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51 pages 1 hour read

Black Cake

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2022

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Book Brief

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Charmaine Wilkerson

Black Cake

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2022
Book Details
Pages

400

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Multiple Locations • Contemporary

Publication Year

2022

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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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

4.2

220,073 ratings

80%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

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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 this

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.

4.2

220,073 ratings

80%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Character List

Coventina Lyncook/Covey Brown/Eleanor Douglas/Eleanor Bennett

A central character in *The Black Cake*, she is a biracial woman who embarks on an adventurous journey from the Caribbean to the UK and Los Angeles. Throughout the novel, she grapples with her identity, assuming different names and leaving behind a complicated past. Her story is marked by survival, secrecy, and an emotional distance from her children. Coventina's life is one of transformation and self-discovery, culminating in the recordings she leaves for her children after her death.

Coventina's daughter in *The Black Cake*, Benny is portrayed as a self-involved and conflicted character. She is biracial and bisexual, navigating challenging relationships and a difficult family dynamic. Often in conflict, Benny is estranged from her family, finding solace in her art. Her mother's death prompts her to reevaluate her life choices, leading to a personal transformation and a newfound acceptance of her roots.

In *The Black Cake*, Byron is Benny's brother and a successful oceanographer. He is characterized by his logical, straightlaced approach to life, which is upended by revelations about his family. His journey of self-discovery involves accepting uncertainty and embracing contradictions, leading to a deeper understanding of his mother's secrets and his own identity.

A childhood friend of Coventina/Covey in *The Black Cake*, Bunny emerges as a heroic figure known for her long-distance swimming accolades and advocacy for LGBT rights. Her story is intertwined with Covey's, as she harbors complex feelings for her friend. Bunny's bravery and dedication mark her as an emblem of empowerment and courage.

Book Details
Pages

400

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Multiple Locations • Contemporary

Publication Year

2022

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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