Black Cake: A Novel

by Charmaine Wilkersone

“Wilkerson transports you across the decades and around the globe accompanied by complex, wonderfully drawn characters.”—Taylor Jenkins Reid, New York Times bestselling author of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, Daisy Jones & The Six, and Malibu RisingIn development as a Hulu original series produced by Marissa Jo Cerar, Oprah Winfrey (Harpo Films), and Kapital EntertainmentWe 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 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.

416 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 31, 2022

Reviews

[Paige Farmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the characters and the Carribean immigrant story.

[Sara Pauff · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has everything — family drama, murder, secret identities, and great descriptions of Caribbean food and island life. I loved how all the stories twisted together at the end, and I think I’d have to read it a second time to really appreciate how the author fit everything together, like a giant puzzle. I’m looking forward to watching the TV series.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two mixed heritage siblings have been asked to appear before a lawyer, Mr. Mitch (Charles) to listen to their mother’s message. This debut novel is interesting as the mother grew up on an island in the Caribbean finding her talents with a handful of friends swimming and surfing. They learn surprising history about their mother and how closely their personal interests are matched, even tho’ parts of their family have been far apart. The mother wants to bring the family together for a closer connection. The areas of life are the Caribbean, London, Los Angeles, and Italy.
The main connection is the history of the mother (Covey, AKA Eleanor) and the recipe for Black Cake that has been passed down by generations.

[Mae · Rating 4 out of 5]

It only took me long enough 🥴
In the end, I’m glad I pushed through and finished this one.