This is such a beautifully written story, and the format the author has used is refreshing.
Benny and Byron have returned to bury their mother. While meeting with her attorney, he passes on her unusual request. They must listen to a recording she has left for them, all in the presence of the lawyer so he can confirm they’ve cooperated. Then, they’re to share a piece of black cake that she's left in the freezer, but only when they feel that the time is right.
The story of the black cake itself is interesting. It’s a Caribbean tradition, and the process of baking this cake has deep meaning.
The first thing Eleanor tells the kids completely shocks them. I don’t do spoilers, but the shocking revelations continue from there.
At times heartwrenching, at times funny, this is the story of a truly amazing woman and her deep love for one man. The people are so colorful and interesting, the plot grabs you and never lets go. This is a must-read; an amazing debut novel. I look forward to more from this amazing author!
Sincere thanks to Random House Publishing Group- Ballantine for an ARC in exchange for my honest review. The publishing date is February 1, 2022.

5 stars

As I write this review on the last day of 2021, I anticipate we'll all be hearing a lot about this phenomenal debut in 2022; it is outstanding.

Two siblings, Byron and Benny, come together after some challenging years because their mother has just died, and she has left a recording with her attorney and friend that they must now hear. As the siblings engage with their mother's message, quite a bit gets revealed. Readers will expect - correctly - that these revelations are riveting.

Everything works in this novel. The characters are exceptionally well developed and provocative. Readers get to know many of them through the durations of their whole lives, and while this tactic often leaves one character as the point of investment in other works, Wilkerson excels in painting all of the characters - even the minor ones! - so carefully that it's impossible not to become emotional (in every way) about each of them. Along with well devised characters, the complicated structure - the dipping between past and present, between characters, through a series of well timed revelations - enhances the themes. What a beautiful story of a life, a family, a legacy, and so much more.

Though I generally avoid spoilers, I've kept this review particularly vague because I expect that readers will most appreciate having the experience of learning about these characters and their experiences and their growth as Wilkerson allows. This is one of the most impactful books I've read in a long time. I'll be clamoring to read anything else by Wilkerson and will be offering my very highest recommendation on this one to anyone who will listen.

TW: Readers sensitive to scenes of rape, sexual assault, and interpersonal violence should know that these topics all come up in this novel but are - generally - not described in detail.

Like the black cake of the title, we're all the product of many things. For people, it's family, genes, circumstance, talent, culture, time and place. When their Caribbean-born, mother dies, two estranged siblings are called to their home in California where her lawyer plays an audiotape full of family secrets she's left for them. This beautifully written book, part historical fiction, part mystery, part family drama touches on so many issues race, culture, sexuality, Spanning centuries, and location from the Caribbean to England, to the US and Italy, this novel is a can't put down story that will stay with you for a long time.

Benny and Byrons mom has just passed. The siblings haven’t seen each other in 8 years, but their mothers will clearly states they must watch her video message together. Little did they know their mother had a crazy history they knew nothing about. As they learn more about their mother, we also learn how Eleanor Bennett ended up where she is today.

Wow. This book was not what I was expecting at all. I loved the dual timelines, and while at first I felt like there were too many different characters introduced, as the book went on I came to love it. This book tackled so many different traumas that people face everyday, but was done in such a beautiful way with gorgeous writing. I almost can’t go into too much without giving away parts of the story, but believe me this is an early 2022 win read for sure!

This was an interesting story about a woman who leaves a message for her children after she dies. This message delivers some news that shocks her children – everything they’ve been told about their parents’ childhoods growing up has been a lie. Byron and Benny were once close. Will this message from their mother bring them back together or leave them further apart? And what about the black cake she left in the freezer for them to share “when the time is right?” How will they make sense of everything their mother has told them?

First I will start by saying, I knew nothing about this book going into it. I received it from a publisher to review and noted a blurb by Taylor Jenkins Reid whose opinion I greatly respect, so I thought I would give it a try.

This is a multi-generational story, weaving together one family's story across several countries and many decades. After the death of their mother, Benny & Byron are informed that their mother has left a recording for them to listen to, one in which she reveals many truths about her past that she had hidden all of her life. I was initially really intrigued by this storyline and couldn't wait to find out more about Eleanor Bennett's secret past. The multiple perspectives and timelines throughout the book were a bit hard to follow at times. I often found myself needing to flip back to see which narrator was speaking or which time period I was in. Because of this, the middle of the novel was a bit slow-going for me. However, I love learning about food traditions and how they shape a person. I love that family's pass down recipes like heirlooms and this book keyed into that.

Overall, I think this is a strong debut novel from Charmaine Wilkerson. I loved the concept of the Black Cake and the story behind it. The storyline of this book was intriguing and though I may have been a little lost in the middle, it tied together nicely at the end. I look forward to seeing what this author does next.


