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Black Gold: A Novel
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A young model is catapulted from her life in Jamaica to the international world of high fashion in this tender, powerful novel about the distance one woman must travel to find out what it means to be truly free—by the critically acclaimed and award-winning author of Patsy and Here Comes the Sun.
Nestled within Jamaica’s Blue Mountains, Cherry Village has belonged for generations to the Maroons—freed slaves descended from Faye’s ancestor, the legendary Grandy Henrietta. But Faye’s restless nature and independence have always marked her as different, and she dreams of a life beyond the rural coffee-farming community that follows the old ways. When Faye’s mother is forced to sell their ancestral land after falling ill, Faye worries she will be trapped forever.
A chance meeting with a modeling scout offers Faye the opportunity to save her family and pursue the freedom she craves. Her career will take her on a whirlwind journey of luxury and excess, love and adventure, as well as greed and deception. But her success will challenge everything she thought she knew about herself, forcing her to confront a legacy of pain, resilience, and survival that began generations before.
A story of land and river, myth and history, unbreakable hope and generational resilience, interwoven with Jamaican folklore and featuring an unforgettable heroine, Black Gold further establishes Nicole Dennis-Benn as one of the most dynamic voices in contemporary fiction.
Nestled within Jamaica’s Blue Mountains, Cherry Village has belonged for generations to the Maroons—freed slaves descended from Faye’s ancestor, the legendary Grandy Henrietta. But Faye’s restless nature and independence have always marked her as different, and she dreams of a life beyond the rural coffee-farming community that follows the old ways. When Faye’s mother is forced to sell their ancestral land after falling ill, Faye worries she will be trapped forever.
A chance meeting with a modeling scout offers Faye the opportunity to save her family and pursue the freedom she craves. Her career will take her on a whirlwind journey of luxury and excess, love and adventure, as well as greed and deception. But her success will challenge everything she thought she knew about herself, forcing her to confront a legacy of pain, resilience, and survival that began generations before.
A story of land and river, myth and history, unbreakable hope and generational resilience, interwoven with Jamaican folklore and featuring an unforgettable heroine, Black Gold further establishes Nicole Dennis-Benn as one of the most dynamic voices in contemporary fiction.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication January 12, 2027
About the author
Nicole Dennis-Benn
11 books1,198 followersNicole Dennis-Benn is the author of the novels PATSY (June 4, 2019), HERE COMES THE SUN (Liveright, 2016), and BLACK GOLD (Random House, 2027).
HERE COMES THE SUN was a New York Times Editor’s Choice and Notable Book of 2016. Recently, Here Comes the Sun was listed as a New York Times Most Notable Book of the decade. PATSY, her second novel, was a National Bestseller, a Today Show Read with Jenna Book Club Pick and a New York Times Editor’s Choice. Both novels had appeared in over twenty-five “best books of the year” list, which included TIME, Oprah, People, NPR, among others. Nicole was a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle John Leonard Award, the New York Public Library Young Lions Award, The Center for Fiction First Novel Prize, Pen/Faulkner Award in Fiction, and a two-time winner of the Lambda Literary Award Fiction Prize. She was a recipient of the Caribbean Icon Award and a Certificate of Honor from Lincoln Center Theater for her outstanding contribution to literature. Her books have remained as must-reads on various major lists since publication and have been translated into multiple languages. Born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, Dennis-Benn is a graduate of Cornell University and holds a Master of Public Health from the University of Michigan and an MFA in Creative Writing from Sarah Lawrence College. She is a Visiting Associate Professor in Creative Writing at Bryn Mawr College and lives with her wife and their two sons in Brooklyn.
