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p_b_23's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
lilianr513's review
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
made me cry. beautiful mother daughter relationship. mom conveyed her emotions and love through cooking sgporean food.
clare_tan_wenhui's review against another edition
4.0
A very ambitious book, which pulls off the deft yet elaborate weaving of micro and macro issues, with very relatable and likeable characters and relationships, without descending into cliched depictions and storylines.
jwsg's review against another edition
4.0
An absorbing read about a young Punjabi girl, Pin, trying to unravel the mystery of why it is her mother insists that she shouldn't become like her, why her mother has such a strained relationship with her own mother, Pin's Nani-ji, and keeps her distance from the Sikh community.
Apart from the plot, I loved Balli Kaur Jaswal's evocative descriptions - of Pin's trip to the neighbourhood wet market with her mother in the opening pages of the novel; her accounts of the racism - whether from ignorance, thoughtlessness or malice - Pin and her friend Farizah encounter at their school; of Pin's attempts to strike a deal and an understanding with God (whether it is Guru Nanak or Jesus) to make things alright if she behaves herself. She does a wonderful job capturing what it is like for a young child trying to make sense of the worries, cares and secrets of adults, how God and faith works, how to navigate the broader world outside their home with its little cruelties, malice and prejudices. The scenes from Pin's school reminded me, unfortunately, of the kinds of ignorant and thoughtless exchanges we had in primary school. On a happier note, reading the description of the wet market, I was reminded of scenes and smells from my childhood that I had long forgotten.
Apart from the plot, I loved Balli Kaur Jaswal's evocative descriptions - of Pin's trip to the neighbourhood wet market with her mother in the opening pages of the novel; her accounts of the racism - whether from ignorance, thoughtlessness or malice - Pin and her friend Farizah encounter at their school; of Pin's attempts to strike a deal and an understanding with God (whether it is Guru Nanak or Jesus) to make things alright if she behaves herself. She does a wonderful job capturing what it is like for a young child trying to make sense of the worries, cares and secrets of adults, how God and faith works, how to navigate the broader world outside their home with its little cruelties, malice and prejudices. The scenes from Pin's school reminded me, unfortunately, of the kinds of ignorant and thoughtless exchanges we had in primary school. On a happier note, reading the description of the wet market, I was reminded of scenes and smells from my childhood that I had long forgotten.
aylinniazai_reads's review against another edition
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.0
And this shows it’s not always a great idea to start a book without knowing what it’s about or checking for trigger warnings (child molestation!).
There isn’t much happening in this book. The “big reveal” that is supposed to put blame on someone else, really doesn’t. As far as I’m concerned, the mother was still at fault. Yes yes the things that happened to her are awful, but she left her little brother alone in the house, knowing full well he wasn’t capable of taking care of himself.
I did really like the specifics about Singapore 🇸🇬.
There isn’t much happening in this book. The “big reveal” that is supposed to put blame on someone else, really doesn’t. As far as I’m concerned, the mother was still at fault. Yes yes the things that happened to her are awful, but she left her little brother alone in the house, knowing full well he wasn’t capable of taking care of himself.
I did really like the specifics about Singapore 🇸🇬.
neethuraghavan676's review against another edition
5.0
This is the story of a Punjabi family settled in Singapore. Pin is a Singapore spirit inside Punjabi attire as she is uncomfortable with the food, dress and keeping her hair long.
What I liked so much was the mother- daughter relationship. Each time her mother and grandmother asked her not to be like her mom, she couldn't ask them why but she feared if she would be like her mom even without knowing why she shouldn't be.
There are many topics discussed in the story right from child abuse to the insults the black/brown/Asians face.
The rule that one must live with the decisions of the society and it's pros and cons are mentioned in this
What I liked so much was the mother- daughter relationship. Each time her mother and grandmother asked her not to be like her mom, she couldn't ask them why but she feared if she would be like her mom even without knowing why she shouldn't be.
There are many topics discussed in the story right from child abuse to the insults the black/brown/Asians face.