I was provided a free digital copy of this book by Random House and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I feel incredibly lucky to have received an arc of Charmaine Wilkerson’s incredible debut novel “Black Cake.” It was an evocative, deeply moving multi-generational story about family, identity, love and trauma. The book is an emotional journey with Eleanor Bennett as she reveals secrets she kept from her family and loved ones to keep their world from falling apart. After a lifetime of hiding them, those same secrets are now the key to bringing her family back together. Steeped in culture (especially surrounding the recipe of Eleanor’s black cake), we get a nice dose of historical fiction weaved in with literary fiction in this book.

There are multiple points of view in this book from Eleanor to her children Benny and Byron as well as other secondary characters. It’s also a dual timeline between Eleanor’s childhood and present day. When authors tackle lots of back and forth between present and past plus multiple character perspectives it can get a bit convoluted and confusing. That was NOT the case with Wilkerson’s writing. For being nonlinear it was quite seamless and easy to follow with great pacing (although a bit slower in the middle). We get plenty of time with each character to be fully invested in them and to feel like we too are on emotional journeys right along with them. One of the most poignant themes for me personally was that of fitting in or checking all the boxes. This was a multi-racial family with Benny being a female multi-racial bisexual character who isn’t quite black enough or lesbian enough or…enough. At least that’s the struggle she faces daily. As a straight white woman I know I can’t fully grasp what a woman in that position feels today in society, but Wilkerson’s writing was strong enough to put me right in Benny’s shoes and for my time with that character I was able to empathize with her struggles—and learn from her. I cried as traumas were revealed and as old wounds began to heal. When characters left us and at the end when my time with them was over. This is book is sure to be a standout in 2022 and I highly recommend making it a priority for your tbr list this year.

Like preparing, gathering, blending, and baking the most delicious cake, Charmaine Wilkerson has perfectly mixed together every detail to tell a story of generations and the ways secrets and choices can have lasting effects. I savored every page.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this arc in exchange for an honest review.

I was determined to not 5* any more books this year and then I read BLACK CAKE.

Here is a creatively written novel in short chapters about the pull of families and friendships. I loved the characters and felt their sorrow as well as their joy. One point that was successfully explored was the outsider feeling/reality of many who are a minority in a group, whether because of skin color or birthplace or sexual orientation. A secondary theme involves human impact on the oceans of the world. That most loose ends were neatly explained at the end was unnecessary but didn’t detract from the messages in the book.

Thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the ARC to read and review.

I received an advance reading copy (arc) of this book from the publisher and NetGalley.com in exchange for a fair review. I did not know what to expect when I started this book and to be honest, I didn't have high hopes as it is not normally the type of book I read. Every once in a while, however, a new author comes along and just blows me away. Debut novelist Charmaine Wilkerson did just that. She writes beautifully and has a very poetic style with words that makes the story come alive. Wilkerson tells the tale of two siblings, Byron and Benny (short for Benedetta) who have been estranged, but come together after the death of their mother, Eleanor. Eleanor has left a lengthy tape recording telling her children about her life and who she really was. Growing up in the Caribbean Islands, she led an unusual life. Her island mother abandoned her, while her Asian father spent his time gambling and carousing with criminals. Her story was fascinating and there was never a dull moment--or page. Eleanor was not who her children believed her to be, but one thing remained constant--the black cake that Eleanor always made for special occasions. Even though the book centered on Eleanor, it was not her story alone. Byron and Benny had their own stories as did their late father and a newly discovered sister. But Wilkerson didn't stop there. She brought in various characters who knew Eleanor and gave each of them an interesting twist. At the end, Wilkerson tied everything up nicely with a satisfying conclusion. In short, Charmaine Wilkerson is a very talented writer and I will be looking for her next book!

Amazing debut by Charmaine Wilkerson! Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for the advanced readers' copy of Black Cake in exchange for my honest review!

Wow. Wow. Wow.

A beautiful story that spans generations and unveils the secrets we keep from those we love.

Black Cake is a family drama that smells of crisp ocean breeze and thick tension between parents, siblings, and society. Eleanor Bennett has died and left an audio recording for her children to listen to and reveals more Benny and Byron Bennett could have ever imagined.

A near perfect read. In this book, Wilkerson gives us imperfect characters that feel real. We feel the way black cake, a Caribbean cuisine, can come alive and offer comfort to the characters, save the characters, and ultimately represent the characters and their complicated identities. Not to mention, along this journey with the Bennett family, readers are forced to face the societal issues alongside main characters that span from stereotyping, police mistrust and brutality, colonialism, racism, colorism, biphobia, and illegal separation/adoption. It is overwhelming, devastating, and oh so very relevant in the alternating timelines that demonstrate that times may changes but somethings do not.

There are a lot of characters in this one and it is a slow burn with the various POVs and timelines, but in the end, it all comes together beautifully. I only wish to know if Benny and Byron find their happiness in the end.

---This review with be posted on GoodReads immediately (https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/139741876-christina-readingthroughatlanta)

This debut novel involves two estranged siblings brought together at their mother’s funeral. Their mother recorded an 8-hour message before her death that they must listen to in its entirety in the company of their lawyer. Can Benny and Byron work together in unwrapping their heritage puzzle, bringing reconciliation? An interesting concept but would have been better if there wasn’t so much social commentary included.

