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Sugar Lacey #2
This Bitter Earth
This powerful sequel to Bernice L. McFadden’s bestselling debut Sugar follows a young African-American woman back to her Arkansas hometown, where she must confront difficult truths about her parentage and a curse in her family’s past. When Sugar Lacey returns to Short Junction to find the aunts who raised her, she hopes they will be able to tell her the truth about her parents. What she discovers is not just a terrible story of unrequited love, but also a tale of black magic that has cursed generations of Lacey women. Armed with newfound knowledge and strength in the face of adversity, Sugar must push through the pain to find her absent father and discover the truth about the curse that has befallen her family line in hopes of breaking it before she passes it on to her own child. A powerfully realized novel that brings back the unforgettable characters from Sugar, This Bitter Earth is a testament to the ultimate triumph of the human spirit.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2002
127 people are currently reading
3451 people want to read
About the author
Bernice L. McFadden
21 books2,250 followersBERNICE L. McFADDEN is the author of ten critically acclaimed novels including Praise Song for the Butterflies (Long listed for the 2019 Women's Prize in Fiction ) The Book of Harlan (winner of a 2017 American Book Award and the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work, Fiction) Sugar, Loving Donovan, Nowhere Is a Place, The Warmest December, Gathering of Waters (a New York Times Editors’ Choice and one of the 100 Notable Books of 2012) and Glorious . She is a four-time Hurston/Wright Legacy Award finalist, as well as the recipient of four awards from the Black Caucus of the American Library Association (BCALA).
McFadden has also penned five novels under the pseudonym: Geneva Holliday
She is a visiting assistant professor of creative writing at Tulane University in New Orleans. She is at work on her sixteenth novel.
McFadden has also penned five novels under the pseudonym: Geneva Holliday
She is a visiting assistant professor of creative writing at Tulane University in New Orleans. She is at work on her sixteenth novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 303 reviews
August 7, 2022
Bernice L. McFadden's Sugar was a book I loved, this is the sequel, returning us to many of the characters we got to know, and which sees pieces of Sugar's raw and painful personal history revealed as she leaves Bigelow. I must admit to a certain disappointment for it doesn't quite have the coherence I had hoped for and some of the characters do not stand up to close scrutiny, and I did not comprehend the relationship between Sugar and Pearl here after the first novel. We learn of her family, the reality behind her parents, addictions, relationships, loss, secrets, abuse, murder, neglect, black magic, justice, personal growth and friendship. It proved to be a dark, challenging and heartbreaking read, yet threaded through with hope and really needs the reader to have read Sugar first in my view, as it ties together a number of threads from it. Even if it did not meet my expectations, I am still glad that I read it. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
September 23, 2025
I didn't enjoy this as much as "Sugar". It was nice reading about Sugar and Pearl again (although Pearl is only in the last half) but this just felt like an unnecessary sequel.
July 15, 2022
I am disappointed enough to not write a full-length review. This is the sequel to Sugar. The first book, while having an outstanding ending, left plenty of threads dangling. If you feel like you want to know what happens next, only then pick up this sequel. If you were somewhat satisfied with the way things were left in Sugar, you can safely skip this.
The first book was pretty nuanced in its writing and character development. The sequel goes OTT and tries too hard. It's almost as if the author listed out the incomplete tracks of the first book and made sure she plugged all the gaps in this volume. Of course, it was good to see the guilty get their just dues, but I sure would have appreciated a different approach towards the same.
On the positive side, it is a very quick read. The 290-odd pages just whoosh by!
Not really recommended, except for those seeking closure.
2.5 stars.
To know my thoughts on ‘Sugar’, please click HERE.
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The first book was pretty nuanced in its writing and character development. The sequel goes OTT and tries too hard. It's almost as if the author listed out the incomplete tracks of the first book and made sure she plugged all the gaps in this volume. Of course, it was good to see the guilty get their just dues, but I sure would have appreciated a different approach towards the same.
On the positive side, it is a very quick read. The 290-odd pages just whoosh by!
Not really recommended, except for those seeking closure.
2.5 stars.
To know my thoughts on ‘Sugar’, please click HERE.
