Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Ballantine Books for gifting me a digital copy of the extraordinary debut novel by Charmaine Wilkerson - 5 stars!
When Eleanor Bennett dies, she leaves a voice recording with her lawyer with instructions that it is to be shared with her two children, Byron and Benny. The recording stuns the siblings, giving them background information into secrets that Eleanor kept from them their entire lives, including that they have another sister. Benny has been estranged from the family for years and Byron still holds that resentment deep within. Will their mother's recording help heal their relationship?
This is a gorgeously-written book that explores how secrets, resentments, stories, culture, skin color and even recipes can shape who we are, how we are seen, and how we think about our place in the world. The perfect book club selection, this book will have you thinking about so much from the environment, to racial issues, women's roles. Ultimately it is a story about what we will do for love in all shapes, the sacrifices and risks we will take, loss and regrets. Each of these characters is so fully developed - I didn't want the story to end. An absolute must read, do not miss novel - I'll be thinking about this book and these characters for quite a while! Plus - sure would love to try black cake!
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