Black Cake has been a delight for my first read of the new year. I loved this debut novel from Charmaine Wilkerson, who grabbed my interest from the prologue. Despite the many threads of thought, she kept the chapters short and had headings, so I knew which place, moment in time, or character's story was told in each one.
From the editor's letter, I knew the mother in this story, Eleanor Bennett, had secrets, but we're talking layers of them, like the black cake recipe from the title. I am a keeper of family stories, and I could relate to holding secrets for people. It's not my story to tell. I could relate to the lawyer, Mitch, staying neutral in this story even though he already knew the secrets. Some stories I've heard in my family were so unreal that we still talk about them. Some we learned after the death of a loved one. This novel had me questioning how well I truly know what's in the heart of those closest to me. I would hope too that they don't hold onto secrets that hurt as much as the ones Eleanor that caused her unimaginable pain.
Parents Eleanor and Bert Bennett escaped and sacrificed so much to make it to where they were in life when they had children. They expected their children to have the best life, a life they would choose if they could have. Their son Byron chose rightly in their eyes, while their daughter Benedetta had not. At the beginning of the novel, the siblings were at odds. Benny had been away from the family for years after revealing details about her love life to her parents. (It didn't go over well.) Byron saw his sister as needy and desperate for approval. His own career path had given him a sort of celebrity status in the ocean sciences. But despite the notoriety, he feared for his life during the multiple times the police have stopped him while driving.
Benny had dropped out of college, but she didn't explain what happened to her family. She changed direction a few times in her career path. She wanted to open a cafe. I think Byron saw that as flighty and selfish behavior. When the two siblings come together again, Byron thought Benny a stranger and not the younger sister he remembered.
Wilkerson built the unspoken complaints and hurts into the plot so well. I could feel the tension. And
I wrote in my notes while reading this novel: Wilkerson has mastered the "delayed reveal." I didn't jump ahead, but I had so many "Oh, now I understand" moments while reading. Each character had secrets. What were they willing to do -- to become even -- to survive and thrive? Characters navigated situations where how they saw themselves in no way compared to how others saw them. Race, ethnicity, gender, and generational differences were all lenses Wilkerson used as she told the story of each person's life.
The ocean and islands (Caribbean) were foundational as well; they could have been characters in their own way. Byron and Benny knew about their mother’s love of swimming and her skills in the water. They learn though of the ways the ocean featured in her “death” and “rebirth.” The ocean itself was a life force that supplied freedom from some past lives and freedom from social norms in the novel. But I can’t go into that without revealing spoilers. (I can see someone writing a research paper on this one!)
I highly recommend this novel and look forward to others from this author. Thank you, Netgalley and Ballantine, for allowing me to read this uncorrected proof in exchange for my honest review.

I received this book from NetGalley for an honest review. I enjoyed this first novel by Charmaine Wilkerson very much. It was like peeling an onion, layer by layer and discovering new information about the characters and plot. The story starts on. a Caribbean island where Covey is brought up by her Chinese father and his housekeeper, Pearl . Her mother has run away from an abusive, alcoholic gambling man. The story follows Covey’s life when she needs to run away from the island and hide . This is a very well written book and it touches on many social issues such as racial profiling, discrimination, Caribbean customs and superstitions , family traditions and customs . The black Caribbean rum cake is very important to the families that preserve the recipes for generations past, present and future..

Thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for providing a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Wonderful story of finding yourself and the secrets that a family keeps. This is not my usual genre of book but I really enjoyed the story, the culture, and the exploration of both self acceptance and identity.

It made me very sad that a parent could only share their real story with their children after their death. But at the same time it also made me happy that at least the story was shared. That kind of mixed emotional reaction to the characters and their situations was pretty prevalent throughout the book.

Definitely enjoyed it and would recommend it.

In this moving debut novel, two estranged siblings must set aside their differences to deal with their mother's death and her hidden past--a journey of discovery that takes them from the Caribbean to London to California and ends with her famous black cake.

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group and Ballantine Books for the opportunity to read and review an advanced readers copy of this book. This in no way affects my review, all opinions are my own.

I was so excited to pick up a copy of this book, and I have to say it did not disappoint. We're first introduced to Benny and Byron, two siblings who have not spoken in years that are suddenly back in each other's lives after the death of their mother. They're left with a voice recording from their mother, explaining her past experiences that lead to big surprises that turn the siblings' world upside down. I loved how the chapters of this book were organized, they were short intimate passages that jump between different characters and time periods, It made the reading experience more immersive and allowed me to connect with the characters better. I feel like I'm always quick to pick sides when I read but this book had me empathizing with everyone.

I really loved all of the characters and felt so emotionally attached to them throughout the story. I loved the references to the black cake and seeing how this tied together so many generations and major events in this story. It made the ending all the more beautiful to read. I couldn't believe that this was Wilkerson's debut novel, it's truly such a moving and emotional experience that I would highly recommend to everyone!

