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Sweetness in the Skin

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What to expect

Brought to you by Penguin.


SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2025 OCM BOCAS PRIZE FOR CARIBBEAN LITERATURE

Pumkin Patterson dreams of a life beyond her Jamaican hometown. But what we dream of and where we belong aren’t always the same thing…

Eleven-year-old Pumpin knows a few things:

That her mother has never loved her
That Aunt Sophie does
That baking makes everything better
And France is a long way from her Jamaican home

What Pumkin doesn’t know is:

What will happen when Aunt Sophie leaves for France
How far a mother can go to hurt a daughter
Why a secret can rot a family
That her cakes might just help save her life

Whatever happens, Pumkin knows she needs someone to love her.

But she just doesn’t know who . . .
Praise for Sweetness in the Skin

‘A dazzling coming-of-age novel with an unforgettable heroine’ Red

‘Serves up a taste of Jamaica that will have you craving coconut drops, gizzada and sweet potato pudding’ The Times

‘Wonderful, tender, vivid’ Glamour

©2024 Ishi Robinson (P)2024 Penguin Audio

Critics Review

'Ishi Robinson's debut serves up a taste of Jamaica that will have you craving coconut drops, gizzada and sweet potato pudding . . . this engaging coming-of-age tale shows a challenging side of Jamaican life through the eyes of an appealing protagonist'
The Times
I cherished every moment spent with Pumkin 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 Daru00e9, bestselling author of The Girl With the Louding Voice
Delightful. This tender, humorous, coming-of-age tale celebrates the flavours and language of Jamaica
Charmaine Wilkerson, New York Times bestselling author of Black Cake
The word-of-mouth sensation that's making waves . . . A searing coming-of-age novel set in 90s Jamaica that tells the story of irrepressible Pumkin Patterson . . . This luminous tale with its infectious heroine is perfect summer reading
Stylist
Vibrant, affecting and joyfully uplifting. I felt completely transported, and was cheering Pumkin along every step of the way!
Lucy Diamond, author of Anything Could Happen
A dazzling coming-of-age novel set in the 1990s, with an unforgettable heroine
Red
A story of uplifting love and joyful Jamaican-recipes
Stylist
Robinson is a tender and vivid writer, teasing out themes of identity, love, and the search for belonging. Sweetness in the Skin is a ode to the families we create for ourselves. Pumkin is a wonderful main character you are willing to succeed
Glamour
Poignant and emotional, with touches of both humour and sorrow
Julia Quinn, bestselling author of Bridgerton
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.
Buzzfeed
Author Ishi Robinson
Narrator Deja Bowens
Duration 8 hours and 58 minutes
Release Date
ISBN 9781405958431
Format Audiobook
Publisher Penguin Books Ltd
Genre Family life fiction, Modern and contemporary fiction, Narrative theme: Identity / belonging, Narrative theme: Interior life
Availability AU, GB, IE

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