Despite other reviews here, I didn’t find this book as enjoyable as I thought I would. The story drags out a bit and I found myself getting bored. I would have liked to see if B & B mended their relationship but I couldn’t invest anymore time into this one. Maybe next time!

I would like to thank NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

The Black Cake referenced in Charmaine Wilkerson’s debut novel represents the traditional Caribbean dessert served at weddings and other celebrations, but also the family history handed down like the recipe. When estranged siblings Benny and Byron reunite for the funeral of their mother, they must confront family secrets as well as each other. Told in short sections focused on different characters, Wilkerson moves back and forth to cover a convoluted history that follows the Bennett family from 1950s Jamaica to London in the 1960s to modern-day California and Europe. Wilkerson examines themes common to every era —immigrants, racism, family, history —with a deft touch. At times the jumping around became slightly tedious and the structure took over the story, but Wilkerson pulled it back together for an overall excellent book that crosses genres to include historical fiction and contemporary literature with a social justice twist. I highly recommend Black Cake for readers of Tayari Jones, Brit Bennett, Celeste Ng, and other contemporary writers exploring themes of racism, environmentalism, immigration, and family.

I’m so glad I got an opportunity to read an ARC of this novel, which will undoubtedly be a huge hit in 2022. The story follows Covey, a young girl on a Caribbean island, who does not have it easy after her mom abandons her and her father. The author brings to life the Caribbean culture as this multigenerational novel leaves the island for England and the U.S. As usual, twists and turns, misunderstandings, and lots of secrets occur! At first, as the characters are introduced, it’s not clear how each one plays into the story. Yet, I loved how everything got clearer as the story moved along. And of course, the black cake is woven throughout and is a character itself.
Many thanks to #PenguinRandomHouse through #Netgalley for the opportunity to review this ARC.

The end of this novel feels like everything has been put in it’s place. It leaves you with the feeling that everyone’s story is as it should be: there is “beauty in the plunder.”

I learned so much about other people’s experiences through reading this novel and am thankful to have moved through the pages with such complex characters.

Definitely worth the read.

I just finished this debut novel of "Black Cake" and am mighty impressed. The story has many layers to it and is told by multiple points of views. Characters are trying to discovers themselves while learning of their ancestors' origins. They face personal conflicts, racism, and are seeking acceptance in the world.. They discover the truth of what little they knew of the parent's earlier years. The story does not stop delivering. I cannot wait to see what else Wilkerson has in store for us. Perhaps a sequel? Thank you #NetGalley and #PenguinRandomHouse for the opportunity to preview this future bestseller.
#BlackCake #CharmaineWilkerson

I really enjoyed this story of family and friendship. The setting spans the islands to London to the United States showcasing some history that was new to me. The characters are realistically complex and likable; I enjoyed getting to know them. The narrative style added an element of suspense to the story. As events from the past unfold alongside those more present day, readers start to piece together the big picture before all is revealed. This is a novel appropriate for teen readers on up.

What a debut! This was a family story told in alternating timelines and from various points of view. The chapters were short and kept the reader moving quickly through the story. New characters were introduced throughout the story, and while at first you were wondering how they fit in to the narrative, it was easily explained. The writing was excellent and the description rich as we traveled throughout the Caribbean, London, California, and Italy.

Eleanor Bennett has recently died, and left behind a traditional Caribbean black cake, and a puzzling story, to her two children, Byron and Benny. She's told them they will know when it is time to eat the black cake. Told in flashbacks via a recording, Byron and Benny soon learn about their mother's past, and the struggles she's had to overcome over the years, and the relationships she's loved and lost. Her recordings, though difficult to hear at times, provide much needed history and allow Byron and Benny to see the sacrifices made by their parents. For without the story of Covey, and her escape on her wedding day, we would not meet Eleanor, and she would not be reunited with her childhood love Gibbs, and Byron and Benny would not exist. The author takes you on a journey that comes to a fitting end both in understanding when it is time to eat the black cake Eleanor left for her children, and in reuniting characters that played significant roles in Eleanor's life.

Thank you to Random House Publishing for the opportunity to read and review.

Genre: literary fiction, family drama, own voices
Pub date: 2/1/22, early release as Jan BOTM
In one sentence: When Eleanor Bennett dies, she leaves her children with a voice recording, a black cake, and more questions than answers.

Family dramas are one of my favorite subgenres, and Black Cake did not disappoint! I loved untangling the relationships between Eleanor and her children Benny and Byron, who struggled to understand and process their mother’s story. Eleanor had a lot of secrets, told in multiple flashback storylines and perspectives. There were a few gasp/ah ha/surprise moments- I love finding these in non-thriller books! Occasionally the action slowed a bit, but the book kept my interest throughout.

Black Cake reminded me of Homegoing and The Vanishing Half thematically, as it deals with identity and belonging. I was especially drawn to the Caribbean island setting, and I loved how water and black cake were recurring, evocative symbols in this tale.

This is a powerful debut novel, and I think book clubs will love digging into it!

Thank you to Ballantine Books for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.