I’m not certain what I expected from reading this but I am sure it exceeded my first thoughts. I love how the black cake was weaved throughout. Such an endearing family tradition. Special only to them. The story begins with the death of Eleanor Bennett. Her two children Byron and Benny haven’t spoken in eight years. Their is a family secret revealed that changes the course of relationships. A very memorable story, well written. Bravo, I’ll be looking for @charmainewilkerson next book. #blackcake #netgalley #ballantinebooks

How far would you go to protect not only yourself, but you closest friends?

Charmaine Wilkerson captures the trials of finding your personal identity, while trying to keep those around you safe. Eleanor left her home as a young woman, and now must recount her past so tat her children can learn the truth about themselves. The only thing Eleanor could take with her is the recipe for Black Cake that she has committed to memory, this also turns out to be the only thing from her past that she can pass down to her children. As you travel through the past learning about the trials, hardship, and heart-break that Eleanor endured, you will grow attached to the characters and wonder to yourself, would you be able to do the same?

The novel starts off slow, but the character building and scene setting is necessary to fully grip the intensity that is Black Cake.

I am so glad that accepted the invitation from the publisher to read this novel! This is sure to be a bookclub must read for 2022.

I want to thank Netgalley, and Random House Publishing Group/Ballantine Books for an ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Wow, this was an amazing book. It pulled me in right away with the language and style of the writing. It’s epic and meandering in the best way and everything comes together in a satisfying and rewarding end. It’s a very special book that readers will adore!

I always enjoy stories that focus on the character and their life. Black Cake is all about Eleanor but starts with a recording with a mention of a sister. From there we are taken to a beautiful landscape of "the islands".
This book sucked me in as I slowly unraveled more of these characters and moving through their lineage. This book does try to tackle some big issues like immigration, race, death of a loved one, sexuality, etc. I honestly wished the author would have picked just one to focus on rather than bombarding the readers with as many as she can fit into the story.
The writing was a bit choppy so I had a hard time staying in the story at times.
Plus it was a little dry for my liking- imagine biting into a cake. This cake is delicious but you have to move your mouth a lot before you can swallow it.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. It's perfect for fans of "Of Women and Salt" and "The Mountains Sing".
Thank you Netgalley for an advanced reader's copy in exchange for my honest review.

Black Cake starts out in an unnamed island in the Caribbean, then travels the world along the way.
The estranged children of Eleanor have come together to listen to an audio recording from their deceased mother. Little did they know, much of what they had been told about their mother's life was not the whole truth.

I was invited to read this book by the publisher and was unsure if I wanted to accept it. In the end I am VERY glad I did.

A touching novel about so much more than one woman's life story. Yes there are many struggles along the way. Yes,of course, they have helped shape all of the characters in the book. Is there a lot to take in in this book? Absolutely! I was a little confused as so many characters were presented, but it really was necessary for the plot to move forward. Each character had relevance to the story, which is a big plus for me.

I've seen some criticism for the amount of serious issues that are brought up in this book. Are there a lot? Yes.
Are there too many? I didn't think so. Just don't go into this book thinking you're getting a fun light read.

Many thanks to Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine for the widget via netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy in return for an honest review.

A well written story that seamlessly travels through different points in time, to different locations around the world, to different POVs. This story was filled with family secrets and drama and I think it will be a well received debut.

And now I want a slice of black cake!

I couldn’t get into this one . It was like a family drama and mystery. I just couldn’t connect with the characters. It was just ok for me!

A wonder of a story filled with family secrets, Island lore, struggling siblings and even buried treasure. Author Charmaine Wilkerson has created a tale for the ages with BLACK CAKE, a story told within a mother’s recorded last wishes for her children and a cake baked for them to share. This story is filled with memorable characters, history, and scenes that will fill your mind long after you finish the book. I read it straight through and enjoyed every minute. I received my copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

This started out really slow for me, I had a hard time getting in to it. I never really felt connected to the characters, especially in the beginning. I liked the writing and even though the author made her views known, it didn't feel over done or take it took away from the rest of the story. Thank you Netgalley and the published for an advanced copy.

4 stars.*

I am always watching for upcoming release blurbs on publishing websites, Goodreads, and in my favorite magazines. I've seen this book in no fewer than 3 places and since three is the magic number, I had to try to get an ARC. It is with much thanks to NetGalley that I submit this honest review in exchange for allowing me to preview it! I am particularly motivated to read books by authors with lived experiences and perspective that will expand on my worldview. This book absolutely ticked that box

Black Cake is the debut novel by Charmaine Wilkerson. It is the story of Covey and Bunny-two West Indies Islander girls who grew up with a love of the sea and an unbreakable bond. It is also the story of Benny & Byron, estranged siblings that must reconcile up on the death of their mother when she reveals a life-long family secret that completely changes their sense of identity. I'm not sure how to preview this story without giving away major plot points but I can say that the book is a lovely testament to Islander traditions, mixed heritage alliances and family dynamics. I really enjoyed this novel, and though I can't say I really related to any of the characters I enjoyed them and rooted for them.

