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By Samantha Magick

Sugar is a commodity weighted with meaning in Fiji; from its
role in the country’s economic history and migration stories to
its place in the dietary choices and health status of its citizens.
Sugar is also the title and connecting thread between the
protagonists of a compelling new novel written by political analyst
and researcher Edward Narain, and his partner Tarryn Phillips.
Narain says Sugar draws on his lived experience as an Indo-
Fijian, born and raised in Fiji, and Phillips’ research in diabetes
and time working in Fiji.
“Tarryn is the writer, she is the wordsmith,” Narain said.
“But for each scene, we plotted it very carefully together and
crafted the characters, and really talked through…what their
motivation were, and dreams and hopes and flaws,” Phillips Tarryn Phillips Edward Narain
added.
“And then I would write the scene that we had agreed upon “We wanted to debunk [stereotypes] to some extent, while
next. We were living in Suva at the time and I’d read it to Eddie. also representing some of the realities that come from class and
He’d lie down on the bed next to me, and I’d read the scene that privilege and opportunity,” Phillips said.
I had written, and if he wasn’t happy…” “My favourite reaction so far has been from people who have
“I’d say, ‘that will not do,’” Narain chimed in with a laugh. been young Australian volunteers…I’ve been struck by how
“We had a very steadfast sense of who the characters should they’ve really reflected on their own experiences and perhaps
be,” he continued. “The characters had to be very believable.” some of the ways they have behaved.”
This interaction gives a small insight into the way Narain and Narain adds: “Fiji is a very complex place. It’s got a very
Phillips collaborated on their book. Talking to Fiji Traveller, they interesting, tragic, rich history, a timeline which has led to a point
repeatedly stressed their desire not to slip into caricatures or in time right now, which is so diverse and complicated. We try to
stereotypes in portraying the lives of their three main characters, explain that throughout the book; the relations between Indians
an Indo-Fijian amateur historian, an iTaukei teenager caring for and Fijians, [the role of] big corporations, and day-to-day life.”
his diabetic grandmother in one of Suva’s settlements, and a Which all makes this ‘ethnographic’ novel sound much more
somewhat clueless, but well-intentioned Australian volunteer. All dense and heavy-going than it actually is.
face troubles and challenges but emerge as likeable, resilient In fact it is a real page turner, a love letter to gritty Suva, and a
figures in the end. book full of heart, and often laughter.
Their paths intersect as a cyclone bears down on Fiji and they
are connected by a brutal, and mysterious murder. Sugar is available at Baka Books and the Fiji Museum bookshops.

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