HERE COMES THE SUN was a New York Times Editor’s Choice and Notable Book of 2016. Recently, Here Comes the Sun was listed as a New York Times Most Notable Book of the decade. PATSY, her second novel, was a National Bestseller, a Today Show Read with Jenna Book Club Pick and a New York Times Editor’s Choice. Both novels had appeared in over twenty-five “best books of the year” list, which included TIME, Oprah, People, NPR, among others. Nicole was a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle John Leonard Award, the New York Public Library Young Lions Award, The Center for Fiction First Novel Prize, Pen/Faulkner Award in Fiction, and a two-time winner of the Lambda Literary Award Fiction Prize. She was a recipient of the Caribbean Icon Award and a Certificate of Honor from Lincoln Center Theater for her outstanding contribution to literature. Her books have remained as must-reads on various major lists since publication and have been translated into multiple languages. Born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, Dennis-Benn is a graduate of Cornell University and holds a Master of Public Health from the University of Michigan and an MFA in Creative Writing from Sarah Lawrence College. She is a Visiting Associate Professor in Creative Writing at Bryn Mawr College and lives with her wife and their two sons in Brooklyn.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Nicole Dennis Benn is 3 for 3! She has gone to the well
three times and has come back each time with a bucket overflowing with literary libations that she pours on the readers and we are greatly enriched. And Faye, the protagonist of this captivating novel, will live in your head, just as Patsy did in Ms. Dennis-Benn’s last work.
In descriptive prose, Faye’s growing up in a Maroon community, as a child of coffee farmers, and a descendant of Maroon warriors, one of which is her 3x great-grandmother, who never signed a treaty with the British, as some other Maroon communities did. Well, at least that’s the story implanted in young Faye’s mind. She is raised with this great, resilient history of woman warriors. And as she watches her mother struggle with the coffee farm, Faye dreams of a life away from farming, away from her village. When a modeling agent spots her selling fruits/vegetables in the market and suggests she enter a competition in Kingston, Faye’s dream grows bigger. Though her look is not typical of those who win modeling competitions, she decides to go for it. She doesn’t win, but she remains tethered to the dream that becomes almost a necessity as the farm is crumbling and her mother’s health is failing.
In dynamic and detailed prose Ms. Dennis-Benn, not only takes readers from a lush, vivid rural Jamaica to a bustling NYC, and a vibrant Paris. But she also takes the reader inside Faye’s mind. And as Faye becomes immersed in the sordid world of international modeling, her grandmother Yaya’s admonition haunts her, “Yaya’s voice: “Don’t evah forget who you are, Coobah.’” Coobah is the name bestowed on Faye by birth by Yaya because she reminded her of her own great grandmother and who was a prominent figure in the Maroons rebellion. Ms. Dennis-Benn adroitly blends history and legacy with a contemporary story of one confronting oneself.
Who am I? And who am I becoming? Faye, knowing her powerful history, grapples with these questions as she becomes a literal slave to her benefactor, and sadly sacrifices pieces of herself to the love of lavishness and lasciviousness. It takes Faye’s return to Jamaica for her to fully walk into herself and shed the masks she had used in the previous years to rise to cover girl and first Black face of a major fashion brand. Coobah is home!!
In one glaring dismay for this reader, Kaye’s father is never given a name. Just constantly referred to as Father. Why? Is he so insignificant that naming him isn’t necessary? Is this intentional to ungird the prominence of matriarchy? We are clear on the relationship between Faye and her Mama, but not so much when it comes to no-name Father. That omission wasn’t bright enough to sink my rating, but I still register it as a disappointment.
A great big thanks to NetGalley and Random House for granting me an advanced DRC. Book hits stores Jan. 12, 2027. I’m certain this book will have the long legs necessary to be mentioned late in 2027 as best of lists, and awards season kicks in. Bet on it!
three times and has come back each time with a bucket overflowing with literary libations that she pours on the readers and we are greatly enriched. And Faye, the protagonist of this captivating novel, will live in your head, just as Patsy did in Ms. Dennis-Benn’s last work.
In descriptive prose, Faye’s growing up in a Maroon community, as a child of coffee farmers, and a descendant of Maroon warriors, one of which is her 3x great-grandmother, who never signed a treaty with the British, as some other Maroon communities did. Well, at least that’s the story implanted in young Faye’s mind. She is raised with this great, resilient history of woman warriors. And as she watches her mother struggle with the coffee farm, Faye dreams of a life away from farming, away from her village. When a modeling agent spots her selling fruits/vegetables in the market and suggests she enter a competition in Kingston, Faye’s dream grows bigger. Though her look is not typical of those who win modeling competitions, she decides to go for it. She doesn’t win, but she remains tethered to the dream that becomes almost a necessity as the farm is crumbling and her mother’s health is failing.
