The Queen of Sugar Hill: A Novel of Hattie McDaniel

4.4 | 232 ratings

Price: 22.04

Last update: 06-21-2024

Top reviews from the United States

Robin R. Pendleton

Eclipse of Hattie McDaniel's Fame

Reviewed in the United States on May 9, 2024

In 1940 Hattie McDaniel won an Oscar for her portrayal as Mammy in Gone with the Wind. She was the first African American to win an Academy Award. The setting for the movie was during the Civil War and Reconstruction Era. In The Queen of Sugar Hill, author ReShonda Tate tackled thorny issues Hattie McDaniel relived daily after becoming famous for more than her acting skills. Tate intricately showed how the controversy surrounding the depiction of slavery and racial stereotypes in the epic movie closed more doors than it opened for the history-making supporting actress. Instead of being celebrated as a harbinger of success for her race, the vitriol aimed specifically at her by the NAACP was palpable through powerful dialogue. McDaniel’s rebuttals were as fiery as the charges of proliferating the mammy stereotype.

The Queen of Sugar Hill gave voice to Hattie McDaniel’s personas in more than soundbites. It was a colorful canvas with vivid descriptions of the characters that intersected and shaped her life. Hollywood in the early 20th century had its share of plantation-minded producers, actors, agents, and moviegoers. Despite competition for limited roles, it was delightful to see the core of close, trusted friends McDaniel maintained. Despite naysayers who assailed her career, her struggles revealed her activism. She fought for progress and fairness for others. Lavish parties were part of her brand. Notoriety and boldness catapulted her to become the Queen of Sugar Hill. None of that however, could shelter her from the perils of failed marriages. In her own voice, we’re privy to her anguish as she navigated through personal and societal ills.

The Queen of Sugar Hill was a compilation of facts, research, and artistic interpretation with exemplary storytelling. The credibility made it a compelling read.

Patricia M. Harper

Oscar Winner

Reviewed in the United States on May 17, 2024

I have read Gone With the Wind about 4 times plus the times I’ve watched it on screen. I had no idea of what Hattie McDaniel’s experienced as a celebrity. Good story about her life, the era and her survival skills. Good read.

Kay Lynn

Tate Does an Amazing Job of Delving into the Life and Struggles of Hattie McDaniel

Reviewed in the United States on March 19, 2024

I've always been a fan of Hattie McDaniel's acting (seeing Gone With the Wind in the theatre with my mother as a child - one of only two movies seen in my childhood). I've read and re-read Gone With the Wind, and watched the movie countless times. Yet, I didn't know much about Hattie's life. I was curious and wanted to know more. This book revealed much, and even though it's historical fiction, reveals many of the truths of McDaniel's life. I was truly appalled at the many struggles in her life and how she continued to fight against the racism and prejudice she faced on a daily basis. I had no idea how difficult her struggles were. There were a few times that I cried while reading this story. At other times, I was touched by how compassionate and loving Hattie was in spite of what she experienced. Her friendship with Clark Gable was touching to me (I knew a little about it, but learned that it extended through years). Her struggles with the racist housing covenants and battle she led with other homeowners in Sugar Hill were revealing too. I highly recommend this book, and would like to thank ReSHONDA Tate for her careful research and lovely story telling. Hattie deserved so much more in life; nevertheless, she left quite a legacy.

C. C. Marshall

Queen of sugar hill

Reviewed in the United States on June 11, 2024

This is truly a fantastic book. It sure is an eye opener. So glad I read it. Need knew how hard it was for black entertainers back then

Kindle Customer

QUEEN OF SUGAR HILL

Reviewed in the United States on April 2, 2024

Very well written, enlightening and informative. Extremely hard to put down.

Wanda Brown

Awesome Novel

Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2024

Well you did it again Responds I really enjoyed reading this book. I connected to the characters in the book. I loved reading about other movie stars and their friendship with Hattie.Hattie was the Queen of sugar Hill. She fought for the covenant rights and wss able to stay in her home. Over turning that covenant made it possible for me to purchase a home. I will remember this book. Great job a true page turner.

Jakki Chambliss

Delivery

Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2024

The delivery and price was great!
I don't like to read Biographies.
I sold the book to a friend

Jeffrey Caradine

I thought I knew Hattie McDaniel

Reviewed in the United States on May 31, 2024

This was a very organized and researched historical fiction novel. This book was insightful, inspiring, emotional and entertaining. I highly recommend this book whether you know about Hattie McDaniel or the era of old Black Hollywood.

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