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Cover of The Cost of Sugar
Historical Fiction· Suriname

The Cost of Sugar

by Cynthia McLeod
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
Published 1987Dutch
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About This Book

When Cynthia McLeod published The Cost of Sugar in 1987, it quickly found its place in the broader tradition of historical fiction. Set in the 18th century, 'The Cost of Sugar' offers a vivid portrayal of life in the Dutch colony of Suriname. The novel explores the brutal realities of the sugar plantations, focusing on the lives of both the colonizers and the enslaved. Through its rich narrative, the book sheds light on the complex social and racial dynamics of the time, making it a significant work in understanding Suriname's colonial history. Themes of colonialism, slavery, race relations run through the work.

Book Details

AuthorCynthia McLeod
Published1987
Country of Origin🇸🇷 Suriname
LanguageDutch
Category🗺️ Historical Fiction
ISBN9789460221763
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

🗺️ Historical Fiction

Novels set in the past, blending real events with fictional narratives.

Explore all Historical Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇸🇷 Suriname

This book is part of Suriname's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from Suriname →

Editorial Assessment

First published in 1987, Cynthia McLeod's The Cost of Sugar is a work of historical fiction that has drawn sustained interest from critics and prize committees alike. Its engagement with colonialism, slavery, race relations, human rights gives the book a depth that extends well beyond its genre. With an editorial score of 30/100 drawn from 1 independent sources, the book occupies a well-documented position in the critical literature. Its recognition spans international prizes, "best of" lists, and academic surveys. What distinguishes The Cost of Sugar is how it handles its central concerns — colonialism, slavery, race relations, human rights — without reducing them to neat conclusions. The book invites close reading and holds up well to it. The Cost of Sugar reflects Cynthia McLeod's place in a wider literary tradition. The book's concerns resonate with Suriname's broader cultural preoccupations, even as they reach beyond any single national context.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

Guardian 100 Best Novels
notable · regional
20000
✍️
About the Author
Cynthia McLeod
Suriname
View Author →

Cynthia McLeod is a Suriname author whose work in historical fiction has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Cost of Sugar about?

Set in the 18th century, 'The Cost of Sugar' offers a vivid portrayal of life in the Dutch colony of Suriname. The novel explores the brutal realities of the sugar plantations, focusing on the lives of both the colonizers and the enslaved. Through its rich narrative, the book sheds light on the complex social and racial dynamics of the time, making it a significant work in understanding Suriname's colonial history.

Who wrote The Cost of Sugar?

The Cost of Sugar was written by Cynthia McLeod, from Suriname. First published in 1987.

What awards has The Cost of Sugar won?

The Cost of Sugar has received the following recognition: notable critical recognition.

Is The Cost of Sugar worth reading?

The Cost of Sugar is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 30/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in colonialism, slavery, race relations.

Where can I buy The Cost of Sugar?

You can buy The Cost of Sugar on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is The Cost of Sugar?

The Cost of Sugar is classified as Historical Fiction. Novels set in the past, blending real events with fictional narratives.

What country is The Cost of Sugar from?

The Cost of Sugar originates from Suriname's literary tradition. Explore more books from Suriname on our country page.

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