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Black Cake

By: Charmaine Wilkerson
Narrated by: Lynnette R. Freeman, Simone Mcintyre
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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
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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

Featured Article: Best of the Year—The 13 Best Debuts of 2022


Looking back, it is hard to ignore the impact made by so many debut novelists in distinguishing 2022’s listening scene. We feel the untapped magic and momentum that radiate from debut novels often generate the buzz that defines a year and creates its most electric literary moments. Ranging from brooding, stormy stories to bubbly, heartfelt listens, these fresh voices each uniquely made a big splash in 2022.

What listeners say about Black Cake

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Just when you thought the story was over ...

Just when the story was over and you wish it would continue it did until you found out the entire story and all mystery solved!

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Great

This is a great book! I need more like it in my library. I’m hoping to find more like these books.

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Black Cake

This was a compelling family saga brilliantly constructed that I could almost immediately fall into AND absolutely hated to finish.

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Brilliant. Simply Brilliant!

Thoroughly enjoyed Charmaine Wilkerson's Black Cake. She literally brought these characters to life in such a lovely way. The books language was layered in beauty and thought, characters were full of depth, and steeped in pain, shame, anger and love. The authors note provided more insight into Black Cake, the characters and the lineage of Asian Caribbean and those of the African diaspora. Thanks Charmaine for a wonderful listen. Kudos to the reader who was magnificent.

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Absolutely loved!

I so thoroughly enjoyed this book and how all the pieces came together. Highly recommend listening or reading.

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Mystery of the ocean

I love love loved this book. So much mystery,family love,sacred friendships and overall happiness at any cost. Recommended for all ages I personally think it should be required reading in high schools. Narrator was outstanding

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Intriguing

I loved this book! The history, the character development and the mystery kept me hooked.

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One of the best books I've read/listened to!

I really loved this book, it ticked all the boxes for me. A generational story, history of family, love and tragedy. I highly recommend this book.

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good book

I enjoyed listening to this book. insight on Caribbean history and culture. great story with twists and surprise ending.

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Great story

I loved this story. Recognized so many of my West Indian relatives. The narration was perfect.

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