The House at Sugar Beach: In Search of a Lost African Childhood

Name: The House at Sugar Beach: In Search of a Lost African Childhood
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Book Synopsis: Journalist Helene Cooper examines the violent past of her home country Liberia and the effects of its 1980 military coup in this deeply personal memoir and finalist for the 2008 National Book Critics Circle Award.

Helene Cooper is “Congo,” a descendant of two Liberian dynasties—traced back to the first ship of freemen that set sail from New York in 1820 to found Monrovia. Helene grew up at Sugar Beach, a twenty-two-room mansion by the sea. Her childhood was filled with servants, flashy cars, a villa in Spain, and a farmhouse up-country. It was also an African childhood, filled with knock foot games and hot pepper soup, heartmen and neegee.

When Helene was eight, the Coopers took in a foster child—a common custom among the Liberian elite. Eunice, a Bassa girl, suddenly became known as “Mrs. Cooper’s daughter.” For years the Cooper daughters—Helene, her sister Marlene, and Eunice—blissfully enjoyed the trappings of wealth and advantage. But Liberia was like an unwatched pot of water left boiling on the stove. And on April 12, 1980, a group of soldiers staged a coup d'état, assassinating President William Tolbert and executing his cabinet. The Coopers and the entire Congo class were now the hunted, being imprisoned, shot, tortured, and raped. After a brutal daylight attack by a ragtag crew of soldiers, Helene, Marlene, and their mother fled Sugar Beach, and then Liberia, for America. They left Eunice behind.

A world away, Helene tried to assimilate as an American teenager. At the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill she found her passion in journalism, eventually becoming a reporter for the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times. She reported from every part of the globe—except Africa—as Liberia descended into war-torn, third-world hell.

In 2003, a near-death experience in Iraq convinced Helene that Liberia—and Eunice—could wait no longer. At once a deeply personal memoir and an examination of a violent and stratified country, The House at Sugar Beach tells of tragedy, forgiveness, and transcendence with unflinching honesty and a survivor’s gentle humor. And at its heart, it is a story of Helene Cooper’s long voyage home.

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Discover the captivating and thought-provoking memoir, "The House at Sugar Beach: In Search of a Lost African Childhood." Written by acclaimed journalist Helene Cooper, this book delves into the tumultuous history of Liberia, chronicling the devastating consequences of the 1980 military coup. Shortlisted for the prestigious National Book Critics Circle Award in 2008, this deeply personal account will transport you into a world of privilege, tragedy, and resilience.

Step into Helene Cooper's extraordinary life, as she shares her experiences growing up in Liberia's elite society. Imagine a childhood filled with opulent mansions, luxurious cars, and exotic escapes to Spain. Yet, beneath the surface lies an African childhood, permeated with vibrant traditions, exhilarating games, and mouthwatering meals like hot pepper soup. Cooper's vivid storytelling paints a picture that will keep you spellbound from start to finish.

But amidst the idyllic façade, a boiling pot of political turmoil awaits. On April 12, 1980, the Coopers' world is shattered by a brutal coup d'état that claims the life of President William Tolbert. Suddenly, the privileged become the hunted, subjected to unspeakable horrors. Helene, her sister Marlene, and their mother must flee their beloved Sugar Beach, leaving behind Eunice, their foster sister and formerly "Mrs. Cooper's daughter." This harrowing escape marks the beginning of a journey that will test their strength, courage, and resilience.

As the story unfolds, Helene Cooper's compelling narrative takes you beyond Liberia's borders. Follow her path as she immerses herself in American culture and confronts the challenges of assimilation. With tenacity and determination, she embarks on a fulfilling career in journalism, reporting from every corner of the globe. Yet, the call of Liberia grows stronger, compelling her to confront the haunting past she left behind.

A riveting blend of personal memoir and incisive examination, "The House at Sugar Beach" explores the depths of tragedy, forgiveness, and redemption. Cooper's unwavering honesty and poignant humor infuse this tale with an authenticity that will leave a lasting impression. Join Helene Cooper on her remarkable voyage home, a journey that embodies the triumph of the human spirit.

Are you ready to delve into this extraordinary memoir and embark on a journey like no other? Experience the captivating story of "The House at Sugar Beach" today. Click here to get your copy now!

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