the average of my ratings for the individual stories.
My thanks to Dundurn Press and NetGalley for the DRC of “Suite as Sugar”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
———————————————
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
December 27, 2025
Wonderful writing, and lots of important themes explored.
April 16, 2023
Let's just say, the stories that were really good, were exceptional, the ones that weren't good, were disappointing.
However, its clear Ramdwar can WRITE
However, its clear Ramdwar can WRITE
December 16, 2022
4.5 I only knocked off the half point because I struggled with some of the slang and would have loved a glossary of terms.
Otherwise I really enjoyed thus collection of short stories. Camille Hernandez-Ramdhwar is (so the blurb says) multi-racial, multi-lingual, multicultural and trans-national. It certainly comes across in her writing. As does the thin line between corporeal and incorporeal worlds.
The stories move from Cuba to Canada to Trinidad giving the reader a flavour not only of the cultures and experiences had by the writers characters but also of historical changes in the countries. The prose is often quite poetic and lyrical. Not too much though. I'm not a huge fan of poetic prose.
My favourite was most definitely the title story "Suite as Sugar" which weaves several stories with one binding issue - sugar - in all its forms, guises and treachery.
Thoroughly enjoyed this collection. Its certainly like nothing I've ever read before.
Otherwise I really enjoyed thus collection of short stories. Camille Hernandez-Ramdhwar is (so the blurb says) multi-racial, multi-lingual, multicultural and trans-national. It certainly comes across in her writing. As does the thin line between corporeal and incorporeal worlds.
The stories move from Cuba to Canada to Trinidad giving the reader a flavour not only of the cultures and experiences had by the writers characters but also of historical changes in the countries. The prose is often quite poetic and lyrical. Not too much though. I'm not a huge fan of poetic prose.
My favourite was most definitely the title story "Suite as Sugar" which weaves several stories with one binding issue - sugar - in all its forms, guises and treachery.
Thoroughly enjoyed this collection. Its certainly like nothing I've ever read before.
November 25, 2022
Okay, first let me start with the positives- I enjoyed Hernández-Ramdwar's writing style and there were odd moments in these stories which really captured my imagination. Also, I always love to read about cultures I haven't been exposed to, especially from the voices within them, to give me new perspectives on my place in a multi-cultural society. This book definitely has a strong identity, and gives you the chance to see situations through a fresh pair of eyes.
However, I felt a lot of the stories were underdeveloped and one-note, and ultimately just left me feeling depressed. This isn't to say I wanted the stories to be happier, I just wanted deeper characters which I could feel some empathy for. I struggled to connect to a lot of the stories, and found myself wanting to like them more than I actually did.
Thanks to NetGalley and Dundurn Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
However, I felt a lot of the stories were underdeveloped and one-note, and ultimately just left me feeling depressed. This isn't to say I wanted the stories to be happier, I just wanted deeper characters which I could feel some empathy for. I struggled to connect to a lot of the stories, and found myself wanting to like them more than I actually did.
Thanks to NetGalley and Dundurn Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 3, 2023
Suite as Sugar is a stunning debut from author, Dr. Camille Hernández-Ramdwar. Throughout the collection, these short-stories are smart, self-aware, relevant, and funny at times (thinking of "The Death of Caribana" where the narrator is sitting in a Zoom meeting of well-meaning (?) event organizers and transcribing both what the other attendees are saying and her own internal monologue in response). The stories explore a number of topics from the unending cycle of poverty, to gentrification, many different varieties of trauma(s), familial memory, and more. The author has her Ph.D. in Sociology and to me that came through in the stories, as they are clever, thoughtful, and deliberate. Each one made me pause and think. As a reader, I really enjoyed the reading experience, as each story was so unique in its format and narration experience (e.g. one story is from the perspective of a dog), and while the stories were at times hit or miss, the hits were really spectacular ('The Biggest Fête' was beautiful; I re-read it several times through). The stories and the voice throughout were very much their own, but were at times reminiscent of Danielle Evans and Maurice Carlos Ruffin, and I would recommend to fans of either author.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dundurn Press, Rare Machines for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dundurn Press, Rare Machines for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 26, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers at Rare Machines for a chance to read “Suite as Sugar” as an eARC!
First, let me start the review with a disclaimer: I’m neither Canadian nor West Indian. While I’m from countries with Caribbean coasts (Mexico and Nicaragua), “Caribbean” is not the first word I’d use to describe my ethnic/national origin, which is the identity that this book deeply concerns itself with. This is clearly a book meant for intra-community conversation (deftly noted in “The Death of Caribana” chapter) and I’m humbled to get a small glimpse into the nuances of Caribbean-Canadian cultures and contradictions. Any readers - especially white reviewers not from this context - who do not understand that conceit truly missed the entire point of this book.
I am however a child of diaspora from histories of colonization, which is why the book resonated so much with me. “Suite as Sugar” on the surface has so many stories and vignettes that have little in common with each other, until one sits with the fact that that is exactly how places like the cultures of the Caribbean were born: bringing peoples that in theory have nothing to do with each other and seeing the meaning they create alongside each other, even if it is from a history of domination and violence.
Suite as Sugar uses the vignettes angle to get at the central point that there is no one definitive Caribbean perspective. We can only hope to hear from as many people (and even dogs, as demonstrated by “Yellow Dog Blues”) as possible to understand how beautiful and complex being alive on any of the islands is.
This is not a book for the faint of heart. It is a book that deals with rampant sexual, emotional, physical, and systemic violence, and some vignettes are more successful than others in making a point beyond the bleakness of how normal cruelty can be in peoples’ lives. When done well, stories like “I’s the Man Lane” will stick with you for a long time especially as you see an speeding car cut off multiple people on the highway. When not so well, some of the stories end up feeling a little pointless, which undermines pacing and the book’s overall impact.
“Suite as Sugar” is clearly interested in the disconnect between academia and lived experiences of colonized peoples (“It’s Lit,” “Obfuscation,” and “The Death of the Caribana” in particular illustrate that conversation). It’s interested in how people learn to hurt others, why they continue, and how this pain transcends generations or even mortality (“Ghosts of la Rampa” and “How to Build a Saddis” come to mind).
At the same time it’s also a book that can get a little fat-phobic (the unhappy fates of folks in “Suite as Sugar” seem tied up to their fatness in a way that feels more exploitative than illuminating) and anti-vaxxer friendly (I’m looking at you, “Amberine”) in addition to how casual it can get with sexual violence in particular.
All in all, the book is a bit of a mess but I hope it inspires some important conversation, and provides more representation in the publishing world at large. Excited to see the discourse this book inspires, especially when celebrating the joy of ancestors past in “The Biggest Fête.”
First, let me start the review with a disclaimer: I’m neither Canadian nor West Indian. While I’m from countries with Caribbean coasts (Mexico and Nicaragua), “Caribbean” is not the first word I’d use to describe my ethnic/national origin, which is the identity that this book deeply concerns itself with. This is clearly a book meant for intra-community conversation (deftly noted in “The Death of Caribana” chapter) and I’m humbled to get a small glimpse into the nuances of Caribbean-Canadian cultures and contradictions. Any readers - especially white reviewers not from this context - who do not understand that conceit truly missed the entire point of this book.
I am however a child of diaspora from histories of colonization, which is why the book resonated so much with me. “Suite as Sugar” on the surface has so many stories and vignettes that have little in common with each other, until one sits with the fact that that is exactly how places like the cultures of the Caribbean were born: bringing peoples that in theory have nothing to do with each other and seeing the meaning they create alongside each other, even if it is from a history of domination and violence.
Suite as Sugar uses the vignettes angle to get at the central point that there is no one definitive Caribbean perspective. We can only hope to hear from as many people (and even dogs, as demonstrated by “Yellow Dog Blues”) as possible to understand how beautiful and complex being alive on any of the islands is.
This is not a book for the faint of heart. It is a book that deals with rampant sexual, emotional, physical, and systemic violence, and some vignettes are more successful than others in making a point beyond the bleakness of how normal cruelty can be in peoples’ lives. When done well, stories like “I’s the Man Lane” will stick with you for a long time especially as you see an speeding car cut off multiple people on the highway. When not so well, some of the stories end up feeling a little pointless, which undermines pacing and the book’s overall impact.
“Suite as Sugar” is clearly interested in the disconnect between academia and lived experiences of colonized peoples (“It’s Lit,” “Obfuscation,” and “The Death of the Caribana” in particular illustrate that conversation). It’s interested in how people learn to hurt others, why they continue, and how this pain transcends generations or even mortality (“Ghosts of la Rampa” and “How to Build a Saddis” come to mind).
At the same time it’s also a book that can get a little fat-phobic (the unhappy fates of folks in “Suite as Sugar” seem tied up to their fatness in a way that feels more exploitative than illuminating) and anti-vaxxer friendly (I’m looking at you, “Amberine”) in addition to how casual it can get with sexual violence in particular.
All in all, the book is a bit of a mess but I hope it inspires some important conversation, and provides more representation in the publishing world at large. Excited to see the discourse this book inspires, especially when celebrating the joy of ancestors past in “The Biggest Fête.”
November 9, 2022
I was drawn to this short story collection by Camille Hernandez-Ramdwar because of the title and the Canadian and Caribbean settings. It was my first short story collection!
What I liked:
- The writing was beautiful. and poetic at times. There were many quotes I would want to highlight in this book.
- The settings. The stories took place in many different places but Camille's ability to describe them in such detail showed her dedication to research before writing these stories.
What I didn't like:
- I didn't feel any connection to the characters in these stories and I often had a hard time finding a point or purpose to the story.
- The stories were full of honest, open experiences. They were intense and sometimes too much (for me). Even though they touched on important topics, the way they were written just didn't have a powerful effect on me.
Overall, I was a bit let down by the stories in this book. 2.5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dundurn Press for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
What I liked:
- The writing was beautiful. and poetic at times. There were many quotes I would want to highlight in this book.
- The settings. The stories took place in many different places but Camille's ability to describe them in such detail showed her dedication to research before writing these stories.
What I didn't like:
- I didn't feel any connection to the characters in these stories and I often had a hard time finding a point or purpose to the story.
