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Baking Cakes in Kigali: A Novel Audiobook, by Gaile Parkin Play Audiobook Sample

Baking Cakes in Kigali: A Novel Audiobook

Baking Cakes in Kigali: A Novel Audiobook, by Gaile Parkin Play Audiobook Sample
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Read By: Adenrele Ojo Publisher: Random House Audio Listen Time: at 1.0x Speed 7.00 hours at 1.5x Speed 5.25 hours at 2.0x Speed Release Date: August 2009 Format: Unabridged Audiobook ISBN: 9780307577795

Quick Stats About this Audiobook

Total Audiobook Chapters:

95

Longest Chapter Length:

09:55 minutes

Shortest Chapter Length:

12 seconds

Average Chapter Length:

06:36 minutes

Audiobooks by this Author:

1

Publisher Description

Once in a great while a debut novelist comes along who dazzles us with rare eloquence and humanity, who takes us to bold new places and into previously unimaginable lives. Gaile Parkin is just such a talent—and Baking Cakes in Kilgali is just such a novel. This gloriously written tale—set in modern-day Rwanda—introduces one of the most singular and engaging characters in recent fiction: Angel Tungaraza—mother, cake baker, keeper of secrets—a woman living on the edge of chaos, finding ways to transform lives, weave magic, and create hope amid the madness swirling all around her. In Kigali, Angel runs a bustling business: baking cakes for all occasions—cakes filled with vibrant color, buttery richness, and, most of all, a sense of hope only Angel can deliver.…A CIA agent’s wife seeks the perfect holiday cake but walks away with something far sweeter…a former boy-soldier orders an engagement cake, then, between sips of tea, shares an enthralling story…weary human rights workers…lovesick limo drivers. Amid this cacophony of native tongues, love affairs, and confessions, Angel’s kitchen is an oasis where people tell their secrets, where hope abounds and help awaits. In this unlikely place, in the heart of Rwanda, 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 being made among the men and women who have tasted Angel’s beautiful cakes…as a chain of events unfolds that will change Angel’s life—and the lives of those around her—in the most astonishing ways.

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"I enjoyed this book a lot. I appreciated the fact that the characters' stories were "based on or inspired by" stories the author heard from people when she was volunteering in Rwanda. The reader will learn much about the value of keeping an open mind, reconciliation and cake baking."

— Patti (5 out of 5 stars)

Awards

  • Selected for the September 2009 Indie Next List

Baking Cakes in Kigali Listener Reviews

Overall Performance: 3.68 out of 53.68 out of 53.68 out of 53.68 out of 53.68 out of 5 (3.68)
5 Stars: 5
4 Stars: 12
3 Stars: 4
2 Stars: 3
1 Stars: 1
Narration: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 (0.00)
5 Stars: 0
4 Stars: 0
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Story: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 (0.00)
5 Stars: 0
4 Stars: 0
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Write a Review
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " A very weak version of "The #1 Ladies Detective Agency." Although the history of genocide in the area was interesting, I just couldn't warm up to the main character. I've tutored women from that area of Africa and that lured me futher in to the book than I probably would have gone. Ultimately, just couldn't finish it. "

    — Chris, 2/8/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " An emotional story about coming to terms with loss and life. "

    — Donna, 2/3/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Definitely one of my all time favorite books! I only wish that I had read a printed copy rather than an ebook. This one just begs to be read on actual paper. Gorgeously written, weaving tales of heartache with laughter and love. Amazing!!!!! "

    — Kris, 1/22/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " This book is not one I would have picked up, but since it was recommended by a friend, I decided to read it. I'm so glad I did! It is a book that makes a person feel hopeful about humanity. "

    — Linda, 1/4/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " An easy read, this tale is set amidst the aftermath of the Rwandan Genocide and the effects of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Most of the characters are too good to be true and even the bad ones are redeemed but as a vehicle for depicting changing attitudes, it provides food for thought. "

    — Lesley, 12/26/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " A fictional narrative told from the point of view of an independent business woman who sells cakes. Through the female narrator's own family and her customers, the author conveys a heartfelt story about modern Rwanda and the neighboring countries dealing with genocide and the aids epidemic. "

    — Emily, 12/25/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " How is it possible that a book exploring the aftermath of the Rwanda genocide could be uplifting? But it is, and entertaining also. Best novel I have read since The Help. "

