51 pages • 1 hour read
Black Cake
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Book Brief
400
Novel • Fiction
Multiple Locations • Contemporary
2022
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson is a family saga that spans over fifty years, focusing on Eleanor Bennett, a 70-something Caribbean immigrant in Southern California. Following her death, her children, Benny and Byron, listen to a recorded message revealing their mother's hidden past, including her original identity as Covey Lyncook, who fled her home after a dramatic escape from an arranged marriage. As they uncover long-held family secrets, including the existence of a half-sister, they explore themes of identity and cultural heritage.
Emotional
Mysterious
Bittersweet
Contemplative
Nostalgic
Reviews & Readership
220,073 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Charmaine Wilkerson’s debut novel, Black Cake, has been praised for its intricate storytelling and rich cultural depth, drawing readers into a multigenerational saga filled with secrets and heritage. Reviewers highlight Wilkerson’s adept character development and poignant narrative. Some critics note a complex timeline that may challenge readers, but overall, it is celebrated as a compelling and emotionally resonant work.
Who Should Read Black Cake?
Readers who relish multi-generational sagas with rich cultural tapestries, such as those found in Yaa Gyasi's Homegoing or Jacqueline Woodson's Red at the Bone, will be captivated by Charmaine Wilkerson's Black Cake. The novel's exploration of family secrets and heritage will appeal to fans of intricate, character-driven narratives.
220,073 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
400
Novel • Fiction
Multiple Locations • Contemporary
2022
Adult
18+ years
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