Overview

A coming-of-age celebration of food, family and finding your voice, for fans of The Girl with the Louding Voice Fourteen-year-old Pumkin Patterson lives in a two-room house in Kingston Jamaica with her devoted grandmother, her beloved Aunt Sophie, and a mother who could not care less about her. When her conniving estranged father shows up Pumkin's only real escape is baking - while making sweet potato pudding and apple turnovers she can forget the fighting at home. When Aunt Sophie is offered the chance to move to France, she promises to send for Pumkin as soon as she can afford to. But when things take a turn for the worse in Pumkin's household, she's determined to raise the money herself. Her mother is determined to make her stay, but will her friends, neighbours and talent for baking be her escape?

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9780241643044

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Reviews

Delightful. This tender, humorous, coming-of-age tale celebrates the flavours and language of Jamaica -- Charmaine Wilkerson, <i>New York Times</i> bestselling author of <i>Black Cake</i> Vibrant, affecting and joyfully uplifting. I felt completely transported, and was cheering Pumkin along every step of the way! -- Lucy Diamond, author of <i>Anything Could Happen</i> 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 colourism 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 <i>Hold My Girl</i> 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 <i>The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman</i> 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 <i>The God of Good Looks</i> 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 will be inspired by Pumkin’s journey. * Booklist, starred review * Pumkin is a resilient protagonist who handles the discovery of her own identity, while dealing with issues of race, wealth, and social status, with more grace than is expected of a teenager. Her “never give up” spirit will endear her to readers from the first page. 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 *

Delightful. This tender, humorous, coming-of-age tale celebrates the flavours and language of Jamaica -- Charmaine Wilkerson, <i>New York Times</i> bestselling author of <i>Black Cake</i> Vibrant, affecting and joyfully uplifting. I felt completely transported, and was cheering Pumkin along every step of the way! -- Lucy Diamond, author of <i>Anything Could Happen</i> 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 colourism 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 <i>Hold My Girl</i> Pumkin is a resilient protagonist who handles the discovery of her own identity, while dealing with issues of race, wealth, and social status, with more grace than is expected of a teenager. Her “never give up” spirit will endear her to readers from the first page. 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 * 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 <i>The God of Good Looks</i> 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 will be inspired by Pumkin’s journey. * Booklist, starred review *

Delightful. This tender, humorous, coming-of-age tale celebrates the flavours and language of Jamaica -- Charmaine Wilkerson, <i>New York Times</i> bestselling author of <i>Black Cake</i>

‘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 Daré, 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 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 -- Sarra Manning * 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 * 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 colourism 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 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 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 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 will be inspired by Pumkin’s journey. * Booklist, starred review * Pumkin is a resilient protagonist who handles the discovery of her own identity, while dealing with issues of race, wealth, and social status, with more grace than is expected of a teenager. Her “never give up” spirit will endear her to readers from the first page. 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 * Sweetness in the Skin is a mouth-watering delight of a novel, richly seasoned with the flavours, 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 realise 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, author of The Cactus A total triumph of a debut. Immersive and assured, with a central character you’ll root for the whole way through and a fantastic sense of place. I loved it -- Niamh Hargan, author of Twelve Days in May

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 Daré, 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 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. -- Sarra Manning * Red * 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 colourism 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 A dazzling coming-of-age novel set in the 1990s with an unforgettable heroine * Red * 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 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 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 will be inspired by Pumkin’s journey. * Booklist, starred review * Pumkin is a resilient protagonist who handles the discovery of her own identity, while dealing with issues of race, wealth, and social status, with more grace than is expected of a teenager. Her “never give up” spirit will endear her to readers from the first page. 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 * Sweetness in the Skin is a mouth-watering delight of a novel, richly seasoned with the flavours, 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 realise 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, author of The Cactus A total triumph of a debut. Immersive and assured, with a central character you’ll root for the whole way through and a fantastic sense of place. I loved it -- Niamh Hargan, author of Twelve Days in May

Delightful. This tender, humorous, coming-of-age tale celebrates the flavours and language of Jamaica -- Charmaine Wilkerson, <i>New York Times</i> bestselling author of <i>Black Cake</i> 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 colourism 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 <i>Hold My Girl</i>

Author Information

Ishi Robinson was born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica. She has lived in Bern, Toronto, Rome, London and now lives in Berlin with her Czech husband. Her first published work was a short story in Jamaica's national newspaper when she was eleven years old. At seventeen, she sent a letter to her father from Switzerland that he thought was so funny he sent it to the other national newspaper, which snagged her a weekly column on teenage life in Kingston. She also previously wrote a weekly column on life as an expat in Rome for a now defunct online magazine. She got back into fiction writing in Berlin, from where she has published short stories in several online publications and one anthology. Sweetness in the Skin is her first novel.

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