A review by jsmileysad
Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson

emotional inspiring mysterious 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

This book was absolutely stunning. The writer maintained an incredibly tight narrative while also offering gorgeous, languid, visceral descriptions of both scenes in the world and sensations within the characters themselves. The care the writer took in researching relevant cultures to build the characters and dynamics between them while seamlessly integrating that knowledge into the narrative is outstanding. That historical reference the writer provides while also bringing us into the contemporary issue of racism / queerphobia / anti-immigrant sentiment of our time is skillfully accomplished.  The pervasive reflection on the efforts we take to protect the right to be ourselves and what we lose as a result is ever present. Although I am a result of a different diaspora, the answers found in this book by the characters felt akin to my own discoveries in life. It has inspired me to learn more about myself and others. 
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