Sweetness in the Skin

A Novel

By: Ishi Robinson

Narrated by: Deja Bowens

“A delightful coming-of-age story set in Jamaica, amid heartbreak, hopefulness, and mirth.”—Charmaine Wilkerson, New York Times bestselling author of Black Cake

“Poignant and emotional, with touches of both humor and sorrow. . . . This book makes you think about what it means to be a mother, and what it means to be a good mother.” —Julia Quinn, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Bridgerton, on Today.com

A winning debut novel about a Jamaican girl determined to bake her way out of her dysfunctional family and into the opportunity of a lifetime.

Pumkin Patterson is a thirteen-year-old girl living in a tiny two-room house in Kingston, Jamaica, with her grandmother (who wants to improve the family’s social standing), her Aunt Sophie (who dreams of a new life in Paris for her and Pumkin), and her mother Paulette (who’s rarely home).

When Sophie is offered the chance to move to France for work, she seizes the opportunity, and promises to send for her niece in one year’s time. All Pumkin has to do is pass her French entrance exam so she can attend school there. But when Pumkin’s grandmother dies, she’s left alone with her volatile mother, and as soon as her estranged father turns up—as lazy and conniving as ever—the household’s fortunes take a turn for the worse.

Pumkin must somehow find a way to raise the money for her French exam, so she can free herself from her household and reunite with her beloved aunt in France. In a moment of ingenuity, she turns her passion for baking into a true business. Making batches of sweet potato pudding, coconut drops and chocolate cakes, Pumkin develops a booming trade—but when her school and her mother find out what she’s up to, everything she’s worked so hard for may slip through her fingers. . . .

Sweetness in the Skin is a funny and heartbreaking story about a young girl figuring out who she is, what she is capable of—and where she truly belongs.

©2024 Ishi Robinson (P)2024 HarperCollins Publishers

So Good!!

So many real emotions felt while reading this book. Well written with a deep message. All around fantastic read

loved it!!!

this was a beautiful book. I couldn't put it down. I loved the storyline and the themes that emerged. It was funny, sad and exciting all at the same time. I love how the author captures the Jamaican context of life and her characters. if you are looking for a feel good book with a Caribbean flair check this out.

A true depiction

I really enjoyed this book and how it depicted life in the Caribbean in certain situations. It was a quick and good read

A determined child

This read is a feel-good read. Ishi highlighted the mother and daughter relationships that many never speak of. It's set in Jamaica. Pumkin is a teenage girl whom her aunt and grandmother adore. They raise her, instill in her values, and for her to reach her highest potential. Pumkin's Sophie is more of a mother than her own (Paulette). Pumkin doesn't even call her mother, mom, but by her first name. She doesn't respect her but fears her. Paulette envys her sister Sophie because she is educated and wants more out of life because pumkin wants to be like her, and her mother revers her so much. Sophie dreams of leaving Jamaica and living in Paris. When she leaves Jamaica and goes to Paris, Pumkin is devastated. They always planned to live there together, but Paulette won't let that happen. And to make matters worse, Pumkin comes home from school to hear from her heartless mother that her grandmother has died. Now her world is turned upside down, she is left with her mother, who cares nothing about her. Pumkin is left to fend for herself. She starts baking and selling her baked goods in order to pay bills, eat, and pay for her French exam so she can join her aunt in France. Pumkin is introduced to many trials during this time and stumbles upon her father, who has the same sentiments as Paulette. Even with the many hurdles, Pumkin has some great adults and friends who help her along her path. In the end, she makes it to France with her aunt, but is that what she really wants? Is it her dream, too, or is it just a process to find out what she is capable of and where she truly belongs. #Book11of2024 #Bookworm #Whatsnext

Must read

There wasn’t anything I disliked about the book. It was amazingly beautiful. Well written, greatly developed characters, and the narration was *chef’s kiss! Highly recommend. 10/10

Authentic Jamaican life

loved beg to end. The story was so touching. I want to know what happens next...

Enjoyable

This was a wonderful story. I loved the writing and the reading was very well done. If you're looking for a book that draws you in, this is a great pick.

Perseverance in Paradise

This was a wonderful story of perseverance, determination and how God places people in your life for your journey. Excellent narration switching seamlessly between all the Jamaican dialects to portray the backgrounds of the characters.

Delicious

Great listen. First of all the narration gets 11 out of 10. Very sensitive to our accents and they nailed all of these!!! Great thought provoking story line. Interesting characters. Nice flavor of Jamaican life

Relatable Caribbean story

Growing up in the Caribbean this story was relatable in so many ways!! The narrator was excellent! love this story!