Scan barcode
A review by davidrb
Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson
challenging
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This was the first book I was able to finish this year, and it was devastating. It's just as much a mystery as a family drama, and engaged me like nothing else. It got to the point where just the title of a chapter/the return of a character's POV made me gasp. Highly, highly, highly recommend. Don't be daunted by the length: it flies by. (That said, it's extremely heavy!)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Biphobia, Bullying, Child abuse, Chronic illness, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Violence, Xenophobia, Police brutality, Grief, Medical trauma, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Abandonment, Sexual harassment, and Colonisation
With regards to "police brutality": antiblack systemic racism by the police is a recurring theme. No violence is shown directly, but the possibility is discussed in detail.