This book is phenomenal. It’s truly unlike any book I’ve ever before read with how it wove past into present, with different characters’ perspectives, but without losing the train of the story or the rapt attention of the reader. Each character was well-developed and integral to whatever came next.

Two estranged siblings, Benedetta and Byron, come together after the death of their mother Eleanor to receive their inheritance— an audio recording and a black cake in the freezer to share “when the time is right.”

And the book never felt forced or trope-y. Wilkerson’s writing is lyrical and packs a punch. I felt almost lulled into the rhythm of the story until the next gasp-inducing moment. Just when I thought I knew all that was to be said or revealed, nope! There were days when I didn’t want to read because I didn’t want this book to end!

It caused me to gasp, yell, pace around… Is it too soon to claim a favorite read of 2022? Wow. Go read Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson.