I knew this would not be a book with happy endings and warm moments, but I think some stories are worth reading because it increases our understanding and empathy. “The original account is written throughout in the same neat copperplate hand, yet in a mixture of languages, with some parts rendered entirely in French and others in English, while the whole is broken up with numerous passages in what I have learned is a kind of early French Creole or Kreyol… I have retained a smattering of the Creole patois… For the most part, I have honoured the author’s rhythms and grammatical quirks…” From Sugar Money by Jane Harris. This is what Harris had to say about the translation of the original manuscript: Lucian remains the narrating voice and Harris’ confident representation of the French Creole language, and the depth of the main character, drives the story. Harris’ narrative is well researched and handled with great sensitivity. Harris gives a fictional account of Lucian’s story after she received the original manuscript, written by a much older Lucian, along with some associated papers and letters. Jane Harris has created an unforgettable character in Lucien, and the lilt of his English, French and Creole speech gives a marvellous vibrancy to this superb novel.Sugar Money by Jane Harris is based on a true story. Set in the world of slavery in eighteenth century Martinique and Grenada, there is no turning away from cruelty and horror, but the voice of the narrator Lucien, still little more than a child, is so spirited and innocent that the reader is swept along on the tide of his enthusiasm, even though the venture he and his brother must undertake is fraught with hideous danger. Sugar Money by Jane Harris is a thrilling adventure story with a warm, human heart. Judges for the Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction said: 'Draws on an obscure historical event to craft an affecting account of a young boy’s coming-of-age.…Harris makes the most of her choice to portray the cruelties of slavery through the eyes of a young lead, a decision that pays off handsomely by the moving conclusion.' Like Stevenson, she describes an exotic setting and tells a ripping good story….A quite good book with wide appeal.' 'Harris credits Robert Louis Stevenson as inspiration for this book. publication include a starred Publishers Weekly and Library Journal review. Shortlisted books for the Walter Scott Historical Prize for Fiction 2018 include Sugar Money by Jane Harris, Manhattan Beach by Jennifer Egan and Grace by Paul Lynch.Īdvance reviews for its U.S. Sugar Money: A Novel by Jane Harris (Arcade / A Division of Skyhorse Publishing, April 2018) has been nominated for two prestigious book prizes, the Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction 2018 and the Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize for 2018.