Sweetness in the Skin

SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2025 OCM BOCAS PRIZE FOR CARIBBEAN LITERATUREPumkin Patterson dreams of a life beyond her Jamaican hometown. But what we dream of and where we belong aren’t always the same thing… ‘A dazzling coming-of-age novel with an unforgettable heroine’ Red--Eleven-year-old Pumpin knows a few things:That her mother has never loved herThat Aunt Sophie doesThat baking makes everything betterAnd France is a long way from her Jamaican homeWhat Pumkin doesn’t know is:What will happen when Aunt Sophie leaves for FranceHow far a mother can go to hurt a daughterWhy a secret can rot a familyThat her cakes might just help save her lifeWhatever happens, Pumkin knows she needs someone to love her.But she just doesn’t know who . . .--Praise for Sweetness in the Skin‘Serves up a taste of Jamaica that will have you craving coconut drops, gizzada and sweet potato pudding’ The Times‘Wonderful, tender, vivid’ Glamour