10 Black Cake Book Club Questions

Have you ever felt like the rug was pulled out from under you, revealing a life you never knew?

Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson offers an exploration of this very experience. When Eleanor Bennett dies, she leaves behind more than just a beloved recipe – she leaves her children a complex legacy of secrets, lies, and a fractured identity.

Through the lens of a voice recording, siblings Benny and Byron embark on a heart-wrenching journey to uncover the truth about their mother, their family, and themselves.

As they delve deeper into Eleanor’s past, they confront the complexities of race, identity, and the enduring bonds of family.

Join us as we explore more of Black Cake via these discussion questions. We’ll dive deep into the characters, themes, and the profound impact this novel has on our understanding of family, heritage, and the search for belonging.

Also Read: Black Cake Book Review

Black Cake Book Club Questions

Covey’s decision to hide her true identity from her children forms the crux of the novel’s drama and emotional depth. Discuss how the secrets each character keeps shape their relationships and personal growth throughout the story. How do these secrets compare to the lies characters tell? For instance, reflect on the moments when characters choose to keep secrets for what they believe is the protection of others versus when they lie to protect themselves. How do these choices impact their relationships and personal development by the end of the novel?

Many characters in the novel struggle with their identities and how they are perceived by others. Covey reinvents herself as Eleanor, Benny grapples with her bisexuality, and Bunny navigates her identity as a long-distance swimmer and an advocate for LGBT rights. How does the theme of identity influence the choices these characters make? How do their journeys of self-discovery affect their interactions with other characters and their understanding of themselves? Discuss the pivotal moments that lead to significant changes in how these characters view themselves and their places in the world.

Byron’s endeavor to map the ocean floor parallels the characters’ attempts to navigate their own lives. Discuss the symbolism of the ocean in the novel. How does it reflect the themes of uncertainty, control, and the unknown? Consider Byron’s changing relationship with the ocean as he learns more about his family’s past and his own limitations. How does the ocean’s vastness and unpredictability mirror the inner turmoil and challenges faced by other characters such as Benny and Bunny?

Bunny’s achievements as a long-distance swimmer and her advocacy for social justice serve as a testament to her resilience and determination. Discuss how Bunny’s physical challenges through swimming relate to her personal battles and broader social activism. How does Bunny embody the themes of perseverance, courage, and justice? Explore how her determination in the face of physical and social challenges inspires or impacts other characters in the novel.

The novel explores various dynamics of family and romantic relationships, especially focusing on how characters react to revelations and truths. Discuss how Covey’s relationship with her children evolves posthumously through the secrets she leaves behind. Similarly, how does Benny’s relationship with her family change once she is more open about her bisexuality? Reflect on Byron’s evolving perception of Benny and how this influences his understanding of his own life’s direction. What do these developments tell us about the importance of truth, understanding, and acceptance in forming healthy relationships?

Covey’s father’s gambling addiction sets off a chain of events that affects multiple generations. Discuss how the decisions and actions of parents in the novel impact their children’s lives. How does Covey’s father’s initial decision resonate through Covey’s choices and the lives of her children? Explore the long-term effects of these parental actions and decisions on the psychological and emotional development of Benny, Byron, and Bunny.

The novel unfolds Covey’s past and her true identity posthumously through recordings she left behind. Discuss the impact of revealing major plot points and character backstories through non-traditional forms of narrative, such as recordings or letters, rather than direct narrative exposition. How does this method affect your understanding and empathy for Covey? Do you think this storytelling technique enhances the themes of secrets and revelation in the novel?

The transition from the island to London represents a significant change in setting that parallels major shifts in Covey’s life. Discuss how the settings in the novel—from the island to London—contribute to the characters’ development and the overall narrative. How does each setting influence the decisions, lifestyles, and identities of the characters, particularly Covey and her children?

Benny’s struggles with her bisexuality and the lack of support from her parents present significant external conflicts. Discuss how external conflicts, such as societal expectations and family pressures, serve as catalysts for personal growth or regression in the characters. How do these conflicts help the characters explore and eventually embrace their identities? Compare this to how Byron’s professional ambitions and personal revelations intersect.

Byron’s relationship with Benny and his reaction to the unpredictability she represents can be seen as a metaphor for embracing life’s uncertainties. Discuss other metaphors and motifs that appear in the characters’ interactions and how they help to underline the novel’s deeper messages. For instance, explore how Bunny’s swimming challenges might symbolize her personal battles or societal struggles, and how these metaphors enhance the thematic depth of the novel.

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