The rule that one must live with the decisions of the society and it's pros and cons are mentioned in this
_askthebookbug's review against another edition
5.0
• r e v i e w •
.
Sometime last year I read Erotic Stories For Punjabi Widows and was enraptured by Balli Kaur Jaswal's writing flair. And when Sugarbread came in the mail, I knew I had to immediately read it. Unlike ESFPW, Sugarbread felt more personal probably because of Pin and the relationship she shared with her mother (something that instantly lured me in). But beyond relationships, this novel focuses on Pin struggling to find her identity, acceptance and above all, in knowing that nothing comes close to seeking comfort from family. The author has the ability to make one see Singapore through her eyes and while I devoured this novel, I could picture the market that Pin and her mother frequented to and the warm taste of sugar melting in my mouth as I bit into freshly toasted bread.
.
Set in the 90s, Pin's family is amongst the minorities living in Singapore. With a father who never fails to smile and a mother whose moods are depicted in the food that she makes, Pin lives a seemingly normal life until she witnesses a sudden change in the family dynamics. From the very beginning it's clear that Pin adores her mother, right from her beauty to the way she whips us delicious food of various cuisines. They were like other Punjabi families until they stopped visiting the temple, until the portrait of God was taken down and she was permitted to cut her hair. At school, Pin is aware of her family's financial condition as she stands in the queue to receive Bursary. When the Bus uncle calls her 'Mungalee', her face flushes with anger because she's too young to deal with racism. While dealing with subtle racism at school to being part of a familial drama, Pin comes to understand her mother's secret.
.
Pin who's just ten notices how her father works hard to keep the family happy and how her mother's rash flares up when she is worried. She understands how her mother's day has been through the food she is served. When her grandmother moves in, she finds a drastic change in her mother's cooking. Everything seems bland, a sign that her mother is exhausted and sad. While Pin's mother and grandmother work on resolving their past, Pin is let in on the secret that her mother has guarded all her life; part of her past which broke families that they are now trying to mend. The book is narrated by Pin, a child who is mature beyond her age but allows a little bit of imagination to let her get through the days. Pin is funny, witty and extremely brave, often making me want to hug her and tell her how proud I was of her. From racism to sexual assault, Balli Kaur Jaswal hasn't held herself back in addressing important issues that plague many countries. Through Pin, she paints a vivid picture of how children perceive racism and uncalled differentiation when they can barely understand those concepts. And through food, she brings together a rich mix of emotions that not only warmed me but left behind a bittersweet taste in my mouth. It's amazing how a novel that is so lighthearted addresses significant flaws in the society.
.
Sugarbread was everything I hoped to be and so much more. To read the story from a child's perspective was not only refreshing but was also moving and at times, rib-tickling. Pin was relatable and perhaps this is why I absolutely adore this novel. And not soon after I finished reading this, I made myself Sugarbreads and ate them with the same amount of enthusiasm that Pin did. I highly recommend this.
.
Rating : 4.8/5.
.
Sometime last year I read Erotic Stories For Punjabi Widows and was enraptured by Balli Kaur Jaswal's writing flair. And when Sugarbread came in the mail, I knew I had to immediately read it. Unlike ESFPW, Sugarbread felt more personal probably because of Pin and the relationship she shared with her mother (something that instantly lured me in). But beyond relationships, this novel focuses on Pin struggling to find her identity, acceptance and above all, in knowing that nothing comes close to seeking comfort from family. The author has the ability to make one see Singapore through her eyes and while I devoured this novel, I could picture the market that Pin and her mother frequented to and the warm taste of sugar melting in my mouth as I bit into freshly toasted bread.
.