- The stories were full of honest, open experiences. They were intense and sometimes too much (for me). Even though they touched on important topics, the way they were written just didn't have a powerful effect on me.
Overall, I was a bit let down by the stories in this book. 2.5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dundurn Press for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 14, 2022
An incredible collection of short stories from a powerful female voice. Camille explores racism, modern colonialism, poverty, crime, violent toxicity and generational trauma.
It speaks of the incredible survival instincts of those who suffer injustice in the world. Set in Toronto, Barbados and Trinidad, these stories explore heavy themes but they do it with humour, not shying away from the hard subjects but doing it in a way that is easy to read and that flows naturally, they a little vignettes of magic. Highly recommend!
@sharronjoy69 on TikTok
It speaks of the incredible survival instincts of those who suffer injustice in the world. Set in Toronto, Barbados and Trinidad, these stories explore heavy themes but they do it with humour, not shying away from the hard subjects but doing it in a way that is easy to read and that flows naturally, they a little vignettes of magic. Highly recommend!
@sharronjoy69 on TikTok
May 13, 2023
I was very conflicted with this one. Some of the stories were great but others were hard to relate to and unpalatable. I also found the patois a bit hard to understand at times so may have detracted from some of the story telling.
Thank you Dundurn press for this complimentary copy.
Thank you Dundurn press for this complimentary copy.
January 3, 2023
*** Thank you to NetGalley and Dundurn Press, Rare Machines for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ***
Suite as Sugar is a stunning debut from author, Dr. Camille Hernández-Ramdwar. Throughout the collection, these short-stories are smart, self-aware, relevant, and funny at times (thinking of "The Death of Caribana" where the narrator is sitting in a Zoom meeting of well-meaning (?) event organizers and transcribing both what the other attendees are saying and her own internal monologue in response). The stories explore a number of topics from the unending cycle of poverty, to gentrification, many different varieties of trauma(s), familial memory, and more. The author has her Ph.D. in Sociology and to me that came through in the stories, as they are clever, thoughtful, and deliberate. Each one made me pause and think. As a reader, I really enjoyed the reading experience, as each story was so unique in its format and narration experience (e.g. one story is from the perspective of a dog), and while the stories were at times hit or miss, the hits were really spectacular ('The Biggest Fête' was beautiful; I re-read it several times through). The stories and the voice throughout were very much their own, but were at times reminiscent of Danielle Evans and Maurice Carlos Ruffin, and I would recommend to fans of either author.
Suite as Sugar is a stunning debut from author, Dr. Camille Hernández-Ramdwar. Throughout the collection, these short-stories are smart, self-aware, relevant, and funny at times (thinking of "The Death of Caribana" where the narrator is sitting in a Zoom meeting of well-meaning (?) event organizers and transcribing both what the other attendees are saying and her own internal monologue in response). The stories explore a number of topics from the unending cycle of poverty, to gentrification, many different varieties of trauma(s), familial memory, and more. The author has her Ph.D. in Sociology and to me that came through in the stories, as they are clever, thoughtful, and deliberate. Each one made me pause and think. As a reader, I really enjoyed the reading experience, as each story was so unique in its format and narration experience (e.g. one story is from the perspective of a dog), and while the stories were at times hit or miss, the hits were really spectacular ('The Biggest Fête' was beautiful; I re-read it several times through). The stories and the voice throughout were very much their own, but were at times reminiscent of Danielle Evans and Maurice Carlos Ruffin, and I would recommend to fans of either author.
June 29, 2023
This short story collection was such a good read. Mainly set in Toronto, Trinidad and a few other Caribbean countries, the stories were on point as they tackled social and cultural disparities.
Showing us the brutal realities of the homeless in Toronto, the changing landscape of thought with regards to LGBTQ+ rights in the Caribbean, how a global issue divided us, and the infighting that goes on with the Caribbean community when it comes to certain aspects of culture. Hernandez-Ramdwar writes characters with depth and heart.
Showing us the brutal realities of the homeless in Toronto, the changing landscape of thought with regards to LGBTQ+ rights in the Caribbean, how a global issue divided us, and the infighting that goes on with the Caribbean community when it comes to certain aspects of culture. Hernandez-Ramdwar writes characters with depth and heart.
September 4, 2023
When the stories are good they are excellent, the others not so much. A truly diverse perspective set in both the Caribbean and Canada, mainly Toronto. These stories tackle issues of gentrification, poverty, modern life versus older ways of living and abandoned animals. When they work you are transported into the character's world and acquire deeper understanding of their lives and are frustrated when they end abruptly, when they don't work, you're not sure what the story's purpose was.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 30, 2022
There were a few stories here I really connected with, but I found there were just too many that I didn't. A number of them dealt with heavy subject matter in a way that left me feeling depressed after reading. It was difficult to connect with any of the characters and I found the inconsistencies in the narrative voice really hard to keep up with.
I think this could have done with losing a few stories in order to flesh out some of the stronger ones.
I think this could have done with losing a few stories in order to flesh out some of the stronger ones.
April 10, 2023
As with most short story collections, I enjoyed a couple of stories more than others. Overall, I liked the writing and would have preferred one story with well-rounded characters.