Worth the hype!!

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance release copy of this title in exchange for my honest review!

I soaked up every single second of this book. The heartwarming story of two siblings putting their lives back together after the loss of their mother was such a journey, filled with some mystery along the way. Logistically, the chapters are short, and allows you to say “just one more” 29447 times. Don’t be scared of the size of the book, this one is a quick read!

The majority of the plot takes place with a letter Eleanor leaves to her two children surrounding a traditional black cake she used to make for them - what a wonderful, rich story filled with island heritage. I learned a bit while reading this one! I would recommend this for every type of reader, and was so impressed.

Again, many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to review this title.

Amazing debut book. The story sucks you in immediately. It’s riveting and I couldn’t put the book down. It felt like a family drama and then somehow became a mystery / thriller. This can even be a movie.

It's difficult to believe this is a debut novel! Charmaine Wilkerson is masterful in not only immediately drawing us in with a compelling story, each of - even the more minor - the players are richly and affectionately drawn, in all their strengths and faults of character.
Byron and Benny Bennett are brother and sister who have been estranged for 8 years, after a Thanksgiving Day rift between Benny and their father Bert causes her to withdraw from the family. After Bert passes a couple years later and Benny doesn't attend the funeral, she and Byron are summoned by their mother Eleanor's attorney to listen to the recording she left for them, knowing some months before, her own passing was imminent. The layers of family secrets and a legacy this recording reveals floors them both. Eleanor's life, and the role the titular Black Cake plays, unfolds before us, intertwined with the lives of Byron and Benny themselves.

It's difficult to say much more without spoiling the surprises big and small in store. The plot moves swiftly, and tackles a number of big themes with a compassionate hand - racism, classism, sexuality, family dynamics - the list goes on and on... The only possible flaw is the last 10% is a little ambitious and rushed, but still makes for a very satisfying ending.

4.5, rounded up. Thank you to NetGalley, Ballantine Books, and the author for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I absolutely loved this story and in particular, the way that the story was structured and revealed throughout the book. I loved the style structure with the videotape that the siblings listened to. The relationships between all the family members was well fleshed out and ultimately both heart breaking and beautiful. I appreciate that side characters/friends also came up later so we got closure and resolutions for other characters that we had come to love. Generational family sagas always get to me, and this one is definitely exceptional.

Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson

I really liked the way Black Cake began. Eleanor Bennett has died and she has left an eight hour audio recording to be heard by her grown children, in the presence of each other and her lawyer. Son Byron has a successful career while daughter Benny dropped out college long ago and doesn't have a clear picture of what she wants to do with her life. Now their mom is going to tell them everything about her past, via this audio recording.

We are taken back to an island in the Caribbean, where we meet a young girl named Covey. Her mom left Covey and her dad years ago and has never returned. Covey's dad drinks, gambles, and more and her life is not secure. What makes Covey happy is swimming in the ocean, her best friend, Bunny, and her boyfriend, Gibbs. She and Gibbs plan to escape the island and attend college in London, once each of them graduates high school.

We get bits of Covey's story and the story of Byron and Benny, interspersed with Eleanor's recording. But then more and more gets added into the story, a kind of throw everything in but the kitchen sink approach. Eventually there are too many characters, too many POVs, too many shifts in timeline, the feeling that there is a checklist of social issues to hit, and some extremely short chapters that chop the story into more pieces. Byron and Benny, for all the advantages they had growing up, or maybe because of all the advantage they had growing up, are very immature and selfish. Byron, with the successful career, is hampered in his personal life by a lack of ability or willingness to communicate. Benny, who lets impulsiveness rule her life, is her own worst enemy. I thought I was going to care about the characters and I did like the parents of Byron and Benny but the story becomes diluted by too much of everything.

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine and NetGalley for this ARC.

There is so much to love about this novel. It tells a deep generational, multi-cultural story. I loved the themes of food, environment and identity. Author Charmaine Wilkerson crafts these short chapters that pack a punch in terms of perspective that I really enjoyed. I adored her beautiful prose and how everything weaved together, right to the very end.

At first and at certain points throughout the story, I struggled a bit with the depth of characters, whether it was due to an abrupt shift in timeline or perspective. It all does come together in the end, and it makes sense how the reader is introduced to information over time.

Overall, Black Cake is incredibly moving, leaving the reader with so much to reflect on long after you read the final page.

Thank you to NetGalley, Ballantine Books & Random House Publishing Group for an advanced copy of this and the opportunity to share my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.