Set in the 90s, Pin's family is amongst the minorities living in Singapore. With a father who never fails to smile and a mother whose moods are depicted in the food that she makes, Pin lives a seemingly normal life until she witnesses a sudden change in the family dynamics. From the very beginning it's clear that Pin adores her mother, right from her beauty to the way she whips us delicious food of various cuisines. They were like other Punjabi families until they stopped visiting the temple, until the portrait of God was taken down and she was permitted to cut her hair. At school, Pin is aware of her family's financial condition as she stands in the queue to receive Bursary. When the Bus uncle calls her 'Mungalee', her face flushes with anger because she's too young to deal with racism. While dealing with subtle racism at school to being part of a familial drama, Pin comes to understand her mother's secret.
.
Pin who's just ten notices how her father works hard to keep the family happy and how her mother's rash flares up when she is worried. She understands how her mother's day has been through the food she is served. When her grandmother moves in, she finds a drastic change in her mother's cooking. Everything seems bland, a sign that her mother is exhausted and sad. While Pin's mother and grandmother work on resolving their past, Pin is let in on the secret that her mother has guarded all her life; part of her past which broke families that they are now trying to mend. The book is narrated by Pin, a child who is mature beyond her age but allows a little bit of imagination to let her get through the days. Pin is funny, witty and extremely brave, often making me want to hug her and tell her how proud I was of her. From racism to sexual assault, Balli Kaur Jaswal hasn't held herself back in addressing important issues that plague many countries. Through Pin, she paints a vivid picture of how children perceive racism and uncalled differentiation when they can barely understand those concepts. And through food, she brings together a rich mix of emotions that not only warmed me but left behind a bittersweet taste in my mouth. It's amazing how a novel that is so lighthearted addresses significant flaws in the society.
.
Sugarbread was everything I hoped to be and so much more. To read the story from a child's perspective was not only refreshing but was also moving and at times, rib-tickling. Pin was relatable and perhaps this is why I absolutely adore this novel. And not soon after I finished reading this, I made myself Sugarbreads and ate them with the same amount of enthusiasm that Pin did. I highly recommend this.
.
Rating : 4.8/5.
jelundberg's review against another edition
5.0
In addition to being a compelling and empathetic portrayal of a young Punjabi Sikh girl growing up in Singapore in the 1990s, Sugarbread is also a celebration of women, and it doesn't shy away from the complicated relationships between them. Each of the main female characters—Pin, her mother Jini, and her grandmother Kulwant (Nani-ji)—are evoked with such affection that it’s hard to believe after finishing the book that they are fictional. Jaswal does not shy away from showing us how flawed and human they are, and the small (and not-so-small) tragedies that they suffer through, as well as the triumphs that make the reader let out woots of joy.
All of this, plus an examination of Singapore’s endemic racism, especially toward its South Asian community. Pin has to brook taunts by Bus Uncle, an old man who collects money from the students on the school bus (and attempts, and fails, to keep order), as well as vile comments from classmate Abigail Goh. Pin’s outrage and how she deals with these encounters do more to illustrate how the Chinese majority tends to treat South Asians and Malays than a hundred Racial Harmony Days. This casual racist bullshit has consequence, and Pin’s endurance of it is a social justice punch right to the gut.
Sugarbread is an important book, especially right now, when it seems that public policy seems to be regressing in the wake of LKY’s death last year. And while I can’t claim that the novel would eradicate racism in Singapore if it were assigned to schoolchildren here, I do believe that it could easily become Singapore’s To Kill a Mockingbird.
All of this, plus an examination of Singapore’s endemic racism, especially toward its South Asian community. Pin has to brook taunts by Bus Uncle, an old man who collects money from the students on the school bus (and attempts, and fails, to keep order), as well as vile comments from classmate Abigail Goh. Pin’s outrage and how she deals with these encounters do more to illustrate how the Chinese majority tends to treat South Asians and Malays than a hundred Racial Harmony Days. This casual racist bullshit has consequence, and Pin’s endurance of it is a social justice punch right to the gut.
