Baking Cakes in Kigali Novel: A Heartwarming Tale of Love and Resilience

In the bustling city of Kigali, amidst a backdrop of hardship, change, and reconciliation, the novel "Baking Cakes in Kigali" by Gaile Parkin takes readers on a heartwarming journey of love, resilience, and the power of friendship. Through the story of Angel Tungaraza, a skilled cake baker and a compassionate soul, the novel beautifully explores the lives of Rwandans, their struggles, and their ability to find solace and joy through the art of baking.

The Story

Set in post-genocide Rwanda, "Baking Cakes in Kigali" tells the tale of Angel, an expatriate from Tanzania, who moves to Rwanda with her husband, Pius. In her small bakery, Angel bakes a variety of cakes for different occasions, as well as for the local community. She not only creates mouthwatering cakes but also acts as a confidante, offering advice and solace to her customers.

Baking Cakes in Kigali: A Novel

by Gaile Parkin(Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3062 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	322 pages

FREE

As Angel interacts with the diverse range of customers coming through her bakery, we are introduced to various subplots. Through these subplots, the novel delves into themes of forgiveness, healing, and the process of rebuilding a nation torn by conflict. Angel, with her warm and understanding nature, serves as a beacon of hope and love for those around her.

The Characters

The characters in "Baking Cakes in Kigali" bring depth and authenticity to the novel. Angel, the protagonist, is a strong and resilient woman who carries the weight of her own experiences while putting others' needs before her own. She is an empathetic listener and treats her customers like family. Through her interactions with characters like Andrew, a young boy dealing with loss, and Marieke, a Dutch woman searching for meaning, readers witness the transformative power of compassion and understanding.

The Themes

One of the core themes of the novel is the process of healing and forgiveness. The scars of the Rwandan genocide are still fresh, and the characters in the book showcase their journey towards forgiveness, both for themselves and others. Through Angel's cakes and her ability to understand people's emotions, the novel explores how food and empathy have the power to heal even the deepest wounds.

Another theme explored in the book is the strength and resilience of Rwandan women. Angel, along with other female characters, embodies the indomitable spirit of Rwandan women who have overcome immense hardships. The novel highlights their ability to thrive and rebuild their lives after tragedy.

The Impact

"Baking Cakes in Kigali" leaves a lasting impact on its readers. It shines a light on the beauty and resilience of the Rwandan people, showcasing their ability to find joy and love amidst adversity. The author, Gaile Parkin, expertly weaves together stories of pain, growth, and redemption, resulting in a heartwarming narrative that reminds us of the tremendous power of compassion and understanding.

"Baking Cakes in Kigali" is a story that speaks to the human spirit and our capacity for love, understanding, and forgiveness. Gaile Parkin's novel takes readers on an emotional journey, immersing them in the vibrant and complex world of post-genocide Rwanda. Through the art of baking, Angel and the people she encounters find healing and hope, emphasizing the importance of empathy and kindness in a fractured world.

Baking Cakes in Kigali: A Novel

by Gaile Parkin(Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3062 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	322 pages

FREE

“All the sun and magic of Africa are baked into Gaile Parkin’s debut novel. . . . We peek into a warm and practical community as colorful as [the heroine’s] dazzling confections.”—The Christian Science Monitor

This soaring novel introduces us to Angel Tungaraza: mother, cake baker, pillar of her community, keeper of secrets big and small. Angel’s kitchen is an oasis in the heart of Rwanda, where visitors stop to order cakes but end up sharing their stories, transforming their lives, leaving with new hope. In this vibrant, powerful setting, unexpected things are beginning to happen: A most unusual wedding is planned, a heartbreaking mystery involving Angel’s own family unravels, and extraordinary connections are made—as a chain of events unfolds that will change Angel’s life and the lives of those around her in the most astonishing ways.

BONUS: This edition contains a Baking Cakes in Kigali discussion guide.

Praise for Baking Cakes in Kigali

“Everyone needs a neighbor like Angel Tungaraza . . . whose warmth and coolheaded cleverness might remind some readers of Precious Ramotswe from the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series.”—Entertainment Weekly

“Remarkable . . . a powerful, thought-provoking work . . . filled with heartbreak but also with hope.”—Fort Worth Star-Telegram

“Sweet and satisfying . . . gently draws readers into the daily rhythms of African life . . . Compassion and wisdom light up each page.”—Ventura County Star

“Will leave you feeling well satisfied.”—O: The Oprah Magazine (South Africa)