Sweetness in the Skin

The heroine of Sweetness in the Skin is Pumkin Patterson, a thirteen-year-old girl living in Kingston, Jamaica, with her grandmother, her aunt, and her mother (who is not often there). Her father is out of the picture – at least in the beginning of the book. Explore the theme of family dynamics in the book. How do relationships within Pumkin’s family contribute to the plot and character development?

Booklist said about the book: “Robinson’s debut explores a variety of themes, including colorism, generational trauma, class, and ambition, through the eyes of plucky Pumkin, who is wise beyond her years.” How does the author, Ishi Robinson, portray the challenges associated with these realities, and how they affect Pumkin and her family?

Discuss the significance of the book’s title. How is this phrase reflected in the story?

This novel explores a side of Jamaica that most people aren’t familiar with if they’ve only been there on a beach holiday. Discuss what you learn about the way these characters live versus the fantasy of the Caribbean.

Examine the relationship between Pumkin and her Aunt Sophie. How do Sophie’s dreams and goals influence and shape Pumkin’s own aspirations and self-perception?

Discuss the significance of Pumkin’s baking venture and how it propels her forward toward happiness.

Examine Pumkin’s friendship with her schoolmate Tamara, whose family is much wealthier than Pumkin’s. How does this relationship impact Pumkin’s journey?

How does the character of Miss Smith, Pumpkin’s French teacher, affect Pumkin’s life?

The two men in Pumkin’s life are polar opposites: her father, conniving and opportunistic, and Boots, supportive and kind. What impact does her relationship with each man have on Pumkin, and how does the character of Boots act as a foil against that of Pumkin’s father?

Getting to France, and in particular Paris, is represented as an endgame for both Sophie and Pumkin. France is a way to get out of poverty and become worldly and self-actualized. Discuss how both characters get there and how they feel once they are there.

Food plays a major role in this novel. From the pastries and breads that Pumkin makes and sells, to savory dishes, and how all of the characters in the book feel about food – there’s so much to do with eating, cooking, and reminiscing about that favorite morsel, and eating for pleasure versus mere sustenance. Explore how one’s own cultural foodways can impact one’s life. Discuss other literary works where food plays a starring role (for example Blake Cake, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, Like Water for Chocolate).

Women of all generations are the powerhouses in this novel. Delve into the strong female characters in the novel and how they influence and shape Pumkin’s emotional and personal growth.

Reflect on the book’s ending. How does it conclude Pumkin’s journey and what does it suggest about her future?