Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch pan.

Mix raisins, water, brown sugar, and shortening in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and boil for 3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.

Combine flour, cinnamon, baking soda, nutmeg, cloves, and salt in a large bowl. When raisin mixture is cool, add to dry ingredients and mix well to combine.

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 or 40 minutes. Do not overbake or it will be too dry. Test after 30 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center of the cake should come out clean.