"Burnt Sugar" is a novel by Anita Desai that explores the complex relationship between a mother and her daughter. Set in India, the story delves into themes of memory, identity, and the impact of aging. The narrative is rich with emotional depth, capturing the struggles of familial bonds and the passage of time. The protagonist, Mala, grapples with her mother's declining mental health and the memories that haunt their past. As the story unfolds, it highlights the challenges of caregiving and the bittersweet nature of love, ultimately revealing the intricate layers of human connection and the inevitability of change.