We are beyond thrilled to share that one of this year’s most anticipated debut novels is now available in UK hardback (Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House). Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson is a beautifully rich and evocative tale about identity and how secrets have the power to change one family’s sense of inheritance forever. Set in modern-day California and 1960s Jamaica, this multi-generational story weaves together to create an unforgettable tale full of mystery and heart. It is set to be the one of the most memorable books of 2022.
UK rights were acquired in a major six-figure deal by Jessica Leeke at Michael Joseph who called it ‘a beacon of personal courage and resilience for our times’. The run-up to the UK publication has been thrilling: Black Cake was chosen as ‘one to watch’ by Cosmopolitan, Grazia, Stylist, BBC News, Daily Mail, Waterstones, Good Housekeeping, Prima Magazine, Metro, and BookBar, to name just a few. Good Housekeeping called it ‘A special, beautifully written novel that’s as rich and intoxicating as the Jamaican rum cake of its title‘, and you can learn more about the family recipe that inspired Charmaine’s debut novel here.
Black Cake is already in development for the screen as a Hulu original drama series executive produced by Oprah Winfrey and Aaron Kaplan. Readers that want to immerse themselves even further into this dazzling story can watch the cinematic trailer on Vimeo here. On top of this, the exciting Black Cake blog tour kicked off on Monday and is running until February 13th!
Early readers cannot get enough of this dazzling and tumultuous story:
‘BLACK CAKE is a beautiful, deeply resonant story of children trying to understand the mother they have lost… At turns delightfully juicy and then stunningly wise, BLACK CAKE is a winner.’ Taylor Jenkins Reid, Sunday Times bestselling author of Daisy Jones and The Six
‘I was instantly taken in by this multi-generational tale of identity, family, and the lifelong push and pull of home. This novel has a tremendous heart at its centre, and I felt its beat on every page. What an extraordinary debut.’ Mary Beth Keane, New York Times bestselling author of Ask Again, Yes
‘I loved the brilliant writing, the characters and the clever and beautiful way the story melded together. A stunning book. ‘PRIMA
‘Wilkerson explores the nuances of racial identity and betrayal in a powerful novel.’ Vogue
‘A richly embroidered family drama.’ The Bookseller, Editor’s Choice for February
Congratulations, Charmaine, on your publication day! And if you have not picked up a copy of this book yourself you can do so here.
