Learning that ‘Black Cake’ is Charmaine Wilkerson’s debut novel has absolutely floored me. ‘Black Cake’ is one of the best stories I have read in a long time and is one of the best examples of storytelling.

‘Black Cake’ is a tear-jerker of a book. A truly heart-wrenching, beautiful, and vibrant story. ‘Black Cake’ is a story of what we inherit, race, complicated family relationships, trauma, connection, and how to move forward. As soon as I picked this book up I was unable to put it down. It’s a story that will sit with me for a long time and that I’ll be singing the praises of for just as long.

Every character is fascinating and Charmaine Wilkerson does a phenomenal job of making them feel real. Whether you agree with the actions of the characters or not, it doesn’t really matter because this book refuses to make things black and white. All of the characters live in shades of vibrant greys.

‘Black Cake’ like the food is meant to be savored, enjoyed, and shared. I can’t recommend it enough.