Official Review: The Sugar Queen by Lina Kennedy

Post by **Lorraine De Vos** » 12 Jan 2020, 13:40

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Sugar Queen" by Lina Kennedy.]

4 out of 4 stars

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The Sugar Queen by Lina Kennedy can be condensed into a single word: Wow!

When I read the description of this book I was intrigued, but little did I know that I will be taken on an incredible rollercoaster of emotion. The author is a gifted storyteller. I laughed, I cried (a lot), I bit my nails in suspense and I was truly elated every single time she overcame yet another obstacle.

The book starts ominously. Lina’s earliest memory is that of her father sexually assaulting her as an infant. Lina did not feel loved, protected, or safe.

When she was 7 she had her tonsils removed and had a near-death experience on the operating table. She remembers a calming and powerful voice telling her that it’s not her time to die yet and that many people will depend on her. The message that she should not be afraid, because they will always be with her forms a profound basis in her life. In troubled times, she constantly refers back to this memory as a gift.

Fortunately the alcoholism as well the abuse ended by age 11 as her father entered into the Alcoholics Anonymous program, but her childhood and teenage years left much to be desired. By age 12 she had already started earning her own money in various dubious ways and by the age of 14, she felt she was ready to take on the world by herself. She briefly ran away to join the circus, and upon her return home, she negotiated to leave school and start her life as a working-class citizen. Thus started her journey to building her empire.

This memoir is a compelling piece of work. The complexity of human nature is highlighted through various characters, and the beautiful relationship that Lina has with her son brought tears to my eyes. Every child deserves to be loved the way she loved him. She protected him, understood him, and sincerity radiates from this pure mother-son relationship. She lived a driven and fast-paced life, but still with a very strong mindset in the reality that she had a child to care and provide for.

Each chapter made me feel more invested in her life story. I was amazed at her ability to bounce back and find solutions to each of her problems and barely looking back. Her enthusiasm and determination are contagious and prompted me to do a little research online about her business and whether her methods are used locally in South Africa. I simply loved how her French roots came through in her writing with words like “maman” and “restaurateurs”.

I struggle to find anything negative to write about this book. It was impeccably edited and I could not find a single spelling or grammar mistake to point out. This was testament to Lina’s perfectionist personality. Scattered throughout the book are pages of black and white photos. These serve to make her, her family, her friends, her travels and her life even more endearing.

Due to the sexual abuse and alcoholism, I would not recommend this book to children or teenagers or anyone that feel triggered by this subject matter. I am however thrilled to add that there is zero use of profanity and I feel it will be an excellent addition to anyone’s library. If you enjoy reading memoirs, I urge you to add this to your reading list. I have no reservations in giving this book a perfect 4 out of 4 stars.

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The Sugar Queen
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Ria710 · Post by **Ria710** » 18 Jan 2020, 09:33

Wow, thank you for your honest review. This book sounds powerful. I definitely will be checking it out.

Post by **Lorraine De Vos** » 18 Jan 2020, 10:09

Please do, it is such a compelling read!

Post by **Lorraine De Vos** » 18 Jan 2020, 10:10

Ria710 wrote: ↑18 Jan 2020, 09:33 Wow, thank you for your honest review. This book sounds powerful. I definitely will be checking it out.

Please do, it is such a compelling read!

Gathoni1991 · Post by **Gathoni1991** » 18 Jan 2020, 12:30

Sounds like a powerful book. I would love to read it. Your review is solid!

Irene_A · Post by **Irene_A** » 21 Jan 2020, 10:30

I enjoyed reading your review and most definitely would be adding this to my library. I love a good memoir! Thanks for the thorough review.

Post by **Lorraine De Vos** » 21 Jan 2020, 10:46

Gathoni1991 wrote: ↑18 Jan 2020, 12:30 Sounds like a powerful book. I would love to read it. Your review is solid!

Thank you for the kind words. I’m certain you will enjoy the book as much as I did.

Post by **Lorraine De Vos** » 21 Jan 2020, 10:48

Irene_A wrote: ↑21 Jan 2020, 10:30 I enjoyed reading your review and most definitely would be adding this to my library. I love a good memoir! Thanks for the thorough review.

I have only recently found appreciation for memoirs. I’m glad you enjoyed my review, and hope you love the book as much as I did.

AntonelaMaria · Post by **AntonelaMaria** » 21 Jan 2020, 15:23

I can only imagine how a book affect you when I am so affected by this review. This seems like a book that packs a punch. Great review!

Post by **Lorraine De Vos** » 22 Jan 2020, 00:15

AntonelaMaria wrote: ↑21 Jan 2020, 15:23 I can only imagine how a book affect you when I am so affected by this review. This seems like a book that packs a punch. Great review!

It’s an excellent piece of literature. You will not be disappointed.

pinkyblinkz4real · Post by **pinkyblinkz4real** » 25 Jan 2020, 10:23

The review sounds promising I would love to read the book just based on the review.

Post by **Lorraine De Vos** » 25 Jan 2020, 15:19

pinkyblinkz4real wrote: ↑25 Jan 2020, 10:23 The review sounds promising I would love to read the book just based on the review.

Thank you for the kind words. Please do, it is an excellent book.

Elizabeth Pass · Post by **Elizabeth Pass** » 08 Mar 2020, 09:04

This memoir highlights the tenacity of the author. She could have given up during her times of struggle. Instead, she became a stronger person and a better parent.

Chipochashe · Post by **Chipochashe** » 08 Mar 2020, 09:11

Wow! Thanks for the review. You sound like you truly enjoyed. I love it when the author can make the reader invested in the story, crying and laughing along with the characters.