JANUARY 2025 BOOK CHOICE
Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson
Ten Members were welcomed to the Book Club Meeting with several apologies and their comments and thoughts on the book received from those unable to attend. Brenda opened the Meeting by welcoming everyone. The discussion began with everyone agreeing that this had been a book that everyone had enjoyed immensely. Although one or two Members said that they would have walked past this book had they seen it on the shelf as the title would not have piqued their interest; they were however so pleased that they had read it, proving that you cannot always judge the book by its cover!!. Nearly everyone had enjoyed the short chapters which for most meant they were able to absorb details of each of the characters, slowly getting to know and understand them by focusing on each chapter and with the author describing the characters really well.
It was a fast moving story, but well woven throughout, which saw nearly everyone mentioning “running away” from the Island. Members found the various links interesting as they unfolded in each of the characters’ lives, with similarities running through: cook; sea; island; family’s love for each other, etc. One or two Members pointed out that the characters’ mannerisms and voices also came flowing through especially with Bunny & Pearl. One or two Members did find it had lost a bit of its edge towards the end – with the Solicitor Charles Mitch situation. But everyone was really happy that all the characters’ stories were interlinked and absolutely everything was tied up nicely and satisfactorily bringing it all together with unusually nothing left hanging.
Members also enjoyed the cultural backgrounds, the dealing with race and even the important reflection of environmental issues. Covey changing to Eleanor was purposeful with her name changing and definitely was not as weird as Mabel (lost daughter) changing hers to Marble (what sort of name was that!!?). Everyone was pleased that all was happily resolved with the Byron and Benny siblings and for the way they also encompassed their step sister in all the realisations of their Mother’s life. Several of the Members had to wait until near the end of the story to work out who poisoned “Little Man” at Covey’s Wedding with the revelation that Covey actually saw who had actually administered the poison in his drink at the wedding but had not told anyone. The black cake in the fridge made by her mother who requested that it be eaten by the 3 siblings together was a lovely revelation in itself with the jar baked in the middle with all its secret items, which Benny then gave to Marble, together with the wooden box containing other items so she could cherish. It was a fitting ending for the book’s title. If anyone wants to make the cake from the recipe at the back of the book could we all have a slice please!!!
Well a very well-liked, enjoyable read for Members and definitely one they all would totally highly recommend to a friend. Just brilliant!!