———————————————
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Facebook | Twitter
September 16, 2020
This book is a 5 star read. I am so glad that I can start my 2018 year off with a great book and an even greater author. I truly loved the writing style, the characters and the meaning of the story. The author made me feel like I was a part of the story, it all felt so real. I would love to see this as a motion picture. I am so looking for a part 3. I have so many questions about Sugar, Pearl, Joe, the brothers, and Mercy.
Bernice McFadden you are an incredible author. I will definitely be on a quest to read all of your books.
Audio Version
Bernice McFadden you are an incredible author. I will definitely be on a quest to read all of your books.
Audio Version
February 10, 2008
My journey with Sugar Lacey has come to an end. Bernice McFadden is a great writer.
When I finished Sugar almost a year ago, I wanted to know how she was, and what happened to her after she left Arkansas and where she would end up, if she would be okay. Although it took me forever to get This Bitter Earth to find out, and even longer to finish the story, I'm so glad I did. The characters in these books are so interesting. And the story is sprinkled with ghosts and prophetic dreams and signs and natural symbols (river running blood red, rain for days on end, ravens) all foreshadowing future events and explaining past occurrences.
In the end, I was pleased with knowing how Sugar and the other people of Bigelow ended up. There were so many secrets and so much pain and loss and turmoil, and it was cool to have it all end in a way that is not necessarily happy, but not sad either. There was closure.
I think since so much time passed between my reading of parts 1 and 2, that I should probably read them again back to back for the full effect...the way I should have in the first place...sounds like a good book on tape deal.
When I finished Sugar almost a year ago, I wanted to know how she was, and what happened to her after she left Arkansas and where she would end up, if she would be okay. Although it took me forever to get This Bitter Earth to find out, and even longer to finish the story, I'm so glad I did. The characters in these books are so interesting. And the story is sprinkled with ghosts and prophetic dreams and signs and natural symbols (river running blood red, rain for days on end, ravens) all foreshadowing future events and explaining past occurrences.
In the end, I was pleased with knowing how Sugar and the other people of Bigelow ended up. There were so many secrets and so much pain and loss and turmoil, and it was cool to have it all end in a way that is not necessarily happy, but not sad either. There was closure.
I think since so much time passed between my reading of parts 1 and 2, that I should probably read them again back to back for the full effect...the way I should have in the first place...sounds like a good book on tape deal.
July 20, 2019
“All of them had seen it happen at least once in their lives. Throngs of blackbirds, perched in trees and s scatter-walking across the ground, waiting for death to claim its victim in”
Bernice has done me in with the sequel to Sugar. The way nature is telling most of this story is magnificent!! The way the black birds swarm when death is near. The patience this story has kept me on edge because the truth could not just be spilled out.
🗣Listen!! When i tell that the way this story unravels is too damn good! How the dots slowly get connected but BOOM! another shocker slaps your mouth wide open! By far one of the best duologues i’ve read in a long time.
From Sugar to This Bitter Earth, both books well take you on a ride.
Bernice has done me in with the sequel to Sugar. The way nature is telling most of this story is magnificent!! The way the black birds swarm when death is near. The patience this story has kept me on edge because the truth could not just be spilled out.
🗣Listen!! When i tell that the way this story unravels is too damn good! How the dots slowly get connected but BOOM! another shocker slaps your mouth wide open! By far one of the best duologues i’ve read in a long time.
From Sugar to This Bitter Earth, both books well take you on a ride.
January 7, 2016
2.7 stars
I was so impressed with the book Sugar that I immediately went out and purchased This Bitter Earth. Surprisingly I was disappointed. Now I must admit that I am rarely a fan of sequels and series because they are almost never as good as the first so maybe she didn't have a fair chance with me anyhow. I just think the book was way too dark and depressing. Not really too many happy moments. It took me way too long to read this book because it was so slow and so dark.
Bernice does an Amazing job fully developing each character. I applaud her with this because many authors struggle with that. Being she is such a descriptive writer, that doesn't surprise me, which is why I was surprised at the lack of character development with some of the newly introduced characters in This Bitter Earth. Take Mercy for instance. I almost felt like she could have been left out of the story because her story line didn't hold much substance. She never really explains why she turned out the way that she did. What led her to use heroin? What led her to become a mute? Actually the fact that she became a mute was a bit out of place and awkward. I was waiting for the part where Mercy and Sugars relationship would grow (maybe there will be a part three for that?) if not than Mercy could have been edited out. And what made her so attached to JJ? Just because he used? She didn’t even know that before she touched his arm.