October 25, 2022
i really wanted to love this anthology, and while i appreciated the perspectives it offered and the language it employed, i just couldn't get into it no matter how hard i tried
November 22, 2022
I typically enjoy short story collections and fly through them, but these weren’t as engaging as I had hoped. Although, the first one was engaging and promising, I found the others fell flat for me. I’d give this 2.5 stars.
January 14, 2023
Suite as sugar is a collection of short stories dealing with heavy topics like homelessness and abandonment.
Each of the stories in this collection is pretty short - I believe the shortest is roughly 10 pages with the longest being about 24 or 25 pages. Despite the brevity of the stories, this isn't a book that can be read quickly. Each of the stories has a darkness to them which makes the reader have to take a break after each one. Additionally, I found the stories hard to connect with because they were so short. I believe that a few could have been cut from the book in order for others to be extended into more complete stories.
That being said, there were some nice pieces of prose scattered throughout the book which made for a more enjoyable reading experience. However, these were too far and few between for me to give it a better rating.
Thank you to NetGalley, Camille Hernandez-Ramdwar, and Dundurn press for this digital ARC!
Each of the stories in this collection is pretty short - I believe the shortest is roughly 10 pages with the longest being about 24 or 25 pages. Despite the brevity of the stories, this isn't a book that can be read quickly. Each of the stories has a darkness to them which makes the reader have to take a break after each one. Additionally, I found the stories hard to connect with because they were so short. I believe that a few could have been cut from the book in order for others to be extended into more complete stories.
That being said, there were some nice pieces of prose scattered throughout the book which made for a more enjoyable reading experience. However, these were too far and few between for me to give it a better rating.
Thank you to NetGalley, Camille Hernandez-Ramdwar, and Dundurn press for this digital ARC!
November 30, 2022
3.5 -4⭐️ A collection of short stories that are confronting and challenging from the themes and the language to the characters of each story. Not sugar coated as the title might imply. These stories are not easy to read, I’m not sure if it’s because the writer is presenting an unheard voice - the stories are diverse as they are often raw. This is quite a remarkable collection when considering what Hernandez-Ramdwar conveys through each short story. I didn’t enjoy this in that it left me feeling warm and fuzzy, but I enjoyed it as it stirred so many other emotions and not necessarily positive ones. Anger, disgust, shock, sadness, disbelief…despair at the harsh reality of these stories and sometimes humour, although a dark one. And on reflection, also excitement for a new voice writing ‘…in honour of the ancestors who persevered despite the odds, and for those who continue to suffer injustices in our present world.’
May 29, 2023
Each story in Suite as Sugar transplanted me into a chapter in the lives of unique, nuanced and fully fleshed out characters. Although I didn’t get to sit with them for long, I couldn’t help but feel as if I’ve known them from time! Toronto, Trinidad, Cuba... I went on an adventure with complex characters, presented without judgement but not un-critically.
“Obfuscation” gripped me up, with its masterful rendering of the complex interplay between gendered dynamics, academia, sexuality, patriarchy, class, misogynoir, violence... This is a story that I'll be sitting with, and I’m sure each reading will garner a new revelation.
“Amberine” lick off more than a warning shot!! Brave, honest and in full integrity. Representing those of us whose ancestors simply would not let us fall for the okie doke, because we have seen this before. This story resonated deeply with me in its representation of someone who held their corner when their gut told them, “Sum’n nuh right here!” and spirit said "I got you!"
The subject matter varies but themes of the legacies of colonial violence, and beautiful albeit sometimes messy resistance run deep. As a reader who has wrestled with these realities all my life, it was beautiful to witness the dance on the page. The sights, sounds, smells and tastes are so vivid you can't help but feel this book!
If you know, you know and if you don’t... you should find out! A must read!!
Suite as Sugar: and Other StoriesCamille Hernández-Ramdwar
“Obfuscation” gripped me up, with its masterful rendering of the complex interplay between gendered dynamics, academia, sexuality, patriarchy, class, misogynoir, violence... This is a story that I'll be sitting with, and I’m sure each reading will garner a new revelation.
“Amberine” lick off more than a warning shot!! Brave, honest and in full integrity. Representing those of us whose ancestors simply would not let us fall for the okie doke, because we have seen this before. This story resonated deeply with me in its representation of someone who held their corner when their gut told them, “Sum’n nuh right here!” and spirit said "I got you!"
The subject matter varies but themes of the legacies of colonial violence, and beautiful albeit sometimes messy resistance run deep. As a reader who has wrestled with these realities all my life, it was beautiful to witness the dance on the page. The sights, sounds, smells and tastes are so vivid you can't help but feel this book!
If you know, you know and if you don’t... you should find out! A must read!!
Suite as Sugar: and Other StoriesCamille Hernández-Ramdwar
October 6, 2023
Book Review: Suite as Sugar: and Other Stories by Camille Hernández-Ramdwar
Rating: ⭐⭐ stars
Suite as Sugar: and Other Stories by Camille Hernández-Ramdwar is a collection of short stories that explores the interplay between resilience and trauma in the lives of its characters. Set in various locations such as Winnipeg, Toronto, Havana, and Trinidad, these stories are deeply influenced by the violence of colonial histories and personal struggles. While some stories in this collection shine with their poignant narratives, a significant portion of the book falls short in terms of development and impact.
