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A review by kezia
Baking Cakes in Kigali by Gaile Parkin
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Death, Genocide, Sexual assault, and Suicide
The wonderful protagonist Angel invites us into her experience of living in Kigali, Rwanda, with her lively, warm-hearted and no-nonsense attitude to the people and places around her. While taking cake orders for life’s special occasions, Angel hears everyone’s stories and through them the bigger stories of war, migration, and cultural exchange. Although there are some heavy themes running through the book, which are unfortunately inescapable when looking at Rwanda’s recent history, the references are not graphic or exploitative. As with all our lives, tragedy and pain sits alongside joy and celebration in the experiences of characters in this book. It was heartwarming and optimistic about the opportunities to reconnect, find friends, and find happiness. Also inspired a deep nostalgia in me for masala chai! Loved it!