Publisher’s Comments:
Once in a great while a debut novelist comes along who dazzles us with rare eloquence and humanity, who takes us to bold new places and into previously unimaginable lives. Gaile Parkin is just such a talent–and Baking Cakes in Kilgali is just such a novel. This gloriously written tale–set in modern-day Rwanda–introduces one of the most singular and engaging characters in recent fiction: Angel Tungaraza–mother, cake baker, keeper of secrets–a woman living on the edge of chaos, finding ways to transform lives, weave magic, and create hope amid the madness swirling all around her.
In Kigali, Angel runs a bustling business: baking cakes for all occasions–cakes filled with vibrant color, buttery richness, and, most of all, a sense of hope only Angel can deliver….A CIA agent’s wife seeks the perfect holiday cake but walks away with something far sweeter…a former boy-soldier orders an engagement cake, then, between sips of tea, shares an enthralling story…weary human rights workers…lovesick limo drivers. Amid this cacophony of native tongues, love affairs, and confessions, Angel’s kitchen is an oasis where people tell their secrets, where hope abounds and help awaits.
In this unlikely place, in the heart of Rwanda, unexpected things are beginning to happen: A most unusual wedding is planned…a heartbreaking mystery–involving Angel’s own family–unravels…and extraordinary connections are being made among the men and women who have tasted Angel’s beautiful cakes…as a chain of events unfolds that will change Angel’s life–and the lives of those around her–in the most astonishing ways.
This really is the perfect description of this book. Baking Cakes in Kigali is an uplifting, heart-warming novel. While it deals with the everyday struggles of life in Rwanda, the heroine, Angel, is just that. A heroine. She is a cake baker, a crisis counselor, a therapist, a resource and a surrogate mother to many. Each chapter starts with someone coming to her apartment to order a cake. As Angel offers them tea and engages them in conversation, their story emerges. They leave Angel with their cake order, and usually their life story, and they take with them hope.
These are not separate stories, though. Most of the characters reappear, as everyone’s lives meet and merge through Angel. And it’s not all one-sided, either. By the end of the book, Angel has discovered answers and peace regarding her own family.
Are you interested in reading this book? Would you like a chance to read this very copy? If so, leave a comment indicating your interest, and I’ll draw a winner for my gently read copy later this week.
I read another review of this book a week or two ago and I think it sounds wonderful. Great review! I’d love a chance to read it.
I read this about a month ago, maybe a bit longer, and just loved it to pieces. It wasn’t at all what I expected and it definitely exceeded my expectations.
.-= Amanda´s last blog ..The Last Olympian, by Rick Riordan =-.
Wonderful review, I’ve had my eye on this book for a few weeks now! I’d really love to win a copy! Thanks.
.-= emily´s last blog ..the girl with the dragon tattoo… =-.
Don’t enter me Jill as I have a copy. I just wanted to say that I’m glad it’s good. I’ve been looking forward to reading it.
.-= Darlene´s last blog ..Teaser Tuesday (Oct. 13) =-.
Don’t you just hate when the back cover blurb is so good it ruins it for trying to write a summary?!!!
I guess I could be entered!
nbmars AT yahoo DOT com
.-= rhapsodyinbooks´s last blog ..Review of “A Voyage Long and Strange: Rediscovering the New World,” by Tony Horwitz =-.
No need to enter me, as I have the book. Your review really makes me want to read it soon.
.-= diane´s last blog ..Buddy’s under the Weather =-.
This sounds wonderful. Don’t enter me – I have the book. I hope to get to it sooner after reading your review.
.-= Kathy´s last blog ..The Queen’s Mistake giveaway winners =-.
I can tell that you liked this-but I skipped right through it-as I have not read it it is on my bedside table.
I would love to read it. But can you get Billy to autograph it for me? I’m assuming he was okay with this one.
.-= Ti´s last blog ..Review: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo =-.
Billy’s bummed you didn’t win…he was looking forward to autographing a book.
Wow, sounds like a great read! I would love to read this one.
givingreadingachance AT gmail.com
.-= Veens´s last blog ..Wishing! =-.
I first read “cake keeper, baker of secrets” and had to start over… – does this qualify me for the contest?
.-= Care´s last blog ..Reading Meme =-.
I’ve been wondering about this book since I first heard about it. It really does sound heartwarming. I’d love to enter your giveaway, Jill.
.-= Literary Feline´s last blog ..Review: The Welsh Girl by Peter Ho Davies =-.
I’ve been sooo interested to read this book since I read Rebecca Read’s review. Please enter me in.
ps: Reading Like a Writer is taking a back seat for me too… It’s been a while.
.-= mee´s last blog ..TSS: Movie Mini-Reviews: Julie & Julia, Coraline, Shawshank Redemption, My Neighbors the Yamadas =-.
I’d love to read your copy! This has been on my wish list, and I love the linked stories format, too.
JQSteve at aol dot com
.-= JoAnn´s last blog .."The Villa Lucienne" by Ella D’Arcy =-.
I really need to get to this one. No need to enter me, cause I own it. Bit now I want to read it sooner than later. When will I find the time?
.-= Beth F´s last blog ..Thursday Tea: An Echo in the Bone by Diana Gabaldon =-.
I would love to read it. I am reading books on Africa at the moment.
I have just finished “Half of a Yellow Sun”on which I believe you also wrote a very positive critique. (and I loved the bok, it is still hanging around me and in the air I breathe)
Please enter me in your give away if it is not too late…