In dynamic and detailed prose Ms. Dennis-Benn, not only takes readers from a lush, vivid rural Jamaica to a bustling NYC, and a vibrant Paris. But she also takes the reader inside Faye’s mind. And as Faye becomes immersed in the sordid world of international modeling, her grandmother Yaya’s admonition haunts her, “Yaya’s voice: “Don’t evah forget who you are, Coobah.’” Coobah is the name bestowed on Faye by birth by Yaya because she reminded her of her own great grandmother and who was a prominent figure in the Maroons rebellion. Ms. Dennis-Benn adroitly blends history and legacy with a contemporary story of one confronting oneself.
Who am I? And who am I becoming? Faye, knowing her powerful history, grapples with these questions as she becomes a literal slave to her benefactor, and sadly sacrifices pieces of herself to the love of lavishness and lasciviousness. It takes Faye’s return to Jamaica for her to fully walk into herself and shed the masks she had used in the previous years to rise to cover girl and first Black face of a major fashion brand. Coobah is home!!
In one glaring dismay for this reader, Kaye’s father is never given a name. Just constantly referred to as Father. Why? Is he so insignificant that naming him isn’t necessary? Is this intentional to ungird the prominence of matriarchy? We are clear on the relationship between Faye and her Mama, but not so much when it comes to no-name Father. That omission wasn’t bright enough to sink my rating, but I still register it as a disappointment.
A great big thanks to NetGalley and Random House for granting me an advanced DRC. Book hits stores Jan. 12, 2027. I’m certain this book will have the long legs necessary to be mentioned late in 2027 as best of lists, and awards season kicks in. Bet on it!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
In her third novel, Nicole Dennis-Benn explores the concept of self and freedom through her protagonist, Faye. Born to coffee farmers in Jamaica, Faye is from a long line of matriarchs who belong to the Maroon people of Jamaica. As we learn through this book, the Maroon people have a specific history in that of Jamaica.
Faye is charged with helping her mother make do on her coffee producing farm, until her mother loses the land. Without having realized it, she had been swindled and lost everything. Faye and her sister, Myrtle, try to make do by selling vegetables in the marketplace, to no avail, However, it is there that Faye meets Simon, who tempts her with a modeling career. While unprepared for the life of a model, Faye goes for it and soon finds herself in New York, trying to make herself known. The life of a model is near impossible, and jobs are not plentiful; hence, Faye has to make do by taking other jobs. One day, she is introduced to Francesca, an internationally known French designer and photographer, and Faye signs her life away to this woman. Once living in Paris, Faye becomes Francisca's "Eve," and in so doing, her property. She becomes Francisca's lover and is subject to every whim and desire that Francesca has, including being photographed in compromising positions that are later published without Faye's permission. Although on the cover of Vogue and Elle, Faye soon realizes that she has been used and chooses to return home to be by her dying mother's bedside.
Once back in Jamaica, Faye decides to find out who she really is, and delves into the history and politics of her country, trying to resolve, in particular, how the Maroon people figure in this puzzle. She finds that she needs to reinvent herself, and proceeds to do so, keeping in mind her proud heritage.
I enjoyed this book as much as I enjoyed Dennis-Benn's previous two novels. I especially liked the way that she wove Jamaican history into this story, and I loved Faye, who went through a radial transformation from start to finish.
Many thanks to #Netgalley for this ARC.
Faye is charged with helping her mother make do on her coffee producing farm, until her mother loses the land. Without having realized it, she had been swindled and lost everything. Faye and her sister, Myrtle, try to make do by selling vegetables in the marketplace, to no avail, However, it is there that Faye meets Simon, who tempts her with a modeling career. While unprepared for the life of a model, Faye goes for it and soon finds herself in New York, trying to make herself known. The life of a model is near impossible, and jobs are not plentiful; hence, Faye has to make do by taking other jobs. One day, she is introduced to Francesca, an internationally known French designer and photographer, and Faye signs her life away to this woman. Once living in Paris, Faye becomes Francisca's "Eve," and in so doing, her property. She becomes Francisca's lover and is subject to every whim and desire that Francesca has, including being photographed in compromising positions that are later published without Faye's permission. Although on the cover of Vogue and Elle, Faye soon realizes that she has been used and chooses to return home to be by her dying mother's bedside.
