—Book Review—
Title: Black Cake
Author: Charmaine Wilkerson
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Genre: Women’s Fiction
February Book Club Pick
“But then I came to realize that the answer had been there all along, right in front of me. And this is what I need you two to understand: You have always known who I am. Who I am is your mother. This is the truest part of me.”
Black Cake is a story full of family secrets anchored by a family history and recipe of a Caribbean black cake.
Byron and Benny Bennett are summoned to their mother’s house upon her death to hear a voice recording and share one last piece of black cake made by her when the time is right. This meeting is particularly difficult because Benny hasn’t been speaking to anyone in her family for many years.
Eleanor share stories of her island upbringing, how being a stubborn headstrong swimmer helped her escape and find asylum in London, and eventually finding a home in Los Angelos.
Will these stories bring Byron and Benny back together or leave them feeling more lost than ever!?!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 Be patient with the story telling and many characters and you will be rewarded. The chapters are short and the story flows well. I will admit I felt like the last third of the book lost a little steam and was throwing in some social issues that weren’t really needed. But the ending brought it back. 😱 This story is for anyone who has ever felt lost a little in their family or in general. Lost in what direction to take in life. This book once again reminded me how much food and stories bring us together. Write down the those family stories and recipes!!!
This was an @bookfriendsbookclub pick. We always have the best discussions! They help me to see things I may have missed or enhance what I have already experienced.
