“Question yourself, yes, but don’t doubt yourself. There’s a difference.”–Charmaine Wilkerson, Black Cake

This is a powerful debut novel from Charmaine Wilkerson. It is set in modern day California where Eleanor Bennett, mother of two adult children, has passed away and left a confusing inheritance for her children, Byron and Benny. Byron and Benny have been estranged for several years and the mystery their mother leaves behind provides a space for healing and renewed relationships. Family traditions, secrets, and surprises are at the heart of this book.

The story is told from multiple points of view and in different times and places. There is a lot going on, but Wilkerson deftly weaves the strands together to create a memorable, heart breaking, and thought provoking work of fiction.

Content Advisory: Language, sexual assault