JJ was one of my favorite characters because I liked his gentleness and his suspicious ways peaked my curiosity. But more could have been said to explain his dark ways. Also the relationship between Sugar and Pearl was very distant in this book. They were nearly strangers and that bothered me considering Mcfadden worked so hard to show us the great relationship they had in the first Sugar Lacy book.
I think the author overdid the incest or almost incest situations. Sugar having sex with her great-grandfather, and the relationship between Seth and Sugar was too much. I think she should have chosen one (that’s just my opinion) it was just a bit much for me. This story at many points was also far-fetched. The bodies coming up from the grave, which I know is possible and has happened but then Jude’s body “coming home,” the deaths with the Lacey Sisters and how they happened, how Lappy gave everybody nightmares and bad vibes. She also seems obsessed with making her characters crazy and overdoing it. One of the Lacy sisters, Shirley, Pearl, and then Mercy. And having two mutes in the story, Mercy and the boy in JJ’s shop (can’t think of his name). I just think this story was rushed, not very well planned out and often times not realistic.
What I did like about the story is finally finding out Sugar’s history. I liked some of the new characters that were introduced aside from Gloria but nonetheless I feel her character was more necessary than Mercy’s. I didn’t really like the way the book ended. I think even the revenge could have been better. I wanted Sugar to talk to Shirley. Considering their history and the fact that she’s her only living relative would have made a great story line in itself. All of the story lines in this novel were very weak as well as the plotline. Starting from the first book, I felt this books main theme is purpose, soul searching. I don’t think Mcfadden did an excellent job at accomplishing that. I read the whole book and I still don’t get her purpose in life besides keeping Pearl sane. I will admit I was a bit upset with this story because I know that Bernice Mcfadden is a good writer and storyteller so it could have been way better.
I was so impressed with the book Sugar that I immediately went out and purchased This Bitter Earth. Surprisingly I was disappointed. Now I must admit that I am rarely a fan of sequels and series because they are almost never as good as the first so maybe she didn't have a fair chance with me anyhow. I just think the book was way too dark and depressing. Not really too many happy moments. It took me way too long to read this book because it was so slow and so dark.
Bernice does an Amazing job fully developing each character. I applaud her with this because many authors struggle with that. Being she is such a descriptive writer, that doesn't surprise me, which is why I was surprised at the lack of character development with some of the newly introduced characters in This Bitter Earth. Take Mercy for instance. I almost felt like she could have been left out of the story because her story line didn't hold much substance. She never really explains why she turned out the way that she did. What led her to use heroin? What led her to become a mute? Actually the fact that she became a mute was a bit out of place and awkward. I was waiting for the part where Mercy and Sugars relationship would grow (maybe there will be a part three for that?) if not than Mercy could have been edited out. And what made her so attached to JJ? Just because he used? She didn’t even know that before she touched his arm.
JJ was one of my favorite characters because I liked his gentleness and his suspicious ways peaked my curiosity. But more could have been said to explain his dark ways. Also the relationship between Sugar and Pearl was very distant in this book. They were nearly strangers and that bothered me considering Mcfadden worked so hard to show us the great relationship they had in the first Sugar Lacy book.
I think the author overdid the incest or almost incest situations. Sugar having sex with her great-grandfather, and the relationship between Seth and Sugar was too much. I think she should have chosen one (that’s just my opinion) it was just a bit much for me. This story at many points was also far-fetched. The bodies coming up from the grave, which I know is possible and has happened but then Jude’s body “coming home,” the deaths with the Lacey Sisters and how they happened, how Lappy gave everybody nightmares and bad vibes. She also seems obsessed with making her characters crazy and overdoing it. One of the Lacy sisters, Shirley, Pearl, and then Mercy. And having two mutes in the story, Mercy and the boy in JJ’s shop (can’t think of his name). I just think this story was rushed, not very well planned out and often times not realistic.