Once back in Jamaica, Faye decides to find out who she really is, and delves into the history and politics of her country, trying to resolve, in particular, how the Maroon people figure in this puzzle. She finds that she needs to reinvent herself, and proceeds to do so, keeping in mind her proud heritage.
I enjoyed this book as much as I enjoyed Dennis-Benn's previous two novels. I especially liked the way that she wove Jamaican history into this story, and I loved Faye, who went through a radial transformation from start to finish.
Many thanks to #Netgalley for this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Unflinching and well brewed… a coming-of-age story we won’t forget
In Nicole Dennis-Benn’s third novel Black Gold we are transported to Cherry Village, in Jamaica’s Blue Mountains, the home of the world-renowned coffee. Cherry Village has been the home of Maroons- freed slaves who fought for their freedom and continue to live off the land for generation. Faye grew up hearing legendary stories about her great Grandmother, Grandy Henrietta a Maroon who fought tirelessly to ensure her bloodline will always be free. Faye, her sister, her mother and Grandmother have been coffee farmers all their lives but things and times are changing. Being a coffee farmer is no longer lucrative, people are selling their land and Faye’s mother held on for as long as she could. In an effort to keep the land in the family Faye and her sister decides to look for work outside of the home, but that does not help. One day, while at the market Faye meets a model scout and that chances the entire trajectory of her life… but at what cost?
Black Gold is a coming of age story with a strong character who you can’t help but cheer for. Rooted in history, culture and coffee, Nicole Dennis- Benn takes us on an unforgettable journey that you won’t soon forget. I think one of the most brilliant part of the book was when Faye left her coffee village for the first time, went away and saw Starbucks, and everything came together for her. This story really reflects the humanity of those who are from hard circumstances and what happens when they choose to dream big and never give up.
One thing Dennis does well is that she writes Jamacia and Jamaicans in such a nuanced way. I thoroughly enjoyed the folklore, but more than that, learning more about the Maroons and coffee.
I cannot wait for more people to read this books!
In Nicole Dennis-Benn’s third novel Black Gold we are transported to Cherry Village, in Jamaica’s Blue Mountains, the home of the world-renowned coffee. Cherry Village has been the home of Maroons- freed slaves who fought for their freedom and continue to live off the land for generation. Faye grew up hearing legendary stories about her great Grandmother, Grandy Henrietta a Maroon who fought tirelessly to ensure her bloodline will always be free. Faye, her sister, her mother and Grandmother have been coffee farmers all their lives but things and times are changing. Being a coffee farmer is no longer lucrative, people are selling their land and Faye’s mother held on for as long as she could. In an effort to keep the land in the family Faye and her sister decides to look for work outside of the home, but that does not help. One day, while at the market Faye meets a model scout and that chances the entire trajectory of her life… but at what cost?
Black Gold is a coming of age story with a strong character who you can’t help but cheer for. Rooted in history, culture and coffee, Nicole Dennis- Benn takes us on an unforgettable journey that you won’t soon forget. I think one of the most brilliant part of the book was when Faye left her coffee village for the first time, went away and saw Starbucks, and everything came together for her. This story really reflects the humanity of those who are from hard circumstances and what happens when they choose to dream big and never give up.
One thing Dennis does well is that she writes Jamacia and Jamaicans in such a nuanced way. I thoroughly enjoyed the folklore, but more than that, learning more about the Maroons and coffee.
I cannot wait for more people to read this books!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and Random House for an ARC of Black Gold by Nicole Dennis-Ben
Release Date: Jan. 12, 2027
Rating: 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Black Gold was my first novel by Nicole Dennis-Benn, and it certainly won’t be my last. I’ve read several books centered on Jamaican culture, but this was the first one that introduced me to the history and resilience of the Maroon people. I found myself so fascinated that I immediately went down the rabbit hole researching their history after I finished the book.