The author skillfully captures the essence of the characters’ connection to their ancestral roots in the absence of elders. Through their experiences, we witness the legacies of abandonment and consequential loss. Hernández-Ramdwar blurs the line between the living and the dead, creating an atmosphere where chaos becomes a panacea and characters are compelled to take matters into their own hands.
One of the standout features of this collection is the author’s ability to depict survivors of all kinds seeking strategy and solace amidst their challenging circumstances. For instance, we encounter a group of homeless individuals who organize an occupation of vacant condos, a newcomer to a disturbing neighborhood grappling with madness, and even a dog investigating the sudden disappearance of its owner. These stories showcase the author’s talent for crafting unique narratives that offer a fresh perspective on human experiences.
However, it is important to note that while certain stories in Suite as Sugar captivate readers with their depth and emotional resonance, a significant portion of the collection falls flat. These particular stories feel underdeveloped and fail to leave a lasting impact on the reader. This inconsistency in quality prevents the book from reaching its full potential.
Despite its shortcomings, the central thread tying this collection together is the casual brutality of everyday life. Whether viewed through the eyes of animals, spirits, or human beings, Hernández-Ramdwar consistently addresses the harsh realities that individuals face. This exploration adds depth to the overall theme of resilience and trauma, highlighting the author’s intention to shed light on the unseen forces that shape our lives.
In conclusion, Suite as Sugar: and Other Stories by Camille Hernández-Ramdwar is a collection with mixed results. While some stories shine with their poignant narratives and unique perspectives, others feel underdeveloped and fail to leave a lasting impact. However, the book’s exploration of resilience and trauma in the face of casual brutality is commendable. Readers interested in diverse short story collections may find value in exploring this work, but those seeking consistent excellence may be left wanting more.
**ARC Via NetGalley**
Rating: ⭐⭐ stars
Suite as Sugar: and Other Stories by Camille Hernández-Ramdwar is a collection of short stories that explores the interplay between resilience and trauma in the lives of its characters. Set in various locations such as Winnipeg, Toronto, Havana, and Trinidad, these stories are deeply influenced by the violence of colonial histories and personal struggles. While some stories in this collection shine with their poignant narratives, a significant portion of the book falls short in terms of development and impact.
The author skillfully captures the essence of the characters’ connection to their ancestral roots in the absence of elders. Through their experiences, we witness the legacies of abandonment and consequential loss. Hernández-Ramdwar blurs the line between the living and the dead, creating an atmosphere where chaos becomes a panacea and characters are compelled to take matters into their own hands.
One of the standout features of this collection is the author’s ability to depict survivors of all kinds seeking strategy and solace amidst their challenging circumstances. For instance, we encounter a group of homeless individuals who organize an occupation of vacant condos, a newcomer to a disturbing neighborhood grappling with madness, and even a dog investigating the sudden disappearance of its owner. These stories showcase the author’s talent for crafting unique narratives that offer a fresh perspective on human experiences.
However, it is important to note that while certain stories in Suite as Sugar captivate readers with their depth and emotional resonance, a significant portion of the collection falls flat. These particular stories feel underdeveloped and fail to leave a lasting impact on the reader. This inconsistency in quality prevents the book from reaching its full potential.
Despite its shortcomings, the central thread tying this collection together is the casual brutality of everyday life. Whether viewed through the eyes of animals, spirits, or human beings, Hernández-Ramdwar consistently addresses the harsh realities that individuals face. This exploration adds depth to the overall theme of resilience and trauma, highlighting the author’s intention to shed light on the unseen forces that shape our lives.
In conclusion, Suite as Sugar: and Other Stories by Camille Hernández-Ramdwar is a collection with mixed results. While some stories shine with their poignant narratives and unique perspectives, others feel underdeveloped and fail to leave a lasting impact. However, the book’s exploration of resilience and trauma in the face of casual brutality is commendable. Readers interested in diverse short story collections may find value in exploring this work, but those seeking consistent excellence may be left wanting more.
**ARC Via NetGalley**
May 14, 2023
"He told me I should learn to drive. That I can't tell him anything, I cannot critique unless I am willing to take the wheel and handle mehself. Maybe there is a metaphor in that. Maybe I am not really living, maybe I need to face death every day like he does, gauging inches and milliseconds that would determine mine - or another person's - life expectancy. Maybe I need to be that bold and reckless. After all, what does tomorrow hold?"
TW: rape, animal abuse, death.
In this rich anthology of short stories, it would be unreasonable to attempt to pinpoint the most impactful tale. The collection - set between Trinidad and Canada - covers off an incredibly vast selection of very real and pressing issues, ranging from housing shortages fuelled by private investment, the exploitation of young, vulnerable women and cultural phenomena such as the "I's de Man Lane" - effectively the grown mans version of playing Chicken.
In a shock to no one, not every story is made equal, but those which hit, hit hard. The selection manage to provide ample context and engulf the reader into the tale with ease, but keeps the reader wanting, and at times, needing, more. Closure doesn't really present itself throughout the short stories, but this matches the very sombre tone and topics covered.