Sugarbread is an important book, especially right now, when it seems that public policy seems to be regressing in the wake of LKY’s death last year. And while I can’t claim that the novel would eradicate racism in Singapore if it were assigned to schoolchildren here, I do believe that it could easily become Singapore’s To Kill a Mockingbird.
mlautchi's review against another edition
5.0
It was Singapore and it was July. The early morning sun glowed orange and rose between high buildings; stream of light poured through the still branches of trees and heat rose from the pavement. 3
But Ma liked to say that gambling was as useless and praying when you were in trouble. 12
Ma ushered me out of the lanes, out of the drowning sounds, the yellowish lighting, the raw smell of blood. Outside, the dampness of market air was replaced by the familiar yellowish heat. People rushed around in the bright morning and melted into white air. We stepped out onto an even pavement and flowery bushes and rumbling buses slowing down to make stops. THis was Singapore again - or at least, Singapore as i knew it. 13
He said that he had nothing against God, but that he didn’t think it was necessary to sit and drink tea in His home every week either. 20
Daddy.. Had a habit of asking questions and not really listening to the answers. 28
I took another sip. A pointy fennel seed had somehow escaped through the strainer and bobbed to the surface of the tea. I pressed it between my lips. The flavour seeed into my mouth and I knew it was no mistake that it had entered my tea. It tasted like something old but still alive. A memory. 76
And I realised that she had once been young. Her eyes, which seemed like heavy window shades, had been a source of light many years ago. Those creases in her face used to only show when she laughed. 76
“Everything overlaps in this city,” Ma said. “Do you see that? Everything merges together.” I did it see it. Concrete pavements over grass, flats over hawker centres, Malay food over Indian food over Chinese food over McDonald’s. Leaves pointing towards the sky in every possible shade of green--jade; emerald; a deep sea green; a sickly yellowish-green. Beneath them, spotted branches rose in crooked lines across the sky. Behind them, buildings. Underneath those, the MRT snaked across the city. A city; an island; a state; a country. Everything overlapping. 101-2
A girl who is gorwing up but wants to put the whole world on hold, stop the buildings from rising, stop the night from swallowing the evening sun, stop everything until her family is normal again. 122
She got older in the way the sky rapidly darkened in the evenings- every time I looked at her, she seemed to have withered a bit more. 127
I began to notice that the Sikh prayers were similar to the Christian hymns we’d learnt at school. The Gods were different and the people were different, but we were saying the main thing. 149
“I know what you’re thinking,” she said. All of the questions that were forming in my mind quickly divided into corners were Ma would not find them. 168
This is why Jini runs. Because there are things she will not and cannot accept. Running makes her fee she can escape her mother’s instructions, her thoughts about her father, the growing itching feeling she has all over her body from the inexplicable rashes. 170
She continues to run until she is tired again… As she unlatched the house gate, she feels light, as if she has stomped out every bit of misery that her heart has collected. 171
The sky is ash coloured. Raindrops tap her face, gently at first, then they begin to hit harder, like small bullets. 181
These are the only remedies they possess at home. The other remedy, a less expensive one, is faith. 184
Who we are is all we have. 189
Another group of children huddle around a small bush that sprouts tiny red flowers in the shape of stars. The stems of these flowers have a tiny drop of nectar on their ends and the children are roughly picking them off. 190
“You’re a sweet girl, Jini. You care about people almost too much.” 227
She was too occupied with telling stories of how SIngapore had transformed from a swamp to a bustling metropolis. Her eyes blazed with excitement, as if she could see the country transforming right before her. 246
Rotan sapu - hard bristle broom
Everyone wants to prove they are right all along, even [especially] if the whole world says they’re not. I thought of how Farizah insisted on her beliefs, even if they were a bit strange. I thought of the hope in Ma’s eyes as she relived her story for me. I thought of how badly I wanted to show the neighbourhood boys that I could be just like them and nearly drowned trying to save that ball to prove I was brave and useful to their team. 255-6
“You’re all the same,” I said angrily, and at first I really was furious. But as my words echoed quickly back to me, I heard the truth in what I had said. They were all the same. All of the prayers, all of the teachings - the Gods only looked different, but their intentions were the same. They were always watching and they did some strange things, and sometimes it was hard to believe they truly existed because they never seemed to appear when you needed them. 257