The story follows Faye, a young woman raised on her family’s coffee farm in Jamaica’s Blue Mountains, whose dream of something bigger leads her into the glamorous world of international modeling. While she finds success, she slowly loses herself as she searches for love, acceptance, and belonging in all the wrong places. Watching Faye struggle with her identity, distance herself from her roots, and eventually turn to self-medication to numb her pain was both heartbreaking and realistic.
What I loved most about this novel was that it wasn’t simply about fame, it was about identity, heritage, and the importance of remembering where you come from. It isn’t until Faye returns home that she begins to rediscover herself through the wisdom of her grandmother, Yaya, and the traditions of her Maroon ancestors. Those moments were some of the most powerful in the book.
Nicole Dennis-Benn beautifully weaves together Jamaican history, folklore, family, and generational resilience into a compelling story. If you enjoy literary fiction that explores culture, identity, and the lasting impact of family and heritage, Black Gold is definitely worth picking up.
Release Date: Jan. 12, 2027
Rating: 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Black Gold was my first novel by Nicole Dennis-Benn, and it certainly won’t be my last. I’ve read several books centered on Jamaican culture, but this was the first one that introduced me to the history and resilience of the Maroon people. I found myself so fascinated that I immediately went down the rabbit hole researching their history after I finished the book.
The story follows Faye, a young woman raised on her family’s coffee farm in Jamaica’s Blue Mountains, whose dream of something bigger leads her into the glamorous world of international modeling. While she finds success, she slowly loses herself as she searches for love, acceptance, and belonging in all the wrong places. Watching Faye struggle with her identity, distance herself from her roots, and eventually turn to self-medication to numb her pain was both heartbreaking and realistic.
What I loved most about this novel was that it wasn’t simply about fame, it was about identity, heritage, and the importance of remembering where you come from. It isn’t until Faye returns home that she begins to rediscover herself through the wisdom of her grandmother, Yaya, and the traditions of her Maroon ancestors. Those moments were some of the most powerful in the book.
Nicole Dennis-Benn beautifully weaves together Jamaican history, folklore, family, and generational resilience into a compelling story. If you enjoy literary fiction that explores culture, identity, and the lasting impact of family and heritage, Black Gold is definitely worth picking up.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Nicole Dennis-Benn delivers an incredibly raw and uncompromising story in Black Gold. Set against the vivid, immersive backdrop of Jamaican coffee farms in the Blue Mountains, the novel follows a young woman on a fierce quest to protect her family’s ancestral land and preserve her history.
What begins as a battle for her roots quickly transforms into a grueling, deeply moving journey of self-discovery. Dennis-Benn masterfully explores the dark theme of manipulation, showing how easily a blossoming flower can be controlled and stifled by those with power.
What I Loved:
Unflinching Realism: This story doesn’t shy away from hard truths and harsh realities. The author portrays the emotional and systemic weights of inheritance with brutal, poetic honesty.
Atmospheric Setting: The Jamaican landscape and the culture of the coffee-farming community are woven beautifully into the narrative, making the setting feel like a living character.
Complex Character Growth: Watching the protagonist navigate psychological control while trying to claim her own agency was both painful and deeply empowering.
Black Gold is a brilliant testament to generational resilience and a must-read for anyone who loves rich, character-driven literary fiction. It is a haunting reminder of the lengths we will go to protect our history.
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✨ (3.5 / 5 stars)
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review.
What begins as a battle for her roots quickly transforms into a grueling, deeply moving journey of self-discovery. Dennis-Benn masterfully explores the dark theme of manipulation, showing how easily a blossoming flower can be controlled and stifled by those with power.
What I Loved:
Unflinching Realism: This story doesn’t shy away from hard truths and harsh realities. The author portrays the emotional and systemic weights of inheritance with brutal, poetic honesty.
Atmospheric Setting: The Jamaican landscape and the culture of the coffee-farming community are woven beautifully into the narrative, making the setting feel like a living character.