What I did like about the story is finally finding out Sugar’s history. I liked some of the new characters that were introduced aside from Gloria but nonetheless I feel her character was more necessary than Mercy’s. I didn’t really like the way the book ended. I think even the revenge could have been better. I wanted Sugar to talk to Shirley. Considering their history and the fact that she’s her only living relative would have made a great story line in itself. All of the story lines in this novel were very weak as well as the plotline. Starting from the first book, I felt this books main theme is purpose, soul searching. I don’t think Mcfadden did an excellent job at accomplishing that. I read the whole book and I still don’t get her purpose in life besides keeping Pearl sane. I will admit I was a bit upset with this story because I know that Bernice Mcfadden is a good writer and storyteller so it could have been way better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2015
Oh. My. I don't read back in the day books but book 1 Sugar and this one was absolutely heart stopping. I loved them both and all I can say I knew it. I knew it. I knew it.
July 20, 2009
After reading Bernice L. McFadden's first acclaimed novel entitled 'Sugar', I was looking forward to read 'This Bitter Earth', which is a continuation of her first book. I pleasantly enjoyed this book. I thought it was beautifully written, and provided fans of the main character Sugar Lacey with a brilliant novel that takes place about 10 years after the time period in which 'Sugar' was written. McFadden, once again, provides the reader with an impressive story including the great characters of Bigelow. I highly recommend this book to anyone who can appreciate African American literature and those who read and loved 'Sugar'.
May 1, 2016
I'm not sure what it is but it feels like whenever I pick up a Bernice McFadden book I turn around and it's over, and I am left spent. It was a great conclusion to Sugar and my questions were surely answered.
loved it.
loved it.
March 1, 2020
It took me some time to come out of Bigelow once I reached the last page. The questions that I was left with after reading Sugar were all answered in the book. I love the writing style and the vivid characters. I also love to piece together who's who & and who's related to one another. Awesome read. I'm not sure how I missed these books years ago but I'm glad I was introduced to this town and its people. All of this author's books that I've read so far are excellent and definitely re-readable.
October 20, 2007
A MUST Read
"In This Bitter Earth, Sugar Lacey is on her way out of Bigelow, Arkansas, where she’d come to break with the past. With her worn leopard-print suitcase and her head held high, she walks past the prying eyes of its small-minded, cruel-hearted townsfolk, praying for the strength to keep going. She doesn’t stop until she arrives at her childhood home in Short Junction. Here she learns the truth about her parentage: a terrible tale of unrequited love, of one man’s enduring hatred, and of the black magic that has cursed generations of Lacey women. A powerfully realized novel that brings back the unforgettable characters from Sugar, McFadden’s bestselling debut, This Bitter Earth is a testament to the ultimate triumph of the human spirit."~~~~~~~I really enjoyed reading about Sugar in the first novel so when this book was released, I was very excited to find out what would become of Sugar. The author does a great job of putting all the pieces together in a neat little package--leaving nothing unknown. If you enjoy happy endings....Read this book!
"In This Bitter Earth, Sugar Lacey is on her way out of Bigelow, Arkansas, where she’d come to break with the past. With her worn leopard-print suitcase and her head held high, she walks past the prying eyes of its small-minded, cruel-hearted townsfolk, praying for the strength to keep going. She doesn’t stop until she arrives at her childhood home in Short Junction. Here she learns the truth about her parentage: a terrible tale of unrequited love, of one man’s enduring hatred, and of the black magic that has cursed generations of Lacey women. A powerfully realized novel that brings back the unforgettable characters from Sugar, McFadden’s bestselling debut, This Bitter Earth is a testament to the ultimate triumph of the human spirit."~~~~~~~I really enjoyed reading about Sugar in the first novel so when this book was released, I was very excited to find out what would become of Sugar. The author does a great job of putting all the pieces together in a neat little package--leaving nothing unknown. If you enjoy happy endings....Read this book!
August 26, 2025
Powerful! This book was a pleasure to read as the sequel to Sugar. Book 1 was magnificent and I am thrilled with the intensity and passion that came out of book 2. Not wanting to give anything away with my review; as far as my favorite characters go, I have to say that there was a lot of courage in book 1 and a lot of spiritual growth and maturity in book 2. No life worth living can be all good, there needs to be some hardships and heartaches. I'm not saying we all need to have as many troubles as the good people of Bigelow and Rose, but the problems they faced make the readers identify with them; make comparisons with their own lives even if to say, my life ain't so bad after all. I really loved the development of the families and how they are tied together. Wow! I recommend this book to all who love African American Literature.
I hate re read this book and finished it today, August 26, 2025. I couldn’t remember enough to spoil it for me. There really is no anything for me to add to my first review. In a word - Powerful!
