47 pages • 1 hour read
Charmaine WilkersonBlack Cake
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2022A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson is a family saga that spans over fifty years, focusing on Eleanor Bennett, a 70-something Caribbean immigrant in Southern California. Following her death, her children, Benny and Byron, listen to a recorded message revealing their mother's hidden past, including her original identity as Covey Lyncook, who fled her home after a dramatic escape from an arranged marriage. As they uncover long-held family secrets, including the existence of a half-sister, they explore themes of identity and cultural heritage.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Charmaine Wilkerson’s debut novel, Black Cake, has been praised for its intricate storytelling and rich cultural depth, drawing readers into a multigenerational saga filled with secrets and heritage. Reviewers highlight Wilkerson’s adept character development and poignant narrative. Some critics note a complex timeline that may challenge readers, but overall, it is celebrated as a compelling and emotionally resonant work.
Who Should Read Black Cake?
Readers who relish multi-generational sagas with rich cultural tapestries, such as those found in Yaa Gyasi's Homegoing or Jacqueline Woodson's Red at the Bone, will be captivated by Charmaine Wilkerson's Black Cake. The novel's exploration of family secrets and heritage will appeal to fans of intricate, character-driven narratives.