Sugar is the story of a woman who suffers abuse as a child, then rises to become the mayor of Kaua'i, only to become immersed in a bribery scandal, thanks to her ne'er-do-well husband.
.....But, there is a deeper story here, too. It's about the indominatable spirit of man, or in this case--woman. No matter how grim or unpleasant circumstances become for her , her conviction and determination remain steadfast.
.....While facing the prospect of prison and death of her child, due to a terminal illness, she reaches deep within herself and the spirt of the islands in order to meet the test. 
....The story is set in the majesty, serenity and extreme beauty of the island of Kaua'i, where the aina (land) and culture become characters in the novel.