I hate re read this book and finished it today, August 26, 2025. I couldn’t remember enough to spoil it for me. There really is no anything for me to add to my first review. In a word - Powerful!
October 9, 2014
I really enjoyed this followup. the author did a great job as far as telling the past of Sugar. This book also answered the questions I had after reading book 1.
September 23, 2025
This Bitter Earth is the compelling sequel to Bernice L. McFadden's debut novel, Sugar. In this installment, Sugar Lacey returns to her roots in Short Junction, Arkansas, seeking to confront her past and uncover the truth about her heritage. The novel delves into themes of family secrets, generational curses, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
McFadden's writing is rich and evocative, drawing readers into the emotional landscapes of her characters. The narrative is both poignant and powerful, capturing the complexities of identity and the quest for self-understanding.
This Bitter Earth is a masterfully crafted continuation of Sugar Lacey's journey. McFadden's storytelling prowess shines through, making this novel a must-read for fans of literary fiction that explores deep emotional and cultural themes.
McFadden's writing is rich and evocative, drawing readers into the emotional landscapes of her characters. The narrative is both poignant and powerful, capturing the complexities of identity and the quest for self-understanding.
This Bitter Earth is a masterfully crafted continuation of Sugar Lacey's journey. McFadden's storytelling prowess shines through, making this novel a must-read for fans of literary fiction that explores deep emotional and cultural themes.
August 1, 2024
sad & full of suffering like its prequel… never again will I subject myself to material like this. what was the reason?!? *Cardi B voice*
September 19, 2024
My hopes were short lived for this book. It wasn’t as good as Sugar. I lost interest around 60% in and the ending fell flat for me.
January 10, 2022
This was a great continuation of the previous book “Sugar” so should not be read until after that one.
Because I hadn’t visited this author’s work in decades, I forgot how good of a storyteller she is.
Sugar’s story is honest, raw, heartbreaking, sad, hopeful and redeeming. I look forward to reading more of her books this year. Definitely recommend her backlist. Easy 5🌟 read. I even wish the series had more books.
Because I hadn’t visited this author’s work in decades, I forgot how good of a storyteller she is.
Sugar’s story is honest, raw, heartbreaking, sad, hopeful and redeeming. I look forward to reading more of her books this year. Definitely recommend her backlist. Easy 5🌟 read. I even wish the series had more books.
February 8, 2016
I love to find stories that I don't want to end, characters that I meet and know I will remember forever. Sugar is one of those. I read Sugar last fall; had I known This Bitter Earth would pull me in and live up to the first novel I would have read it immediately.
This is a story that is at times very painful to read, but unforgettable. Sugar is set in the Jim Crow South; This Bitter Earth picks up in St. Louis but returns readers to the South when Sugar makes her way back home. This is a saga of murder, abuse, addiction, neglect. Sugar is a young woman who has lived a lifetime of pain when she finds herself befriended by her neighbor, Miss Pearl, who has suffered her own great loss. The unlikely friendship between the women is delightful, a testament to the bonds of friendship and who family really is.
Sometimes, though, even friendship is not enough to do battle against demons that plague us. Sugar leaves us suspended as she makes a painful choice that affects them all. This Bitter Earth picks up immediately, though, and takes us through the journey that will lead her back home. The second novel is as powerful as the first, and will not disappoint.
Parents should read first for violence, language, and sexual content; this is definitely not a set I would allow a young teen to read. Otherwise, a very powerful story, a "can't-put-it-down" until the end. Happy reading!
This is a story that is at times very painful to read, but unforgettable. Sugar is set in the Jim Crow South; This Bitter Earth picks up in St. Louis but returns readers to the South when Sugar makes her way back home. This is a saga of murder, abuse, addiction, neglect. Sugar is a young woman who has lived a lifetime of pain when she finds herself befriended by her neighbor, Miss Pearl, who has suffered her own great loss. The unlikely friendship between the women is delightful, a testament to the bonds of friendship and who family really is.
Sometimes, though, even friendship is not enough to do battle against demons that plague us. Sugar leaves us suspended as she makes a painful choice that affects them all. This Bitter Earth picks up immediately, though, and takes us through the journey that will lead her back home. The second novel is as powerful as the first, and will not disappoint.