Complex Character Growth: Watching the protagonist navigate psychological control while trying to claim her own agency was both painful and deeply empowering.
Black Gold is a brilliant testament to generational resilience and a must-read for anyone who loves rich, character-driven literary fiction. It is a haunting reminder of the lengths we will go to protect our history.
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✨ (3.5 / 5 stars)
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
*Black Gold* is an expansive coming-of-age story set across Jamaica, NYC, and Europe. In this novel by critically acclaimed and award-winning author Nicole Dennis-Benn, known for *Patsy* and *Here Comes the Sun*, we follow Coobah/Faye as she grows up on her family's coffee farm in Jamaica. When the land is taken from them, Faye must fight to protect her family, their land, and her own life.
This story focuses on seeking identity, independence, and love. It includes reinvention, social critique, colonization, and underrepresented communities. Like the author's previous writing, she sheds light on real life in Jamaica. Dennis-Benn offers a vivid, emotionally intense portrayal of survival’s costs. She incorporates Jamaican history, folklore, and Patois to fully immerse readers in the setting. Faye is portrayed as both a worker and a sex object, illustrating how black women and their bodies are exploited.
Despite its serious themes, the book is excellent and highly engaging. I recommend it to others. Thanks to Random House and NetGalley for the ARC, provided in exchange for an honest review
This story focuses on seeking identity, independence, and love. It includes reinvention, social critique, colonization, and underrepresented communities. Like the author's previous writing, she sheds light on real life in Jamaica. Dennis-Benn offers a vivid, emotionally intense portrayal of survival’s costs. She incorporates Jamaican history, folklore, and Patois to fully immerse readers in the setting. Faye is portrayed as both a worker and a sex object, illustrating how black women and their bodies are exploited.
Despite its serious themes, the book is excellent and highly engaging. I recommend it to others. Thanks to Random House and NetGalley for the ARC, provided in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Nicole Dennis-Benn, NetGalley, and Random House for the opportunity to read this ARC.
I picked Black Gold because I’ve been wanting to dive deeper into literary fiction, and this was such a beautiful introduction to the genre. I truly enjoyed this story; the writing pulled me in, and I loved seeing the main character confront the weight of her past and begin the difficult process of healing.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
My only reason for not giving this 5 stars was the ending. It felt a little rushed, and I found myself wanting more of her journey once she returned home. I wanted to see more of the messy, complicated process of unlearning what she had been taught, letting go of the past, and figuring out what healing actually looked like for her.
That said, Black Gold gave me exactly what I was hoping for when I decided to branch out into more literary fiction: a story that made me think, feel, and sit with the characters long after turning the page. I’m definitely taking this as a sign that I need to read more books in this genre. 🖤
I picked Black Gold because I’ve been wanting to dive deeper into literary fiction, and this was such a beautiful introduction to the genre. I truly enjoyed this story; the writing pulled me in, and I loved seeing the main character confront the weight of her past and begin the difficult process of healing.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
My only reason for not giving this 5 stars was the ending. It felt a little rushed, and I found myself wanting more of her journey once she returned home. I wanted to see more of the messy, complicated process of unlearning what she had been taught, letting go of the past, and figuring out what healing actually looked like for her.
That said, Black Gold gave me exactly what I was hoping for when I decided to branch out into more literary fiction: a story that made me think, feel, and sit with the characters long after turning the page. I’m definitely taking this as a sign that I need to read more books in this genre. 🖤
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Finished. In St. Kitts. On the beach. Black Gold is top read for my 2026. It will capture your attention and keep you engaged. Faye’s journey is rich with identity, culture, history, belonging, familial relationships, wanting and home. She yearns to leave her village, gets the opportunity to leave, puts her beauty, body, and self respect on the line, only to find out that the world out there is as cruel as her ancestors said it is. On her island there’s the far reaching effects of colonialism but the modeling world she finds is no better. The story teaches about Jamaican Maroon history and myth. The writing is ripe with Jamaican sayings passed down full of meaning. Faye shows us what it means to be tethered to heritage…her journey is enchanting and a story I could not put down.
I expected greatness. And greatness is what I got.