This was how it must have started; this was the only way Ma knew to speak to the world. When she said anything else, nobody listened. Her stories and her feelings and her intentions had to be conveyed through spices and recipes, sauces, oils and meats. 263
The coconut was sweet and cool, perfect for such a hot day. 268
For some reason, I expected it to have changed while we were gone. Singapore was like that - it seemed as if every time I blinked, new housing estates had been built, more shopping centres had been opened, and some streets had become so different that they were difficult to recognize. But the market stayed exactly the same, as if it had been frozen under a magic spell. 268
But Ma liked to say that gambling was as useless and praying when you were in trouble. 12
Ma ushered me out of the lanes, out of the drowning sounds, the yellowish lighting, the raw smell of blood. Outside, the dampness of market air was replaced by the familiar yellowish heat. People rushed around in the bright morning and melted into white air. We stepped out onto an even pavement and flowery bushes and rumbling buses slowing down to make stops. THis was Singapore again - or at least, Singapore as i knew it. 13
He said that he had nothing against God, but that he didn’t think it was necessary to sit and drink tea in His home every week either. 20
Daddy.. Had a habit of asking questions and not really listening to the answers. 28
I took another sip. A pointy fennel seed had somehow escaped through the strainer and bobbed to the surface of the tea. I pressed it between my lips. The flavour seeed into my mouth and I knew it was no mistake that it had entered my tea. It tasted like something old but still alive. A memory. 76
And I realised that she had once been young. Her eyes, which seemed like heavy window shades, had been a source of light many years ago. Those creases in her face used to only show when she laughed. 76
“Everything overlaps in this city,” Ma said. “Do you see that? Everything merges together.” I did it see it. Concrete pavements over grass, flats over hawker centres, Malay food over Indian food over Chinese food over McDonald’s. Leaves pointing towards the sky in every possible shade of green--jade; emerald; a deep sea green; a sickly yellowish-green. Beneath them, spotted branches rose in crooked lines across the sky. Behind them, buildings. Underneath those, the MRT snaked across the city. A city; an island; a state; a country. Everything overlapping. 101-2
A girl who is gorwing up but wants to put the whole world on hold, stop the buildings from rising, stop the night from swallowing the evening sun, stop everything until her family is normal again. 122
She got older in the way the sky rapidly darkened in the evenings- every time I looked at her, she seemed to have withered a bit more. 127
I began to notice that the Sikh prayers were similar to the Christian hymns we’d learnt at school. The Gods were different and the people were different, but we were saying the main thing. 149
“I know what you’re thinking,” she said. All of the questions that were forming in my mind quickly divided into corners were Ma would not find them. 168
This is why Jini runs. Because there are things she will not and cannot accept. Running makes her fee she can escape her mother’s instructions, her thoughts about her father, the growing itching feeling she has all over her body from the inexplicable rashes. 170
She continues to run until she is tired again… As she unlatched the house gate, she feels light, as if she has stomped out every bit of misery that her heart has collected. 171
The sky is ash coloured. Raindrops tap her face, gently at first, then they begin to hit harder, like small bullets. 181
These are the only remedies they possess at home. The other remedy, a less expensive one, is faith. 184
Who we are is all we have. 189
Another group of children huddle around a small bush that sprouts tiny red flowers in the shape of stars. The stems of these flowers have a tiny drop of nectar on their ends and the children are roughly picking them off. 190
“You’re a sweet girl, Jini. You care about people almost too much.” 227
She was too occupied with telling stories of how SIngapore had transformed from a swamp to a bustling metropolis. Her eyes blazed with excitement, as if she could see the country transforming right before her. 246
Rotan sapu - hard bristle broom
Everyone wants to prove they are right all along, even [especially] if the whole world says they’re not. I thought of how Farizah insisted on her beliefs, even if they were a bit strange. I thought of the hope in Ma’s eyes as she relived her story for me. I thought of how badly I wanted to show the neighbourhood boys that I could be just like them and nearly drowned trying to save that ball to prove I was brave and useful to their team. 255-6