Parents should read first for violence, language, and sexual content; this is definitely not a set I would allow a young teen to read. Otherwise, a very powerful story, a "can't-put-it-down" until the end. Happy reading!
March 2, 2020
Well...
My #SugarRush experience has come to an end! I want to hug Auntie Bernice for these beautiful books she’s written; books that are about love, identity, forgiveness, tragedy, triumph, redemption, and new beginnings. The characters were sooooo well written. The story takes place in several different cities and states and it covers the life of Sugar well into her 40’s and McFadden transitioned these times and places so effortlessly. Never once during my reading was I ever confused or lost. Her writing style is remarkable!! It grasped my very breath at times!
These books are absolutely HARD to read and to get through, I will be quite honest, but if you can stick with it, the payoff is so, so worth it. I hope to meet Mrs. McFadden one day. I cannot imagine where her mind frame had to be while she was writing these books. I wouldn’t mind a third book. In fact, I need to go and beg her for one. 20 plus years later and this story is eye opening and poignant, yet there was so much beauty in it! It’s so engrossing and...GOOD!! My, my, my!
Major #Shoutout and virtual hugs to my sweet babies, Crys and Nia for encouraging me to hop on the #SugarTrain. It was a RIDE, that’s for sure! 🖤
That ending alone is worthy of a 5 star rating. “APY ID IT” (That’ll make sense if you’ve read the book) If you deserve it, then you just deserve it. (No spoilers)
Well done, Auntie Bernice. Well done!
My #SugarRush experience has come to an end! I want to hug Auntie Bernice for these beautiful books she’s written; books that are about love, identity, forgiveness, tragedy, triumph, redemption, and new beginnings. The characters were sooooo well written. The story takes place in several different cities and states and it covers the life of Sugar well into her 40’s and McFadden transitioned these times and places so effortlessly. Never once during my reading was I ever confused or lost. Her writing style is remarkable!! It grasped my very breath at times!
These books are absolutely HARD to read and to get through, I will be quite honest, but if you can stick with it, the payoff is so, so worth it. I hope to meet Mrs. McFadden one day. I cannot imagine where her mind frame had to be while she was writing these books. I wouldn’t mind a third book. In fact, I need to go and beg her for one. 20 plus years later and this story is eye opening and poignant, yet there was so much beauty in it! It’s so engrossing and...GOOD!! My, my, my!
Major #Shoutout and virtual hugs to my sweet babies, Crys and Nia for encouraging me to hop on the #SugarTrain. It was a RIDE, that’s for sure! 🖤
That ending alone is worthy of a 5 star rating. “APY ID IT” (That’ll make sense if you’ve read the book) If you deserve it, then you just deserve it. (No spoilers)
Well done, Auntie Bernice. Well done!
June 12, 2018
This reads like a Negro Spiritual, dark and Deep and Black. There are so many things that I can say about Bernice McFadden and her writing but she says them so much better herself.
She bleeds rich history onto the page, her soul empties out and into my eyes and ears as she spirits be back to Bigalow, AK and the time of Sugar. I've found her swollen beautiful prose to be matchless, no matter how many times I've read her, no matter who else I read chasing that high.
To know the author is to read how she feels about black women, their resilience and strength in the face of an insurmountable life. She writes wholly rich and deep characters that lift off the page. This is probably my 3rd or 4th time reading This Bitter Earth, and even knowing the plot, I'm still affected as if it's the first time. I have every single book in her cannon, and one day she'll know that too.
She bleeds rich history onto the page, her soul empties out and into my eyes and ears as she spirits be back to Bigalow, AK and the time of Sugar. I've found her swollen beautiful prose to be matchless, no matter how many times I've read her, no matter who else I read chasing that high.
To know the author is to read how she feels about black women, their resilience and strength in the face of an insurmountable life. She writes wholly rich and deep characters that lift off the page. This is probably my 3rd or 4th time reading This Bitter Earth, and even knowing the plot, I'm still affected as if it's the first time. I have every single book in her cannon, and one day she'll know that too.
July 27, 2018
I LOVED how this sequel picked up right from where Sugar ended; I was excited to see closure for many characters; I did feel that towards the end the storyline was rushed and I kept
flipping the pages looking for just one last page...I NEEDED an epilogue, six months later a year later...something!!!
flipping the pages looking for just one last page...I NEEDED an epilogue, six months later a year later...something!!!
