SWEETNESS IN THE SKIN

SWEETNESS IN THE SKIN

by Ishi Robinson

In Sweetness in the Skin, Ishi Robinson tells one of the most original and compelling coming-of-age stories that I’ve read in a long time.  Robinson, who was born and raised in Jamaica, sets the story of Pumkin Patterson in the city of Kingston. At eleven-years-old, Pumkin lives in a small apartment with her grandmother, mother and Aunt Sophie. Money is tight and tensions run high in the household, especially because her mother contributes nothing financially and consistently abuses her daughter.

Robinson redeems the story, I believe, by creating Pumkin as incredibly resilient and tenacious. With everything she has going against her, she manages to pursue her goals with a focused single-mindedness.   Pumkin has two sources of comfort:  her Aunt Sophie and her own love for cooking traditional Jamaican desserts.  Aunt Sophie dreams of moving to Paris and creating a different, more glamorous, life than the one she has in Kingston.  Pumkin dreams of joining her aunt there and opening a bakery.

Pumkin's aunt does move to Paris, promising to send for Pumkin as soon as possible.  When that feels too long to Pumkin, she devises several successful baking schemes to raise the money she needs to fly to Paris. Against all odds, and with a few adults willing to take her under their wings, Pumkin realizes her dream.  And that is when she really comes of age.  Robinson’s first novel, Sweetness in the Skin is original and powerful and will make for great summer reading.  (Liz)

OUR MISSING HEARTS

OUR MISSING HEARTS

GOOD DIRT

GOOD DIRT