Reviews tagging 'Death of parent'

Bolo Negro by Charmaine Wilkerson

225 reviews

heyitsroozu's review against another edition

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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? Yes

5.0

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nadiaherondale's review against another edition

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dark emotional inspiring fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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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melba1975's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional hopeful informative sad tense 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? Yes

4.5

Black Cake is a fantastic book. The complex and interconnected lives of the MCs give the book depth and interest that I found quite engaging. The bits of historical and/or scientific information sprinkled throughout this intriguing story made the read that much more enjoyable. By the end of the book, I felt close to all of the MCs. I rejoiced at their triumphs and lamented at their sorrows. Overall this was a book I am happy to have read and will gladly recommend to others. 
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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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jayla_hh's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful reflective tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I feel like a letter would've suffice but alas the recording drove the point harder
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eed8's review against another edition

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emotional 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

4.5

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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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bclehr's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional inspiring mysterious fast-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? Yes

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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katy_heath's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This story is beautifully told across three generations.
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