jbronderbookreviews

Black Sugar by Miguel Bonnefoy & Emily Boyce (Translation)

A prize-winning author’s magical realist fable about greed and corruption in Venezuela, Black Sugar gives a fascinating view of the country’s social and economic development throughout the twentieth century through the story of a family of sugarcane growers. It tells of buried treasure and the legendary privateer Henry Morgan.

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Author’s Bio

Miguel Bonnefoy was born in France in 1986 to a Venezuelan mother and a Chilean father. In 2013, he was awarded the Prix du Jeune Ecrivain, which has previously helped to launch the careers of writers such as Marie Darrieussecq. Octavio’s Journey is Bonnefoy’s first novel, written in French.

My Review

3 stars

This story starts with a bang as we follow along as Captain Morgan dies clutching his gold. Three hundred years later, on top of the sunken ship, we meet the Oteros and their sugar cane farm. There we follow along as the family works the farm along with searches for the treasure.

This story is about the hunt for the golden treasure along with the treasure of family and love. Serena Otero is the heir to the family sugar cane farm but dreams of being swept off her feet. When Severo Bracamonte offers to help Serena’s family, she thinks he is going to be her prince charming. Serena is sorely disappointed in Severo while all he wants is the treasure. But a discovery brings them closer and they find that there is more treasure than just gold and emeralds.

I was quickly drawn into this story with Henry Morgan and the crash of his ship. But then we transition to modern day and the action comes to a screeching halt. From there it is a good story of love but I hate to admit that I wanted to get back to the action, adventure, and treasure hunting. I was also not expecting the ending but it did wrap everything up.

I loved the cover and the beginning but the pace of this book threw me off. I think it will appeal to many people. It was a good read but not really one that I would normally read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

I would like to thank MZPR for the opportunity to review and share this book.