I expected greatness. And greatness is what I got.
July 8, 2026
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Nicole Dennis-Benn’s Black Gold is an immersive narrative about a young Faye who navigates the perilous world of modeling after her family’s tragic loss. Driven by a desire to provide a better life for her loved ones, Faye makes significant sacrifices. However, the story fails to define Faye’s identity beyond her relationships and nationality, leaving me feeling unsatisfied as the journey lacks a clear resolution or payoff.
The author’s captivating descriptive prose, especially when she paints a vivid picture of her native homeland, Jamaica, truly elevates the story. The island is not merely a backdrop but becomes an integral part of the narrative. Dennis-Benn skillfully weaves Jamaican folklore, dialect, and history into the story, creating a rich stew of cultural elements. Furthermore, the lesbian relationships (both communal and sexual) in the story are not one-dimensional. Each one serves as a significant point in the narrator’s life.
While Dennis-Benn paints Jamaica with such vibrant colors and intricate details, she neglects to give the same attention to the protagonist, Faye. As the story’s narrator, Faye never fully steps out of the looming shadow of her homeland and never fully realizes or answers the central question of a coming-of-age story: “Who am I, independent of the adults and systems that raised me?” Furthermore, the story has a plot hole that left me confused—can’t get into it without getting into spoilers.
Despite these shortcomings, Black Gold is a fantastic read for anyone seeking sapphic representation and an exploration of Jamaica’s rich history and challenges.
Nicole Dennis-Benn’s Black Gold is an immersive narrative about a young Faye who navigates the perilous world of modeling after her family’s tragic loss. Driven by a desire to provide a better life for her loved ones, Faye makes significant sacrifices. However, the story fails to define Faye’s identity beyond her relationships and nationality, leaving me feeling unsatisfied as the journey lacks a clear resolution or payoff.
The author’s captivating descriptive prose, especially when she paints a vivid picture of her native homeland, Jamaica, truly elevates the story. The island is not merely a backdrop but becomes an integral part of the narrative. Dennis-Benn skillfully weaves Jamaican folklore, dialect, and history into the story, creating a rich stew of cultural elements. Furthermore, the lesbian relationships (both communal and sexual) in the story are not one-dimensional. Each one serves as a significant point in the narrator’s life.
While Dennis-Benn paints Jamaica with such vibrant colors and intricate details, she neglects to give the same attention to the protagonist, Faye. As the story’s narrator, Faye never fully steps out of the looming shadow of her homeland and never fully realizes or answers the central question of a coming-of-age story: “Who am I, independent of the adults and systems that raised me?” Furthermore, the story has a plot hole that left me confused—can’t get into it without getting into spoilers.
Despite these shortcomings, Black Gold is a fantastic read for anyone seeking sapphic representation and an exploration of Jamaica’s rich history and challenges.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Anything Nicole Dennis-Benn writes is an automatic read for me. I did enjoy reading this book, but I must admit it did not pierce my heart in the same way as Patsy and Here Comes the Sun did. I read those books years ago, and Patsy and Margot continue to live in my head in a way I don't imagine Faye will. One thing I did particularly appreciate about Black Gold, though, is learning about the history of Jamaican Maroons -- something I knew nothing about before picking up this book. It is Faye's family history which I found to be the most meaningful part of the book, and I wish it had taken up more space. I similarly wish her emotional life and complexities had featured more heavily.
Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for the ARC.
Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Black Gold 🖤🇯🇲
I loved how atmospheric this book felt—it truly transported me into the Maroon lands of Jamaica. There is so much history, culture, and political significance woven throughout this story.
The main character arc energy is HUGE. We journey with her from a small town in Jamaica to the world of modeling, but what stayed with me most was how far she had to travel—both literally and figuratively—just to come back to herself.
Reading Black Gold also immediately made me want to follow it up with Grace Jones’ memoir, which feels like the perfect companion read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for providing me with an eARC for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
📖 Expected publication: January 12, 2027
I loved how atmospheric this book felt—it truly transported me into the Maroon lands of Jamaica. There is so much history, culture, and political significance woven throughout this story.