“You’re all the same,” I said angrily, and at first I really was furious. But as my words echoed quickly back to me, I heard the truth in what I had said. They were all the same. All of the prayers, all of the teachings - the Gods only looked different, but their intentions were the same. They were always watching and they did some strange things, and sometimes it was hard to believe they truly existed because they never seemed to appear when you needed them. 257
This was how it must have started; this was the only way Ma knew to speak to the world. When she said anything else, nobody listened. Her stories and her feelings and her intentions had to be conveyed through spices and recipes, sauces, oils and meats. 263
The coconut was sweet and cool, perfect for such a hot day. 268
For some reason, I expected it to have changed while we were gone. Singapore was like that - it seemed as if every time I blinked, new housing estates had been built, more shopping centres had been opened, and some streets had become so different that they were difficult to recognize. But the market stayed exactly the same, as if it had been frozen under a magic spell. 268
rebeccazh's review against another edition
tw: attempted sexual assault on a child
I really enjoyed this - it's a slow-paced story about Pin's experiences growing up as a minority in Singapore as she deals with buried family secrets and racism. There are also a few chapters from Pin's mother's perspective. I loved the magical realism-like elements of the book - food that tastes of emotions, the mysterious skin rash that seems to match Pin and her mother's mood, etc. Speaking of food, the descriptions of food were amazing! I was so hungry reading it. I also felt really nostalgic reading Pin's story. Really reminded me of my own childhood.
The book actually gives a look at a lot of complex issues and marginalized narratives that are usually swept under the rug - growing up poor and the stigma of it, casual racism, bullying in schools and the pressure to fit in with your classmates/friends, mental health struggles and the stigma that comes with it, misogyny/sexism, victim blaming that happens when there's a sexual assault, etc.
It was eye-opening reading about the casual racism. I'll always need to hear more non-Chinese stories about race. I wish this book was taught in schools. I remember from my own childhood years how casual and rampant racism was.
The last ten/twenty percent of the book was really really good. I loved Pin's mother's reconciliation with her brother, and the ending was... really moving.
I only have two minor complaints. Firstly, the pace of this book was really very slow, and the plot-twist (the family secret/sexual assault) was, as most readers pointed out, very predictable. Secondly, I struggled with the author's style. Xueting's review mentioned how the book reads like it was written for an international audience and I completely agree. The book over-explains the setting to the reader and there are WAY too many descriptive phrases to the point where I skimmed paragraphs.
I really enjoyed this - it's a slow-paced story about Pin's experiences growing up as a minority in Singapore as she deals with buried family secrets and racism. There are also a few chapters from Pin's mother's perspective. I loved the magical realism-like elements of the book - food that tastes of emotions, the mysterious skin rash that seems to match Pin and her mother's mood, etc. Speaking of food, the descriptions of food were amazing! I was so hungry reading it. I also felt really nostalgic reading Pin's story. Really reminded me of my own childhood.
The book actually gives a look at a lot of complex issues and marginalized narratives that are usually swept under the rug - growing up poor and the stigma of it, casual racism, bullying in schools and the pressure to fit in with your classmates/friends, mental health struggles and the stigma that comes with it, misogyny/sexism, victim blaming that happens when there's a sexual assault, etc.
It was eye-opening reading about the casual racism. I'll always need to hear more non-Chinese stories about race. I wish this book was taught in schools. I remember from my own childhood years how casual and rampant racism was.
The last ten/twenty percent of the book was really really good. I loved Pin's mother's reconciliation with her brother, and the ending was... really moving.
I only have two minor complaints. Firstly, the pace of this book was really very slow, and the plot-twist (the family secret/sexual assault) was, as most readers pointed out, very predictable. Secondly, I struggled with the author's style. Xueting's review mentioned how the book reads like it was written for an international audience and I completely agree. The book over-explains the setting to the reader and there are WAY too many descriptive phrases to the point where I skimmed paragraphs.