Sweetness in the Skin

A Novel

De: Ishi Robinson

Narrado por: Deja Bowens

“A delightful coming-of-age story set in Jamaica, amid heartbreak, hopefulness, and mirth.”—Charmaine Wilkerson, New York Times bestselling author of Black Cake

“Poignant and emotional, with touches of both humor and sorrow. . . . This book makes you think about what it means to be a mother, and what it means to be a good mother.” —Julia Quinn, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Bridgerton, on Today.com

A winning debut novel about a Jamaican girl determined to bake her way out of her dysfunctional family and into the opportunity of a lifetime.

Pumkin Patterson is a thirteen-year-old girl living in a tiny two-room house in Kingston, Jamaica, with her grandmother (who wants to improve the family’s social standing), her Aunt Sophie (who dreams of a new life in Paris for her and Pumkin), and her mother Paulette (who’s rarely home).

When Sophie is offered the chance to move to France for work, she seizes the opportunity, and promises to send for her niece in one year’s time. All Pumkin has to do is pass her French entrance exam so she can attend school there. But when Pumkin’s grandmother dies, she’s left alone with her volatile mother, and as soon as her estranged father turns up—as lazy and conniving as ever—the household’s fortunes take a turn for the worse.

Pumkin must somehow find a way to raise the money for her French exam, so she can free herself from her household and reunite with her beloved aunt in France. In a moment of ingenuity, she turns her passion for baking into a true business. Making batches of sweet potato pudding, coconut drops and chocolate cakes, Pumkin develops a booming trade—but when her school and her mother find out what she’s up to, everything she’s worked so hard for may slip through her fingers. . . .

Sweetness in the Skin is a funny and heartbreaking story about a young girl figuring out who she is, what she is capable of—and where she truly belongs.

loved it!!!

this was a beautiful book. I couldn't put it down. I loved the storyline and the themes that emerged. It was funny, sad and exciting all at the same time. I love how the author captures the Jamaican context of life and her characters. if you are looking for a feel good book with a Caribbean flair check this out.

A true depiction

I really enjoyed this book and how it depicted life in the Caribbean in certain situations. It was a quick and good read

Great Coming of Age Story

Resilience, community and self assurance on beautiful display! This a wonderful read that will have you reflecting on your personal evolution and journey towards knowing and becoming who you’re meant to be

So Good!!

So many real emotions felt while reading this book. Well written with a deep message. All around fantastic read

Nostalgia

The book was masterfully written. I found myself reflecting upon in the twists and turns of my own childhood.

The author nailed the daily lives of Jamaicans. The divide of classes. And what we most experienced.

I instantly went to go find another book by this author.