The main character arc energy is HUGE. We journey with her from a small town in Jamaica to the world of modeling, but what stayed with me most was how far she had to travel—both literally and figuratively—just to come back to herself.
Reading Black Gold also immediately made me want to follow it up with Grace Jones’ memoir, which feels like the perfect companion read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for providing me with an eARC for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
📖 Expected publication: January 12, 2027
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher!
I previously read Patsy by the author and found a lot of similarities between her characters and my Jamaican relatives. Black Gold also had characters that felt familiar, but a totally different story. This time, I got to learn about the maroons, and their complicated past (and present) in the country. The modeling industry aspect of the story was so sad and discouraging, but felt real. The main character's mommy issues threaten to ruin her life, as she grows in fame, living a seemingly lavish life in Paris as a muse. There's a beautiful love story between the main character and her best friend. Without giving away anything lol, I really liked the ending.
I previously read Patsy by the author and found a lot of similarities between her characters and my Jamaican relatives. Black Gold also had characters that felt familiar, but a totally different story. This time, I got to learn about the maroons, and their complicated past (and present) in the country. The modeling industry aspect of the story was so sad and discouraging, but felt real. The main character's mommy issues threaten to ruin her life, as she grows in fame, living a seemingly lavish life in Paris as a muse. There's a beautiful love story between the main character and her best friend. Without giving away anything lol, I really liked the ending.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Black Gold wasn’t the easiest book to get through, but I’m glad I stuck with it. The story is rich and beautifully written, and I loved how vividly Jamaica came to life on the page. Faye’s journey felt honest and emotional, and while the pacing was slower than I usually like, the characters and themes made it worthwhile. It’s the kind of book that makes you think about identity, family, and the sacrifices people make to build a different life. Definitely a memorable read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I’ll be honest. I took me a while to get through this book. I kept putting it down then picking it up. I finally said let’s push through. I’m happy I did. Reading made me feel like I was there watching everything unfold. I definitely had moments where I reflected on identity, culture, history and just the harsh truth of realities. I would recommend this book. Can’t wait to buy the physical copy.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me an advance copy.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me an advance copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Nicole Dennis-Benn once again proves why she is such a powerful storyteller. The writing is vivid, atmospheric, and deeply engrossing. The characters are beautifully crafted, and the story explores meaningful themes with care and nuance. This was an unforgettable reading experience that stayed with me long after I finished. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Captivating story, hard to put down.
August 24, 2026
I know it's early, but this is already one of my favourite reads of 2027.
This book follows Faye, a young woman from a Maroon community in Jamaica's Blue Mountains whose world is turned upside down when she's discovered and thrust into the international modelling industry.
Watching her navigate New York and Paris was fascinating because she's gone from this quiet, sheltered life in the mountains to industries and cities that demand a completely different version of her. So yes, she makes some questionable choices, but I never judged her because she was experiencing a world she'd never been prepared for.
What I loved most, though, was how the novel explores the burden of expectation and the pressures we put on ourselves. It also lead to me questioning the myths (or is it facts) we've inherited about Maroon history versus what's actually documented, and as a Jamaican that aspect was particularly eye opening.
This is one of those books that entertains you but also quietly challenges the stories we tell ourselves, about our history, our identity, and even whether we're the hero of our own story... or the villain.
Add this one to your TBR.
This book follows Faye, a young woman from a Maroon community in Jamaica's Blue Mountains whose world is turned upside down when she's discovered and thrust into the international modelling industry.
Watching her navigate New York and Paris was fascinating because she's gone from this quiet, sheltered life in the mountains to industries and cities that demand a completely different version of her. So yes, she makes some questionable choices, but I never judged her because she was experiencing a world she'd never been prepared for.
What I loved most, though, was how the novel explores the burden of expectation and the pressures we put on ourselves. It also lead to me questioning the myths (or is it facts) we've inherited about Maroon history versus what's actually documented, and as a Jamaican that aspect was particularly eye opening.
This is one of those books that entertains you but also quietly challenges the stories we tell ourselves, about our history, our identity, and even whether we're the hero of our own story... or the villain.
Add this one to your TBR.
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