When Eleanor Bennett died, she left her children Byron and Benny a Caribbean black cake and a long audio recording they had to listen to together. While this would be difficult for anyone who just lost their mother, it's particularly tough for them because Benny hasn't spoken to Byron (or anyone else in the family) since that fateful Thanksgiving many years ago, when she came out as bisexual. However, they do what they're told and listen to the recording, learning that their mother had a past that neither of them ever suspected, one that involved multiple identity changes and a secret child.
Through these characters and a narrative that bounces around in time, Wilkerson weaves a complex family history that spans continents and oceans, making the characters (and readers) question what we really know about those we love. This is a phenomenal debut novel, and I can't wait to see what Wilkerson does next.
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