I know when a books publisher is overseen by Dundurn Press that it's going to be a hit. They know a gem, and this was no exception. My only suggestion is to read slowly and take time between each story instead of ravishing the book in one, to really reflect on the various themes and consider the deeper implications of each. I know I certainly found myself self-reflecting on my own opinions on various issues covered, including most poignantly, the loosely veiled tale about taking a 'wafer' to protect oneself against disease, reflecting the coronavirus vaccine debates heavily reported on over the last few years, through the eyes of a an 'anti-waferer', who "thought of her children and their wafered lives, and she wondered if, in time, the effects of wafering could wear off, if cells could regenerate, if wholeness could be restored."
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
TW: rape, animal abuse, death.
In this rich anthology of short stories, it would be unreasonable to attempt to pinpoint the most impactful tale. The collection - set between Trinidad and Canada - covers off an incredibly vast selection of very real and pressing issues, ranging from housing shortages fuelled by private investment, the exploitation of young, vulnerable women and cultural phenomena such as the "I's de Man Lane" - effectively the grown mans version of playing Chicken.
In a shock to no one, not every story is made equal, but those which hit, hit hard. The selection manage to provide ample context and engulf the reader into the tale with ease, but keeps the reader wanting, and at times, needing, more. Closure doesn't really present itself throughout the short stories, but this matches the very sombre tone and topics covered.
I know when a books publisher is overseen by Dundurn Press that it's going to be a hit. They know a gem, and this was no exception. My only suggestion is to read slowly and take time between each story instead of ravishing the book in one, to really reflect on the various themes and consider the deeper implications of each. I know I certainly found myself self-reflecting on my own opinions on various issues covered, including most poignantly, the loosely veiled tale about taking a 'wafer' to protect oneself against disease, reflecting the coronavirus vaccine debates heavily reported on over the last few years, through the eyes of a an 'anti-waferer', who "thought of her children and their wafered lives, and she wondered if, in time, the effects of wafering could wear off, if cells could regenerate, if wholeness could be restored."
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
April 11, 2023
"Dey don't even know what a good wine is, throwing dey vəgina dong on de dutty pavement and trying to be Cardi X and Megan D Horse...seta lorseness".
I was eager to read "Suite as Sugar ahead of #ReadCaribbean month, namely because I love to feel close to the Caribbean without the heavy price tag of a flight, but also because I love a short
story collection. My two faves put together should normally equate to "MAGIC".
"Suite as Sugar" is a compilation of 14 short stories set between Canada, Cuba & Trinidad. These stories focus on various social issues such as; violent crime; homelessness; toxic masculinity; colonial-
ism; stigmatised & modern-day illnesses; homophobia within the Caribbean communities; animal neglect & abuse. All issues, are ones in which will feel familiar to us, regardless of our locality.
With such a vast range of topics being covered by Hernández, I had high hopes that this collection would be up there amongst my favourites after reading. BUT...
Asides from the above quote cracking me up, this has got to be one of the most underwhelming Caribbean short story collections that I have read thus far.
My main issue with the stories in this collection, was the lack of resolve for the characters. The characters in a nutshell, felt completely under developed, as did the plot for each story.
I love to feel connected to characters and their stories, but the stories in "Suite as Sugar", felt as though they were crafted for the sole intention of existing on a page somewhere. Ultimately (in my opinion), "Suite As Sugar" lacked purpose, it lacked direction, and it lacked the ability to execute the meaning, and context for these characters and their stories.
Thanks to @netgalley for my early copy, but not one for me on this occasion I'm afraid.
🌟🌟
I was eager to read "Suite as Sugar ahead of #ReadCaribbean month, namely because I love to feel close to the Caribbean without the heavy price tag of a flight, but also because I love a short
story collection. My two faves put together should normally equate to "MAGIC".
"Suite as Sugar" is a compilation of 14 short stories set between Canada, Cuba & Trinidad. These stories focus on various social issues such as; violent crime; homelessness; toxic masculinity; colonial-
ism; stigmatised & modern-day illnesses; homophobia within the Caribbean communities; animal neglect & abuse. All issues, are ones in which will feel familiar to us, regardless of our locality.
With such a vast range of topics being covered by Hernández, I had high hopes that this collection would be up there amongst my favourites after reading. BUT...
Asides from the above quote cracking me up, this has got to be one of the most underwhelming Caribbean short story collections that I have read thus far.
My main issue with the stories in this collection, was the lack of resolve for the characters. The characters in a nutshell, felt completely under developed, as did the plot for each story.
I love to feel connected to characters and their stories, but the stories in "Suite as Sugar", felt as though they were crafted for the sole intention of existing on a page somewhere. Ultimately (in my opinion), "Suite As Sugar" lacked purpose, it lacked direction, and it lacked the ability to execute the meaning, and context for these characters and their stories.
Thanks to @netgalley for my early copy, but not one for me on this occasion I'm afraid.
