Black Cake

A Novel

By: Charmaine Wilkerson

Narrated by: Lynnette R. Freeman, Simone Mcintyre

Length: 12 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

NOW A HULU STREAMING SERIES • NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • READ WITH JENNA BOOK CLUB PICK AS FEATURED ON TODAY • Two estranged siblings delve into their mother’s hidden past—and how it all connects to her traditional Caribbean black cake—in this immersive family saga, “a character-driven, multigenerational story that’s meant to be savored” (Time).

“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 Rising

ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: Oprah Daily, NPR, BuzzFeed, Glamour, PopSugar, Book Riot, She Reads

We 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 Benny: 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.

©2022 Charmaine Wilkerson (P)2022 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“Black Cake is a character-driven, multigenerational story that’s meant to be savored. . . . Thought-provoking and poignant.”—Time

“A thrilling debut novel about sibling ties and hidden family history.”—Glamour

“As delicious as the titular dessert.”—W Magazine

In-Depth Multi-Layered Storytelling

This book was a masterpiece. The way she layered the environmental Justice and the love of the ocean the characters displayed was beautifully nuanced. The ethnic diversity and juxtaposition of the varied interpersonal conflicts due to the time in history and the mores of society as we went from the 50’s to present day was written fluidly. All while tackling gambling addiction, rape, domestic violence, murder (justified or not), coercion, workplace discrimination, forced adoption, how food is life, the Caribbean immigrant experience, both here in America and abroad in England, elder suicide, the LGBQ experience of being shunned & the love of a mother???!!! Man. This was almost a class in how to show real life on the page. Thank you for allowing us to be part of the research and the construction of these characters lives. I am hoping that the TV series does any number of these topics some real Justice. 🙏🏽🖤

Beautiful storytelling

I LOVE this story. The storytelling and the way Charmaine Wilkerson ties each individual story together and answers every question at just the right time kept me HOOKED. Ugh. I wish there was a part 2.

Great book! Excellent story!!!

As a child of Caribbean parents who were educated in the UK and went on to live in Canada, this book warmed my heart as I listened to the characters have some experiences that undoubtedly mirrored the memories my parents may have chosen not to share.

The author does an excellent job of delivering an authentic story with characters you very much care about from start to finish.

The narrator provides the voice to this author's work that will pull you in and make it hard to stop listening.

A beautiful story!

What a beautifully woven fictional and fable story, inclusive of the epilogue. It was like receiving a gift, and now I really want to bake or at least try a Black Cake. Thank you!!!

Would recommend

I liked the way the author drew us into the characters ' layers. The ending wrapped everything up in a nice little gift box.

Wow!!!

Loved the suspense in the story. A lot of secrets. It was good to see the siblings united.

What is your legacy?

This story is a reminder to everyone everywhere that no matter your circumstances or background, you too can leave a piece of your story.
What an amazing story about family, heritege, perseverance, love, and more. This book took the reader many places and introduced so many amazing characters.
The beginning was very slow, but the pace picked up and did not stop. This is a great summer read.

Great book

I enjoyed this book. The story flowed well and narration was perfect. Look forward to reading more from this author

Loved it!

It’s been a long time since I have loved a book this much! I was sad when I finished.

Really excellent

Highly recommend. The book and narration are both top notch. If this book appeals to you at all, get it!