Sweet Nothings: Confessions of a Candy Lover by Sarah Perry – A Sweet Journey Through Memory and Melancholy
From the moment I laid eyes on Sweet Nothings: Confessions of a Candy Lover, I felt an irresistible pull toward it. As someone who believes that food, especially candy, is deeply intertwined with memory and emotion, the concept of an essay collection exploring these themes through sugary delights spoke to me on many levels. Knowing Sarah Perry’s background—her haunting memoir, After the Eclipse, focused on the tragic murder of her mother—made me curious about how she would intertwine her complex feelings of grief and nostalgia with the seemingly lighthearted subject of candy. What I found inside was a wonderful blend of sweetness and depth that lingered in my mind long after I finished reading.
Perry introduces us to her world through “On Root Beer Barrels,” the collection’s longest essay, where she seamlessly weaves together her love for candy and the memories associated with her home state of Maine. Not just an exploration of flavors, this essay sets the stage for what’s to come: a raw and hilarious recounting of her life post-After the Eclipse—complete with yeast infections, grief, and all the messy intricacies of adult life. The stark contrasts in her narrative are striking; while she delves into fun memories provided by candy, there’s a persistent undercurrent of sorrow. It’s a refreshing reminder that life isn’t merely black and white, that tangled emotions can coexist, much like the myriad flavors of the candy rainbow she crafts throughout the book.
Perry’s structure is nothing short of ingenious—organizing her essays by color creates a visual feast that mirrors the vibrant chaos of life. From the “chewy reds” of Twizzlers to the “dark chocolate browns” that hold memories of her mother, every segment evokes a nostalgic resonance that invites readers to recall their own candy memories. As I read through the collection, I found myself laughing at her observations about annoying candy wrappers—who doesn’t get frustrated with a stubborn Snickers?—and nodding along at her thoughtful remarks on the candies that remind her of childhood. Perry’s vivid descriptions and attention to detail transform these edible treats into cherished symbols of her past.
One moment that particularly struck me was when Perry likened a specific Scandinavian candy to a wild experience she had in Guatemala, simply labeled as "unnamed." Her ability to juxtapose humor with the absurdity of life caught me off guard, making me both chuckle and ponder the unexpected intersections we all face between joy and heartache.
I think this book might resonate with a broad audience, from fellow candy enthusiasts to those who appreciate memoirs that delve into the complexities of memory. Sweet Nothings encourages readers to discover their own sweet tooth while contemplating their life’s rich tapestry of memories. Personally, I finished reading with a renewed sense of wonder about the small pleasures in life—how a simple piece of candy can evoke stories, laughter, and even tears. I’ve now jotted down a list of candies I need to rediscover, and I encourage you to do the same.
In conclusion, Sarah Perry’s Sweet Nothings is a delightfully layered collection that transcends mere sugary nostalgia. It’s an exploration of how we all cling to memories, sprinkled with sweetness yet enriched by the bittersweet turns of life. Whether you’re a candy lover or a memoir aficionado, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression—even after the last piece of candy is gone.
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