    — Denise, 12/11/2013
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Boring, boring, boring - it felt like it ought to be a worthwhile read, but I simply could not finish it, despite giving it three tries... "

    — Angie, 11/6/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " LOVED this book. I was so in love with the main character from beginning to finish. Such a charming read! The condom part- though a titch scandalous, was so stinkin hilarious. I can totally see myself do the same when learning a new language. It's a must-read, for sure. "

    — cassie, 9/21/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Started out a little slow but ended up being a really beautiful story about a very different culture and some wonderful people. Angel's love and wisdom is something for us all to emulate. It was an enjoyable read. "

    — Carla, 5/19/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Loved it. Reminds me of the Alexander McCall Smith books "

    — Jeannette, 4/12/2013
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " not quite what I was hoping for, but interesting. "

    — Holly, 1/16/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " An easy read with lots of short stories. Although they center around Angel, a cake baker, the stories are about the people who buy the cakes and weave stories of Rwanda and the after-effects of the genocide. Such a great story of hope "

    — Angel, 11/17/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Read earlier this year. A light handed touch on some very difficult topics - ethnic labels,international politics and money and surviving genocide in Rwanda-Congo-Burundi. Very pleasant and thought provoking at same time. "

    — Linda, 4/30/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " A very heartwarming story about the human capacity for survival (but be prepared to crave cake!). Thank God my neighbor had great cupcakes at our bookclub discussion, otherwise she may have a riot on her hands. "

    — Diane, 3/29/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " It was an ok story. It picked up as I got into it. Lots of information about Rwanda woven in. Some things just seemed to flow too well and work out too easily. "

    — Sarah, 1/31/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " It is written a lot like "The #1 Ladies Detective Agency" books. "

    — Phoebe, 1/1/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " In my BC Uncon goodie bag, started last night :) As wonderful as Mma Ramotswe :) "

    — Anna, 12/17/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " The plot is simple, but enjoyable. I enjoyed the frankness with which topics like HIV, female cutting and genocide are dealt with. "

    — Ryan, 7/20/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Charming book of hope and redemption amid survivors of genocide, AIDS, poverty, child-soldier conscription,unity and reconciliation, and Western "help" in modern Rwanda. "

    — Nancy, 6/15/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Delightful characters ~ reminiscent of people I met and stories that were shared on my visit to Kigali. Made me want to curl up with an African tea. The stories made me laugh, and made me cry. A great read, especially if you've visited the region. "

    — Teri, 5/18/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " A beautiful story filled with more beautiful stories. Heartwarming and entertaining. "

    — Michelle, 4/19/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " A very heartwarming story about the human capacity for survival (but be prepared to crave cake!). Thank God my neighbor had great cupcakes at our bookclub discussion, otherwise she may have a riot on her hands. "

    — Diane, 4/12/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " Loved this book - similar to The #1 Ladies Detective Agency series but with more substance. "

    — Maggie, 3/29/2011
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5 Narration Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 Story Rating: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5

    " OK, good intertwining of stories and captured feel well, but no literary masterpiece by far. "

    — Michael, 3/21/2011

About Gaile Parkin

Gaile Parkin was born and raised in Zambia and studied at universities in South Africa and England. She has lived in many different parts of Africa, including Rwanda. She spent two years in Rwanda as a volunteer at the new university doing a wide range of work: teaching, mentoring, writing learning materials, working with the campus clinic to counsel students with HIV/AIDS, doing gender advocacy and empowerment work, and counseling female survivors. She is currently a freelance consultant in the fields of education, gender, and HIV/AIDS.

About Adenrele Ojo

Adenrele Ojo is an actress, dancer, and audiobook narrator, winner of over a dozen Earphones Awards and the prestigious Audie Award for best narration in 2018. She made her on-screen debut in My Little Girl, starring Jennifer Lopez, and has since starred in several other films. She has also performed extensively with the Philadelphia Dance Company. As the daughter of John E. Allen, Jr., founder and artistic director of Freedom Theatre, the oldest African American theater in Pennsylvania, is no stranger to the stage. In 2010 she performed in the Fountain Theatre’s production of The Ballad of Emmett Till, which won the 2010 LA Stage Alliance Ovation Award and the Los Angeles Drama Critics Award for Best Ensemble. Other plays include August Wilson’s Jitney and Freedom Theatre’s own Black Nativity, where she played Mary.