A Place Called Schugara by Joe English is a literary masterpiece. In it we have three main characters that all descend on the Caribbean island of Mabouhey. Travers Landeman, an Ohio businessman, Albert Sidney McNab, an insurance investigator from New York, and a bookseller from Chicago, Joe Rogers, all connect on the small island. Each has his own story and reason for going to the island and each finds much more than he anticipated. Their destinies end up being tied to one another as they creatively help each other resolve their issues.

This book was so much more than what I was expecting. Spanning decades, continents and cultures, A Place Called Schugara is rich, detailed, and engaging. The characters are the foundation of this fabulous novel. They are well developed with compelling, defined personalities. Author Joe English has created characters that evolve exponentially and naturally throughout the storyline. Each one is an integral thread in the overall story which adds interest and intrigue to the plot. Each one has a story to tell, and their own baggage to carry, and author Joe English tells it well. These characters and their specific stories are fabulous, memorable and artful. Along with the three main characters, there are many other notable ones as well, all adding to the quality and flow of the novel.

There is a mix of societal issues embedded within the plot. The author touches on the Catholic Church abuse scandals, the War on Drugs and more. There is a lot going on in this book and the narrative flows beautifully. Readers will feel the author’s sense of humor through his appealing play on words. This book is truly written by a master storyteller and excellent wordsmith.

I found A Place Called Schugara to be spellbinding and absorbing. I couldn’t put it down and read on quickly to find out what was going to happen next. I learned many interesting facts; A Place Called Schugara held my full attention. It is a rather long novel to read, but well worth the time invested. Chick Lit Cafe highly recommends this book to all discerning readers.

Recognition is due Line by Lion Publishing of Louisville, Kentucky, for bringing A PLACE CALLED SCHUGARA to the world as well as the vision and courage of Amanda Rotach Lamkin, its publisher.  That we have A PLACE CALLED SCHUGARA to ponder, to savor, to enjoy demonstrates the importance of keeping the nation’s independent publishing houses vibrant. Maximum espect.