Sweetness in the Skin by Ishi Robinson

“Sweetness in the Skin” by Ishi Robinson is a heartwarming and bittersweet coming-of-age story about resilience, dreams, and the power of self-discovery.

Sweetness in the Skin by Ishi Robinson

Ishi Robinson’s “Sweetness in the Skin” is a coming-of-age tale set in Jamaica, where thirteen-year-old Pumkin Patterson navigates the challenges of a dysfunctional family while chasing her dreams. Living in a cramped Kingston home with her grandmother, aunt, and rarely present mother, Pumkin is determined to escape to France with her Aunt Sophie. But when her grandmother dies and her estranged father reappears, Pumkin's hopes hang on her ability to raise money for her French entrance exam. She ingeniously turns her passion for baking into a business, but obstacles threaten to derail her plans.

At the heart of the novel is Pumkin’s resilience and creativity. Robinson beautifully captures the voice of a determined young girl who refuses to be defined by the limitations of her environment. Pumkin’s entrepreneurial spirit — baking and selling Jamaican treats to fund her dream — highlights both the richness of Jamaican culture and the difficult circumstances she faces. The contrast between her volatile home life and the hope she finds in her baking creates an emotional depth that resonates throughout the story. Pumkin’s journey to independence is fraught with heartbreak, but her optimism shines through.

“Sweetness in the Skin” also offers an exploration of family dynamics and belonging. Robinson doesn’t shy away from depicting the harsh realities of Pumkin’s life, particularly her complicated relationship with her mother and the influence of her absent father. Yet the novel is filled with moments of joy, particularly in the depiction of Pumkin’s community and the small triumphs she experiences through her baking business. The novel’s bittersweet tone balances humour with heartache, as Pumkin learns not only about survival but also about who she truly is and where she fits in the world.

“Sweetness in the Skin” is a touching and uplifting story of self-discovery and determination.

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Kaitlin Jefferys

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