The House at Sugar Beach, by Helene Cooper

People

Cooper Family: Calista Dennis and John Lewis Cooper Jr. Helene Sister – Marlene Step-siblings – Janice and John Lewis III (John Bull) Cousin – Vicky New “sister” – Eunice   Richard and Philip Parker – Helene’s school friends   Congo People – descendents of Freed American Blacks (not slaves) Country People – native Liberians   Government: President Tolbert Samuel K. Doe – overthrew Tolbert in 1980 Charles Taylor – overthrew Doe in 1989

 For discussion:

1. What did you think about the differences between the two groups – the Congo People and the Country People?  
1. Discuss Matilda Newport Day – December 1 – a day of Thanksgiving.   The myth was that Matilda, a colonial woman, blew up 100 African warriors.  The holiday was only celebrated by Congo People.
2. It was important to be an “Honorable,” which meant you could hold a government post.  Very few Country People had this title even though they may have had a much better education than a Congo Person.
2. On page 11 of the paperback, Helene wrote that “In Liberia, we cared far more about how we looked outside than about who we were inside.”  How was this evident or not as the memoir unfolded?
3. Right after the coup in 1980, Mommee took the girls to church which led to a disastrous outcome. Why do you think she did that?
4. Discuss Helene and her family’s change in status, from privileged elite Congo People to African refugees when they arrived in Knoxville.   How did they deal with this?
1. In that same vein, discuss their changed opinion of Knoxville –from an exciting vacation spot to a place where they had to live.
5. In 1981 Mommee went back to Liberia to live.  Why did she go?  Do you think that was the correct thing to do?
6. Discuss Eunice:
1. She decided to send Ishmael away so he would not be forced into the military.
2. How she felt when she first was sent to Sugar Beach and how she adjusted.
3. When family fled to the United States on May 16, 1980, Eunice stayed back to finish high school.  What did you think about this decision?
4. As the family was traveling to the airport, Helene was shocked at the hatred of the Country People.  How did Eunice handle these feelings?
5. How was she seemingly able to be satisfied with her life?
7. Multiple times Helene wrote about her coping mechanism when dealing with difficulty – she focused on something else, something minor.  How did this help her and hurt her?
8. When Helene went back to find Eunice and they were in the hotel room, Eunice referred to Helene as “Ma” which is a demeaning title.  Why did she do that? 
1. When Helene complained, Eunice’s response was that she called everyone that.  Did you believe her?
9. What did you think about Philip Parker and his decision to return to Liberia after completing his education in the United States?    How do you think Helene felt about her choices when talking with Philip?
10. How was your reading experience with this book?  Enlightening?  Enjoyable?