The Cost of Sugar

The Cost of Sugar is the historical story of Jewish family planters and their slaves in Suriname. Now a major motion picture, The Cost of Sugar gives an engrossing account of eighteenth century Suriname at the time when the country was ruled by the Dutch. The hypocrisies behind the veneer of a respectable colonial life are revealed through the eyes of two Jewish step sisters, Elza and Sarith, descendants of the settlers of New Jerusalem of the River' known today as Jodensavanne. Their pampered existences become intertwined with the fate of the plantations as the slaves decide to fight against the violent repression they have endured for too long... Cynthia McLeod presents a frank exposé of life in a Dutch colony when sugar was king and demanded the consummate allegiance of all - colonists and slaves - regardless of the tragic consequence.

Cynthia McLeod has written mostly on the theme of slavery. The Cost of Sugar is her most successful book which sold 125,000 in Netherlands and Suriname. She was decorated Dame in the Honorary Order of the Golden Palm in 1988 by the president of Surinam. She is the widow of late Ambassador Donald McLeod, and daughter of Dr Johan Ferrier, the last governor and first president of Surinam. Cynthia lives in Surinam and is active in social and educational projects.