Reviews with content warning for Sexual assault - Bolo Negro

Such a beautiful tale of family, love and friendship, the narrative was enchanting and the premise very interesting. I had been putting off reading this book for no other reason that I didn't feel in the mood, and I'm very glad that I finally decided to go for it because I know this is one of those books that will stay with me for a long time 5/5

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messidi1's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

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sneelydan's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional reflective sad tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

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jackie_elliott's review against another edition

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emotional mysterious reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

I highly recommend this book! I think it’s an excellent book to dip your toes into historical fiction without diving head first. Also loved the structure of the book because of the short chapters, multiple perspectives, and strong narrative to carry you throughout.

I didn’t know that much about people from the Caribbean (and still don’t), but found it super interesting to learn about the melting pot of cultures that have formed there and the stereotyping that they may endure. I also think this book does a good job of portraying how mixed race people may feel and the additional obstacles they face when they’re “not Black enough” or “not Asian enough”, etc.

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susanmshay's review against another edition

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emotional mysterious reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

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thee_book_connoisseur_'s review against another edition

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challenging emotional hopeful mysterious reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

We can't choose what we inherit. But can we choose who we become?" This central question echoes through Charmaine Wilkerson’s stunning debut novel, Black Cake, a deeply layered story of family, identity, and the weight of secrets.

Eleanor Bennett’s passing leaves her children, Byron and Benny, with more than just grief—she leaves them a black cake and a voice recording that unravels their family's hidden past. As they listen, they learn of a young swimmer who fled her Caribbean home under the shadow of murder, a revelation that fractures their understanding of their lineage and forces them to reconsider everything they thought they knew. As Eleanor’s secrets come to light, Byron and Benny must navigate their own strained relationship and decide whether their mother’s final request will reunite or divide them.

Wilkerson’s prose is both lyrical and immersive, pulling readers into a multigenerational narrative that weaves together themes of migration, race, love, and resilience. Black Cake is more than just a story about family—it is a powerful exploration of how history, culture, and hidden truths shape who we become. Richly evocative and emotionally resonant, this novel is a must-read for anyone who appreciates stories that linger long after the last page is turned.

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