‘We can’t go to the island, Bryon. We don’t really know what we’re getting into . . .’

Eleanor Bennett won’t let her own death get in the way of the truth. So when her estranged children – Byron and Benny – reunite for her funeral in California, they discover a puzzling inheritance.

First, a voice recording in which everything Byron and Benny ever knew about their family is upended. Their mother narrates a tumultuous story about a headstrong young woman who escapes her island home under suspicion of murder, a story which cuts right to the heart of the rift that’s separated Byron and Benny.

Second, a traditional Caribbean black cake made from a family recipe with a long history that Eleanor hopes will heal the wounds of the past. Can Byron and Benny fulfil their mother’s final request to ‘share the black cake when the time is right’?

Will Eleanor’s revelations bring them back together or leave them feeling more lost than ever?

My Thoughts:

This was a cleverly written novel, I actually couldn’t believe it is a debut novel, it was just that good. All the characters felt relatable and brought the story alive, it was such a gripping and touching story. The black cake holds everything together, it was like I was dying to try a piece of this famous black cake, it was almost making me salivate wanting a slice. It touched my heart reading about this sensitive topic and I felt for Benny and Bryon but also what their mother had been through in her life. I fell in love with this story and wanted to re-read all over again. One story I will never forget and will keep recommending.

I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.

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