Baking Cakes in Kigali (2009) (edit title/settings)

• Rated 5 stars

“Enjoyed this as much as any book about Ma Ramotswe. Check our the GUide to Bird of East Africa too for another happy African voice.”

• Rated 4 stars

“Such a good snapshot of day-to-day life in modern day Rwanda. ”

• Rated 3 stars

“enjoyable”

• Rated 3 stars

“Set in modern day Rwanda - there are references to the virus (AIDS) and genocide. The main character, Angel, reminds me of #1 Ladies' Detective Agency main character, except she bakes cakes. People come in to order cakes for special occasions, but in the process share secrets and problems with her. Angel and her husband are raising their 5 grandchildren because both of their children have died. A nice look at another culture. ”

• Rated 3 stars

“Very light reading. Good view into everyday life in Rwanda today.”

• Rated 3 stars

“So far, the comparison to Macall-Smith is a decent one. A very decent character and situation, although no real plot. ”

• Rated 4 stars

“Angles kitchen is a place for secrets, friendships, and a good sip of tea. People pass through the doors expecting only to purchase a cake for a special occasion, but they leave with much more. Hope and compassion are part of a well decorated treat. It is a fun book with hard topics of everyday life”

• Rated 5 stars

“Baking Cakes in Kigali was a book that was both uplifting and sad. The story gave me a feel for the kind of pain that is happening in other, less fortunate parts of the world. The lead character, Angel, is wonderful and I enjoyed watching her thought processes evolve as she had to deal with ethical and moral issues, caring for those around her, and addressing her own family's personal tragedy.”

• Rated 4 stars

“This book is great as a novel and also as a resource for African culture and Rwandan recent history. The author incorporates stories she's heard from Rwadans into the novel. It isn't depressing, though, and ends happily.”