Title: Black Cake
Author: Charmaine Wilkerson
Pages: 400
Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤
Hi friends. I'm back with another hot take on the latest books I've been reading. I saw people talking about this book ever since it was released a year ago. I think it was even recommended by Barack Obama, which is a huge deal.
I wanted to make sure I highlighted black authors for the month of February, so I figured this was as good a time as any to read this book. I am so glad I did! I am currently contemplating when I should run to Barnes and Noble and grab a physical copy for my person library. I absolutely loved this story! Let's get into it.
We can’t choose what we inherit. But can we choose who we become?
In present-day California, Eleanor Bennett’s death leaves behind a puzzling inheritance for her two children, Byron and Benny: a black cake, made from a family recipe with a long history, and a voice recording. In her message, Eleanor shares a tumultuous story about a headstrong young swimmer who escapes her island home under suspicion of murder. The heartbreaking tale Eleanor unfolds, the secrets she still holds back, and the mystery of a long-lost child challenge everything the siblings thought they knew about their lineage and themselves.
Can Byron and Benny reclaim their once-close relationship, piece together Eleanor’s true history, and fulfill her final request to “share the black cake when the time is right”? Will their mother’s revelations bring them back together or leave them feeling more lost than ever?
Charmaine Wilkerson’s debut novel is a story of how the inheritance of betrayals, secrets, memories, and even names can shape relationships and history. Deeply evocative and beautifully written, Black Cake is an extraordinary journey through the life of a family changed forever by the choices of its matriarch.
I actually listened to this one on audio, which I think added to the experience. The accents. The culture. The story. *chef's kiss*
I went in with no expectations. I'm usually a thriller girl so stories that don't involve some type of murder either capture my attention or don't. This one had me hooked from the beginning.
The writing style was so descriptive without doing too much. The characters were well thought out and well-rounded. I felt like I knew each of them personally. I wanted them all to win. I wanted to reach in and give Eleanor Bennett the biggest hug for having to go through everything she went through. I wanted to hug each of them. They had been through so much pain and heartache.
I want to scream from the rooftops to everyone that will listen about how amazing this story was. I heard through the grapevine that it is being turned into a Hulu Original series produced by Oprah and I cannot wait to see this story play out on the television screen.
The plot was so intricately woven. Every piece was significant. Every person played a part. There were no pointless characters. I appreciated how everyone that was mentioned, however quickly, ended up having something to do with how the story turned out.
If you haven't been able to tell from my obnoxious gushing about this story, then yes. Yes, I absolutely recommend this book. Especially before the series comes out on streaming services because we already know that the book is always better than the movie.
I will not be debated on this fact.
READ THIS BOOK EXPEDITIOUSLY! And after you're done, come back and tell me what you think of it. If you rated it anything less than 4 stars then just go ahead and block me. 😂
You can find me on Instagram and send me a message about your thoughts. I promise I don't bite. Did you love it as much as I did? Will you be watching the show when it comes out? Who do you think should play Eleanor Bennett? Can't wait to hear your thoughts!
Until then,
Happy Reading Babes! ❤