🌟🌟
June 19, 2023
The author opens with a dedication of sorts to the ancestors who through dedication and stalwartness survived injustices, unimaginable challenges and difficult circumstances. It is also dedicated to those immigrants and indigenous people who are still going through it in the Caribbean and in the Canadian provinces. While the intent of the collection is admirable, I ultimately found the stories a bit disjointed and too open-ended and nebulous for me to connect or fully grasp the messages – I’m sure I missed a lot of what the author intended.
I applaud the originality of the stories that tackle a myriad of socio-political issues: homelessness and affordable housing, anti-LBGTQAI+ legislation and denial of rights, discrimination of immigrants during a pandemic and health care for the poor and disenfranchised. I appreciated the history lessons that were sprinkled through and would have appreciated more or a deeper dive into the ramifications of the past into the present.
At its core, it presents themes for thought and consideration once the last page is turned as it essentially attempts to highlight the institutionalized systems of cruelty we have constructed that continue to oppress and suppress.
Thanks to the publisher, Dundurn Press, Rare Machines, and NetGalley for an opportunity to review.
I applaud the originality of the stories that tackle a myriad of socio-political issues: homelessness and affordable housing, anti-LBGTQAI+ legislation and denial of rights, discrimination of immigrants during a pandemic and health care for the poor and disenfranchised. I appreciated the history lessons that were sprinkled through and would have appreciated more or a deeper dive into the ramifications of the past into the present.
At its core, it presents themes for thought and consideration once the last page is turned as it essentially attempts to highlight the institutionalized systems of cruelty we have constructed that continue to oppress and suppress.
Thanks to the publisher, Dundurn Press, Rare Machines, and NetGalley for an opportunity to review.
July 27, 2023
First of all, Hernández-Ramdwar can write. Her prose was beautiful and expressive, and her use of accents and slang was brilliant in that it gave personality to the characters and the ambiance without explicit description. Though as someone not from the Caribbean nor much exposed to the culture, there were times where I did not understand the phrases or implication, and perhaps was the reason some of the stories fell slightly short for me.
A lot of the stories in the book were unresolved, but I personally find it quite fitting as a lot of these issues nowadays are still ongoing and it would have been rather jarring if things were wrapped up nicely with a bow. Themes explored in these stories were gritty and heavy, and most of them were thought-provoking. This was highlighted in The Death of Carribana with the conflict discussion, which I particularly loved. I felt like I got a crash course on the history of Carribana in a creative setting. It's Lit was also a personal favourite as it was set in Toronto that I can more closely connect to, and The Biggest Fete was simply a beautifully written piece of longing.
Overall, I've enjoyed most of the short stories presented in Suite as Sugar and its poetic prose and thought-provoking scenarios lingered in my mind long after I turned the last page.
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A lot of the stories in the book were unresolved, but I personally find it quite fitting as a lot of these issues nowadays are still ongoing and it would have been rather jarring if things were wrapped up nicely with a bow. Themes explored in these stories were gritty and heavy, and most of them were thought-provoking. This was highlighted in The Death of Carribana with the conflict discussion, which I particularly loved. I felt like I got a crash course on the history of Carribana in a creative setting. It's Lit was also a personal favourite as it was set in Toronto that I can more closely connect to, and The Biggest Fete was simply a beautifully written piece of longing.
Overall, I've enjoyed most of the short stories presented in Suite as Sugar and its poetic prose and thought-provoking scenarios lingered in my mind long after I turned the last page.
February 12, 2024
Suite as Sugar is a short story collection that moves from Toronto to Trinidad to Cuba in a multi-cultural anthology of rich culture, violent colonial histories, and vibrant dialects. Going into this, I was so excited to immerse myself in contemporary Caribbean literature and to see the intricacies of my culture and heritage represented and explored.
Unfortunately, this read was a bit disappointing.
Some of the stories were exceptional, with poetic writing and powerful themes that resonated deeply. I liked Yellow Dog Blues, Mr. Bull’s Garden, How to Build a Saddis, and Suite as Sugar.
Especially Suite as Sugar.
It was just so beautifully written, and I loved the use of sugar cane as a motif to explore themes of indentureship and post-colonialism in Trinidad. It might honestly be up there with some of my favourite short stories to date because of how much it moved me. It is truly the most memorable story in the collection, and I wish the others were on the same level of mastery.
Although I enjoyed some of the stories, I did not connect with the collection as a whole. The stories I did not like were vague, with heavy writing and insufficient plot development. A lot of them just fell flat to me. If this collection contained maybe half of the stories that were really well-written I would’ve given this three stars or more. But, the stories that I did not like really soured the reading experience.
Overall, I do think that Hernández-Ramdwar is an exceptional writer. There were definitely instances throughout this book in which I was enraptured by her lyrical writing and ability to seamlessly integrate so many rich elements of Caribbean culture into her narratives.
Nevertheless, I did not enjoy this short story collection as much as I hoped I would.
Unfortunately, this read was a bit disappointing.
Some of the stories were exceptional, with poetic writing and powerful themes that resonated deeply. I liked Yellow Dog Blues, Mr. Bull’s Garden, How to Build a Saddis, and Suite as Sugar.
Especially Suite as Sugar.
