“Black Cake” by Charmaine Wilkerson
Published by Ballantine Books
This is a fabulous multi-generational family drama told
in dual timelines, full of culture with a little historical fiction thrown in
as well. What’s not to love? It’s not my first Charmain Wilkerson book – I
LOVED Good Dirt, but this was her first, her debut novel. I find
her to be quite a talented writer. What
she gives us in her storytelling is fabulous.
I wouldn’t say it’s the main focus of this book by any means, but I love
how she gracefully shows the different racial cultures and blatant racism
across both time and locations, spanning decades and multiple countries from
the Caribbean, to the UK, and of course, to the United States. She also puts emphasis on not holding family grudges
– don’t wait until it’s too late to put aside family differences. Keep the communication lines open to allow
space and opportunity to possibly come back together one day. The loss of not doing so is strongly felt in
this book. And yet, I found it to be a feel-good
book that will warm your heart. I
definitely recommend it.
Finished 4/5/26 – 5/5 stars
#blackcake #charmainewilkerson #ballantinebooks
#5starreads
