Sweetness in the Skin - by Ishi Robinson

Book Synopsis

"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.

Review Quotes

"Sweetness in the Skin is a tender exploration of familial love, both the family you're born to, and the one you find along the way. Robinson has written a treatise on the effects of colorism and class divisions that is heartbreaking and raw, yet joyful. This vivid story transported me to Pumkin's world through an excursion of the senses, the sights, the sounds, and especially the tastes of Jamaica, taking me back to the one journey I took to my fatherland and leaving me yearning to return." -- Charlene Carr, author of Hold My Girl

"Robinson's debut explores a variety of themes, including colorism, generational trauma, class, and ambition, through the eyes of plucky Pumkin, who is wise beyond her years. Her struggles are authentic, as are the friendships she develops with the people who help her along the way. Readers who were moved by Abi Daré's The Girl with the Louding Voice (2020) will be inspired by Pumkin's journey." -- Booklist (starred review)

"I cherished every moment spent with Pumpkin in this mesmerizing and poignant exploration of familial love and self-discovery. Robinson's narrative is infused with passion, delicately balancing stunning flavors and humor to create a feast for the senses. This captivating tale will linger in your heart long after the final page. An absolute must-read." -- Abi Daré, New York Times bestselling author of The Girl with the Louding Voice

"This triumphant and emotional debut from Robinson is recommended for readers who enjoyed Charmaine Wilkerson's Black Cake or Yaa Gyasi's Homegoing." -- Library Journal (starred review)

"This story by Ishi Robinson is a contemporary novel about family struggles, learning French, and, my favourite: baking. If those concepts don't hook you, I don't know what will. Sweetness in the Skin is perfect for anyone looking for a good ol' coming-of-age story, as it follows a young, lovable main character. Plus, it's set in Jamaica, and is a recent release -- so this summer is truly the right time to pick up this book." -- Buzzfeed

"Debut novelist Robinson explores themes of class rivalry, racism, postcolonial damage, and self-determination. . . Sympathetic storytelling leavened with humor." -- Kirkus Reviews

"A coming-of-age story, a celebration of Jamaica that also examines its legacy of colonialism and classism." -- BBC

"An ode to the families we create for ourselves . . . . Pumkin is a wonderful main character you are willing to succeed." -- Glamour

"Robinson's vivacious debut follows a Jamaican teenager who weighs her Kingston roots against the prospect of an exciting new life in France. . . . This perceptive coming-of-age novel marks Robinson as a writer to watch." -- Publishers Weekly

"Ishi Robinson has written a delightful coming-of-age story set in Jamaica, amid heartbreak, hopefulness, and mirth. This tender, at times humorous, coming-of-age tale celebrates the flavors and language of Jamaica while unveiling the impact of colorism and class divisions on one family. I found myself rooting for clever, vulnerable Pumkin as she reached for her dreams and yearned for acceptance." -- Charmaine Wilkerson, New York Times bestselling author of Black Cake

"Sweetness in the Skin is a mouth-watering delight of a novel, richly seasoned with the flavors, dialect and culture of Jamaica. Ishi Robinson's sumptuous writing is an utter joy, and the characters she's created are vivid and engaging. The twists and turns of Pumkin's quest to escape her predicament and realize her dream set my heart pounding as I raced to the satisfying conclusion. It's rare to find a book that's so thought-provoking, exciting and humorous in equal parts. A treat from start to finish!" -- Sarah Haywood, New York Times bestselling author of The Cactus

"This engaging coming-of-age tale shows a challenging side of Jamaican life through the eyes of an appealing protagonist." -- The Times (UK)

"British actor Deja Bowens narrates, employing an engaging cadence and rhythm and capturing the variety of Jamaican accents present in Pumkin's wide-ranging community. Bowens's performance and conversational tone turn Pumkin's narrative into a delicious treat for the ears and will have listeners rooting for her to move on from her setbacks and discover her life's next chapter . . . . A satisfyingly sweet, feel-good story with enough depth to appeal to a broad range of listeners. Highly recommended for fans of Kai Harris's What the Fireflies Knew and Charmaine Wilkerson's Black Cake." -- Library Journal

"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

"Sweetness in the Skin is a celebration of the Caribbean--our food, our language, and our people. I read this book with my heart in my mouth, hoping all of Pumkin's dreams would come true." -- Breanne Mc Ivor, author of The God of Good Looks

"Emotionally transportive. A story so rich and resonant I never wanted it to end. Pumkin Patterson has my heart as one of the most authentic and original voices I've ever met in the pages of a book. I loved her." -- Julietta Henderson, author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman

'Vibrant, affecting and joyfully uplifting. I felt completely transported, and was cheering Pumkin along every step of the way!' -- Lucy Diamond, Sunday Times bestselling author

"Sweetness in the Skin may seem like a gentle coming of age story, but it is all the more compelling for its darker side." -- The Berliner