This isn’t my usual go to read but I was really intrigued when I read the blurb for Black Cake that I had to read it, plus I’m going to Jamaica in a few weeks so it helped get me into the mood!

Benny and Byron were really close as children, but some of Benny’s life choices have led her away from her family and her brother. However, when their mother dies it brings them back to their childhood home where her solicitor has a recording for them to listen to in which their mother divulges secrets they never even knew she had.

I really don’t want to say too much because this book has been written so well to leave the reader curious, intrigued and guessing. Little snippets of information are given to allow for conclusions to be reached then confirmed but it is really a journey.

If I’m honest, when I started the book it was super slow. If I hadn’t seen other reviews about it being good I possible wouldn’t have finished it. However, it definitely picked up pace and intrigue as it developed. And I’ve finished the story feeling accomplished and that my invested time was worthwhile. I also can’t wait to dip my toe into the ocean around Jamaica!

This isn’t an actioned packed drama or a swooning romance but a cleverly written historical fiction intertwining past and present. It also brings to the forefront issues of race, gender and sexuality in a way which makes the reader empathise and consider without being in your face. I would probably recommend this book to a select group of people but I don’t think it will be for everybody.