Nonfiction Monday: Sugar Changed the World

Sugar Changed the World: A Story of Magic, Spice, Slavery, Freedom and Science. Marc Aronson and Marina Budhos. 2010. November 2010. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. 176 pages.

It was a typically hot, dry day in Jerusalem.

Before reading this book, I had not given much thought to the history of sugar. I had not made the connection between sugar and some of the cruel injustices of the world. I speak of the connection between sugar and slavery.

"Sugar created a hunger, a need, which swept from one corner of the world to another, bringing the most terrible misery and destruction, but then, too, the most inspiring ideas of liberty.
Sugar changed the world." (8)

The book is divided into four sections: "From Magic to Spice," "Hell," "Freedom," and "Back to Our Stories: New Workers, New Sugar." The book spans the centuries and explores many different cultures and societies.

I found the book rich in detail. I would definitely recommend this one.

© Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews