This week, I finally got around to reading Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson. This book had been sitting patiently on my to-be-read list for ages, and as someone who often lets mood dictate what I’m reading next, it felt like the perfect choice. Having just written a novel myself that jumps between timelines, I was drawn to see how Wilkerson tackled this narrative style—and I’m so glad I did!
Before my review here is the blurb for this novel as written by Amazon:
Black Cake: The Blurb
Eleanor Bennett won't let her own death get in the way of the truth. So when her estranged children - Byron and Benny - reunite for her funeral in California, they discover a puzzling inheritance.
First, a voice recording in which everything Byron and Benny ever knew about their family is upended. Their mother narrates a tumultuous story about a headstrong young woman who escapes her island home under suspicion of murder, a story which cuts right to the heart of the rift that's separated Byron and Benny.
Second, a traditional Caribbean black cake made from a family recipe that Eleanor hopes will heal the wounds of the past.
Can Byron and Benny fulfil their mother's final request to 'share the black cake when the time is right'?
Or will Eleanor's revelations leave them feeling more lost than ever?
Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson Book Review
At first, I found Black Cake a little tricky to settle into. The chapters are incredibly short, and the story keeps its cards close to its chest. It’s a mystery that unravels slowly, piece by piece, and I had to trust that the answers would come. And they did—right at the end, just as I’d hoped. I’ll admit, I only guessed the truth about the groom’s fate just before it was revealed, which added to the thrill of the experience.
The story itself is a rich tapestry of lives, intricately woven together. I was captivated by how each character fit into the plot and into each other’s lives. Wilkerson’s prose brought the unnamed Caribbean island to life—a setting so vivid and evocative that I felt like I could taste the sea air and feel the sun on my skin. The central theme of the titular black cake also added a beautiful cultural and emotional depth to the narrative. It’s a symbol, a connection, and a history all at once.
While I loved the book, I did feel it ran a little longer than it needed to. There were moments when the pacing could have been tighter, but that’s a minor quibble. I was more than happy to linger in the world of Covey, Eleanor, and the other unforgettable characters. The ending left me thoroughly satisfied, tying together the many threads of this multi-generational story with grace and poignancy.
If you haven’t read Black Cake yet, I’d highly recommend it. And if, like me, you’re intrigued by Wilkerson’s storytelling, keep an eye out for her next book, Good Dirt. I can’t wait to dive into that one!
For those who enjoyed Black Cake, here are a couple other titles you might love:
- The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett – A tale of twin sisters and their diverging lives, steeped in secrets and identity.
- Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel – A magical story of food, love, and family.
Have you read Black Cake? I’d love to know your thoughts or hear your recommendations for similar reads. Let’s chat in the comments!
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