August 18, 2015
It was good to see what happened to the characters from Sugar. I should have read that one again before reading this sequel, but this was good on its own and I didn't feel like I forgot too much of the original story to get the core of the tale.
March 27, 2015
Breathtaking, Mesmerizing, Compelling & Provacative! An Excellent Read! I Loved It!
February 5, 2016
I loved this continuation of Sugar's story. The language in this book is beautiful and the story keeps you till the end.
February 13, 2016
This Bitter Earth
A great sequel to Sugar...you just had to know what really happened and how everyone was connected to one another.
Bernice McFadden is a fantastic writer.
A great sequel to Sugar...you just had to know what really happened and how everyone was connected to one another.
Bernice McFadden is a fantastic writer.
July 3, 2019
3.5 stars rounded up.
December 15, 2020
So good, so good. I still have some questions but so good
July 1, 2022
3.75 stars rounded up to 4
Sugar leaves Bigelow broken and battered, laden with guilt and weighed by secrets. Secrets that she cannot speak. Secrets that she cannot share with those who need to know. Secrets that are better buried in her own heart if she wants those who have loved her to live their lives peacefully. But can she bear the weight of those secrets? And more importantly, is it a burden for her to bear alone?
This Bitter Earth finds Sugar retracing her steps to make amends for all the times she ran away from love and intimacy. And also from the work that she has been used to. But try as she might, she can't appease the ghost of Jude who wants something from her. What is it she wants? Why does she keep haunting Sugar who wants nothing to do with her? What are the ties that tie her mother Bertie May to Shonuff Clayton, Lappy's father? And what ties the Taylor family to Lappy in all his cruelty?
This Bitter Earth chronicles the lives of Pearl and Sugar ten years after Sugar left Bigelow when they will come face to face once again, their relationship strained with the weight of the unsaid secrets. We also get to meet Joe Jr., his family and Seth once again. Written in the flowing style of Bernice L McFadden, this one is more raw and explores relations, how they can save you and how they can bring out all that is dark and evil. The book utilizes a lot of symbolism and magical realism which felt to me a little over the top. The reactions of Pearl are more than a little unbelievable in their certainty and lack of remonstrance. However, the book ties up all the loose ends of Sugar in a splendid manner, even if it does take some liberties with the plot. However I was dissatisfied with the reason behind Lappy's involvement, which seemed a bit far fetched and stereotypes the ignorance of the community. While I enjoyed reading this book, I felt the treatment of Sugar much more restrained and mature.
Recommended for those who have read Sugar and want the answers for all the threads that were left hanging. And those who wanted justice for Jude.
Sugar leaves Bigelow broken and battered, laden with guilt and weighed by secrets. Secrets that she cannot speak. Secrets that she cannot share with those who need to know. Secrets that are better buried in her own heart if she wants those who have loved her to live their lives peacefully. But can she bear the weight of those secrets? And more importantly, is it a burden for her to bear alone?
This Bitter Earth finds Sugar retracing her steps to make amends for all the times she ran away from love and intimacy. And also from the work that she has been used to. But try as she might, she can't appease the ghost of Jude who wants something from her. What is it she wants? Why does she keep haunting Sugar who wants nothing to do with her? What are the ties that tie her mother Bertie May to Shonuff Clayton, Lappy's father? And what ties the Taylor family to Lappy in all his cruelty?
This Bitter Earth chronicles the lives of Pearl and Sugar ten years after Sugar left Bigelow when they will come face to face once again, their relationship strained with the weight of the unsaid secrets. We also get to meet Joe Jr., his family and Seth once again. Written in the flowing style of Bernice L McFadden, this one is more raw and explores relations, how they can save you and how they can bring out all that is dark and evil. The book utilizes a lot of symbolism and magical realism which felt to me a little over the top. The reactions of Pearl are more than a little unbelievable in their certainty and lack of remonstrance. However, the book ties up all the loose ends of Sugar in a splendid manner, even if it does take some liberties with the plot. However I was dissatisfied with the reason behind Lappy's involvement, which seemed a bit far fetched and stereotypes the ignorance of the community. While I enjoyed reading this book, I felt the treatment of Sugar much more restrained and mature.
Recommended for those who have read Sugar and want the answers for all the threads that were left hanging. And those who wanted justice for Jude.
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