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Sugar Money
Jane Harris | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
6
6.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
168 of 250
Book
Sugar Money
By Jane Harris

Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments

Martinique, 1765, and brothers Emile and Lucien are charged by their French master, Father Cleophas, with a mission. They must return to Grenada, the island they once called home, and smuggle back the 42 slaves claimed by English invaders at the hospital plantation in Fort Royal. While Lucien, barely in his teens, sees the trip as a great adventure, the older and worldlier Emile has no illusions about the dangers they will face. But with no choice other than to obey Cleophas - and sensing the possibility, however remote, of finding his first love Celeste - he sets out with his brother on this 'reckless venture'.



I’m not quite sure how I feel about this book if I’m totally honest. It was an adjustment at first and I started to enjoy it then I kinda lost my way with it. The relationship between the brothers is endearing and develops so nicely. The subject was heartbreaking and overwhelming but seemed well written (I’m no expert). There was just something that just couldn’t keep me interested and it took 6 days to read so not me.
  
The House of Odysseus
The House of Odysseus
Claire North | 2023 | Fiction & Poetry, Science Fiction/Fantasy
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Penelope is still fending off her unwanted suitors, thanks to the rules of Greek hospitality. The men are drinking the cellars dry and eating as much as they want, whenever they want, and still expecting Penelope to choose one of them. They all think Odysseus is dead.

Matters are only made more complicated by the arrival of Elektra and her brother Orestes, King of the Mycenae - and he isn’t doing at all well after his mothers murder. Then Menelaus turns up for a ‘visit’.

Really, Penelope is being sorely tested, but she’s canny enough to cope with whatever the fates decide to throw at her.

I enjoyed reading everything from Aphrodite’s point of view - at least you can’t accuse her of favouritism. These gods don’t seem to appreciate that humans have feelings too.

Claire North’s women in this story (Penelope, Elektra and Helen especially) is what makes it special. It’s clear that all three have been through a lot at the hands of men - yet they keep going.

I’m currently the third and final instalment from my local library. I know how it all ends, but I can’t wait to read Claire North’s version (no spoiler: it’s not disappointing me at all so far!).