Preheat oven to 325F/163C. Grease and flour two round nine-inch cake pans or two loaf pans.

Bring water, raisins, sugar, and shortening to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat and simmer until raisins are plump, about five minutes.

Whisk flour, cloves, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda in a bowl. Stir flour mixture into raisin mixture until well combined and pour into prepared baking pans.

Bake for about an hour or until a toothpick inserted near the centre comes out clean.