My sister the serial killer12/8/2023 ![]() ![]() In terms of Nigerian authors we hear a lot about the Chimanada and the Chinua Agebes of the literary world. Then again, there isn’t much opportunity to provide such a description because the book has limited settings - Korede pretty much spends her time following her sister or going between work and home, so the settings quickly become familiar.Īll of this said, I enjoyed Oyinkan Braithwaite’s style of writing: simple and easy to follow with pinches of humour dotted in the storyline. Maybe my expectation stems from the fact I am a Western reader who struggles to connect to places, like Nigeria, where I have never lived or even visited before. To know what I’m talking about all you have to do is read a book like The Kite Runner where the description is so elaborate that you feel as if you have literally been transported to Kabul, Pakistan. The bustling markets, chaotic traffic-jammed roads and the charismatic street hawkers selling anything imaginable. I wanted to read more about the sights, smells and sounds that are linked to Korode’s surroundings and Lagos in general. ![]() From her presence we can deduce Korode likely comes from quite a wealthy family (middle-upper class.) Yet, I couldn’t help feeling like I wanted more sensory description. The house girl is never referred to by name - an indication perhaps of her lowly status, as house girls usually come from lower-class backgrounds. For example, Korode records many interactions with her family’s house girl - in Nigerian/ African households this is typically a live-in member of staff hired to maintain the house and do chores such cooking meals. I very much enjoyed that this novel took place against a Nigerian backdrop-from character names to interactions with family and the police Nigeria culture was seeped in throughout. ![]() She always claimed they were self-defence but the narrative leaves much room for doubt - perhaps she is just a cold-blooded murderer. Something that was left quite vague was Ayoola’s intentions behind the murders of her boyfriends. Having a girlfriend or two she could confide in would have perhaps made things interesting and provided opportunities to reveal other sides to her character. It’s not a criticism per se but I do wish Korede’s character was fleshed out a bit more-she doesn’t seem to have much of a life of her own since she’s always worried about her sister. Although for the reader this character mix is what makes Ayoola intriguing to know, it’s also these very characteristics that make Korede feel she has to be very protective of her. Through her eyes we see Ayoola is actually the chalk to her cheese-someone who is more accurately described as naive, impulsive, and easy-going. The protagonist, Korede isn’t the most likeable of people but she seems reliable and streetwise, someone who makes you feel the narration is in safe hands. ![]()
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