"Gingerbread" is a novel by British author Helen Oyeyemi, published in 2019. The book follows the story of three generations of women in a family of British immigrants living in the fictional country of Druhástrana.
The novel centers on the character of Perdita Lee, a British schoolgirl of Druhástranian descent who tells the story of her family and their unusual relationship to gingerbread. The Lee family has a secret recipe for gingerbread that has been passed down through generations, and is considered to be almost magical in its power to bring people together and heal their wounds.
As Perdita delves into her family's history, she uncovers a web of secrets and lies that have been kept hidden for decades. She learns about her mother Harriet's childhood in Druhástrana and the strange circumstances that led her to meet Perdita's father, and discovers the truth behind her grandmother Margot's mysterious disappearance years earlier.
Through a mixture of magical realism, folklore, and feminist themes, Oyeyemi explores the ways in which the stories we tell ourselves and our families shape our lives and identities. She also delves into issues of race, class, and cultural identity, as the characters navigate their place in a society that values conformity and sameness.
Overall, "Gingerbread" is a richly layered and intricately crafted novel that combines elements of fairy tale, family saga, and political satire. Oyeyemi's writing is poetic and evocative, creating a vivid and enchanting world that is both strange and familiar. The novel is a masterful exploration of the power of storytelling, and a testament to the enduring importance of family and tradition.
0