Black Cake Audiobook By Charmaine Wilkerson cover art

Black Cake

A Novel

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Black Cake

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

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
African American Coming of Age Genre Fiction Women's Fiction Heartfelt Scary
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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: 175+ of the Best Quotes from Black Authors, Activists, Entrepreneurs, and Artists to Celebrate Black History Month


Black History is American History. Whether writers, poets, activists, entertainers, scientists, entrepreneurs, or some combination thereof, Black people have frequently offered exactly the right words when they were needed most. This sweeping collection of wise, stirring, and thought-provoking words from Black Americans offers much to inspire all Americans.

Captivating Multi-generational Saga • Intricate Storyline • Excellent Narration • Vivid Descriptions • Authentic Accents
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I listened to the audible version and throughly enjoyed the book. I would highly recommended this book.

Absolutely brilliant story writer.

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I really wasn’t sure whether I would like this book, because i just took a chance and bought it whilst on the beach, I didn’t even read any reviews.
I loved everything about this book!
Worth the credit!

Black cake

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A beautiful story that will forever be one of my favorite books. It is a story about heartbreak, loneliness, and love. I definitely recommend

A girl with the will to live!

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Well written; it kept me intrigued. Thanks for showing us in very diverse roles, as in real life.

A very moving story!

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This story ended up nicely, but it was confusing to keep up with all the characters.
I enjoyed it, but had to concentrate to keep up with the characters.

Many Characters

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What a beautiful and articulate voice. Her voice characterization took me from my reality and drooped me straight into the pages of the lives in Black Cale.

Narrator: Lynnette R Freeman

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An excellent debut novel. This story speaks to the commonality and differences shared throughout the world. New ideas and world views to explore.

Bringing the Diaspora Alive

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l really enjoyed this book I couldn't stop listening. I could read this again

very good read!! I highly recommend

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Read this book ! It has me thinking that I need I need to research other stories like this this in real life and searching up black cake recipes lol

Amazing story telling

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This book was brilliant in the beginning, but as others have stated, it just unraveled. I think if it had been edited a little more aggressively, it would have been one of my favorite books, but unfortunately, I found myself wanting it to end. It was just too much.

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