It was just so beautifully written, and I loved the use of sugar cane as a motif to explore themes of indentureship and post-colonialism in Trinidad. It might honestly be up there with some of my favourite short stories to date because of how much it moved me. It is truly the most memorable story in the collection, and I wish the others were on the same level of mastery.
Although I enjoyed some of the stories, I did not connect with the collection as a whole. The stories I did not like were vague, with heavy writing and insufficient plot development. A lot of them just fell flat to me. If this collection contained maybe half of the stories that were really well-written I would’ve given this three stars or more. But, the stories that I did not like really soured the reading experience.
Overall, I do think that Hernández-Ramdwar is an exceptional writer. There were definitely instances throughout this book in which I was enraptured by her lyrical writing and ability to seamlessly integrate so many rich elements of Caribbean culture into her narratives.
Nevertheless, I did not enjoy this short story collection as much as I hoped I would.
November 4, 2022
This was a difficult read for me because I had to consistently make a conscious effort to be in the right mindset to be able to give it my full attention. At times it felt like a chore but at times it was very insightful (how often do we think about how people in the homeless encampment feel?). I felt like I could connect with the story better sometimes because I could envision the areas of Toronto referenced (being a resident of Toronto), but other times the narrators’ thoughts were full of slippery slopes that just took me out of the book (Yes, fire in your neighborhood, even if it’s a small one under a bridge is a cause of concern. Being concerned about it doesn’t mean you don’t care about the homeless). I understand some of the reviews because the us vs them theme was too strong in this book and I usually enjoy reading stories with a more nuanced approach to things. However, I understand that a nuanced approach in stories like these would not have been very powerful.
July 5, 2023
Last night I finished reading SUITE AS SUGAR: and Other Stories by Camille Hernández-Ramdwar and overall I enjoyed this book! There’s 14 stories and some were good and others I didn’t really care for. Most of these stories feature outsiders. There’s homeless people, lepers, drug dealers, incarcerated people and a dog living on the street. Please look up the many content warnings for this book. There are a lot of distressing parts. I enjoyed the settings in Canada and the Caribbean and the dialect writing. My fave stories are The Biggest Fête and Suite as Sugar. The Biggest Fête is a ghost story about lost love, dancing the night away and the afterlife. Suite as Sugar is very emotional and sad and coincidentally as with one of my fave stories from Nineteen Claws and a Black Bird by Agustina Bazterrica it also features a woman losing her limbs.
Thank you to Dundurn Press for my gifted review copy!
Thank you to Dundurn Press for my gifted review copy!
April 26, 2023
|| SUITE AS SUGAR ||
#gifted/@dundurnpress
✍🏻
3.5☆
Published yesterday SUITE AS SUGAR is a collection of short fiction that explores racism, generational trauma, colonialism, poverty and resilience. Spanning from Canada to the Caribbean, with varied settings that spoke to the themes weaved throughout.
Ramdwar's writing is well crafted. The characters were multicultural, multiracial, multilingual and transnational. And they all possesed such grit and survival instinct. I found some stories stronger than others but the writing throughout really stood out! A great debut!
Rare Machines is an imprint of @dundurnpress they publish literary fiction and poetic non-fiction that is playful, unusual, daring, or innovative. I have yet to read a Rare Machines book that I didn't enjoy!
For more of my book content check out instagram.com/bookalong
#gifted/@dundurnpress
✍🏻
3.5☆
Published yesterday SUITE AS SUGAR is a collection of short fiction that explores racism, generational trauma, colonialism, poverty and resilience. Spanning from Canada to the Caribbean, with varied settings that spoke to the themes weaved throughout.
Ramdwar's writing is well crafted. The characters were multicultural, multiracial, multilingual and transnational. And they all possesed such grit and survival instinct. I found some stories stronger than others but the writing throughout really stood out! A great debut!
Rare Machines is an imprint of @dundurnpress they publish literary fiction and poetic non-fiction that is playful, unusual, daring, or innovative. I have yet to read a Rare Machines book that I didn't enjoy!
For more of my book content check out instagram.com/bookalong
May 14, 2023
Well… this truly is the season of debut Short Story collections here in Canada.
Dark and gritty, there is lots of unrealised potential here. The stories are firmly rooted in the mostly Trini but also broader Caribbean diaspora… but these stories just feel like they are trying too hard.
I never really connected with the characters in most of the stories, and I often felt like I was being preached at. On more than one occasion I found myself thinking how interesting this would be if she were to explore it as non-fiction.
I will definitely check out her next published work… as she can clearly write and she has a lot to say.
Thanks to the publisher and Edeleweiss for granting me access to an early digital review copy (even though I’m only getting around to posting now, after it has been released…).
Dark and gritty, there is lots of unrealised potential here. The stories are firmly rooted in the mostly Trini but also broader Caribbean diaspora… but these stories just feel like they are trying too hard.
I never really connected with the characters in most of the stories, and I often felt like I was being preached at. On more than one occasion I found myself thinking how interesting this would be if she were to explore it as non-fiction.
I will definitely check out her next published work… as she can clearly write and she has a lot to say.
Thanks to the publisher and Edeleweiss for granting me access to an early digital review copy (even though I’m only getting around to posting now, after it has been released…).
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