The Memory Cake
The Memory Cake by Caroline L. Perry, published by Candlewick Press on June 3, 2025, is a 40-page picture book that explores themes of family and history through the lens of a Maltese grandmother and her granddaughter. While baking a special cake together, the grandmother shares her memories of survival and hope during World War II, particularly focusing on the experiences of living under siege in Malta. This narrative intertwines personal and historical elements, offering a glimpse into the grandmother’s past and the significance of their baking tradition.
Readers will find a touching portrayal of multigenerational relationships as the young girl learns about her family’s history and the resilience that shaped her grandmother’s life. The story highlights the importance of sharing memories, even the challenging ones, and celebrates the enduring traditions of Malta. Additionally, the book includes a note from the author detailing her inspiration from her own Maltese grandmother, along with a recipe for the memory cake, further enriching the connection between the narrative and real-life experiences.
Official synopsis Publisher
While baking a special cake with her granddaughter, a Maltese grandmother revisits her memories of survival, hope, and life under siege during World War II.
Every year, a young girl visits her Nanna on the tiny Mediterranean isle of Malta, and together they bake a cake. As they mix, stir and ice their chocolate confection, Nanna explains why the cake is so special: when she was a girl, she made it to celebrate the end of a WWII bombing campaign against her small country.
As they talk, Nanna looks back on the layers of her life: the underground shelters, the bombs, the hunger—and the hope that helped her through her hardest times. Her granddaughter learns about Malta’s enduring traditions, her family history—and her grandmother’s recipe for happiness.
Sharing the little-known history of the ‘Siege of Malta,’ this gentle picture book celebrates all who dream of peaceful futures during times of war and uncertainty, and encourages readers to share family stories and memories—even the difficult ones.
A note in the back shares the author’s inspiration from her visits to her own Maltese Nanna and the real history of the of ‘Siege of Malta’, along with a recipe for Nanna’s memory cake.
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