Reviews

Yinka, Where is Your Huzband? by Lizzie Damilola Blackburn

midnight_toker's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Confidence boosting book

shancarr's review against another edition

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

nesspadfield's review against another edition

funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Loved it. Even though I don't have the same familial pressures, I felt like I could relate to Yinka a lot. 

ojeda87's review against another edition

emotional inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

melodys_library's review against another edition

3.0

This was neither romantic nor comedic. It’s a stretch to label it coming of age because the protagonist was 31. I so wanted to adore Yinka, but I didn’t feel too much for her.
Likes: Representation, lessons on self-love. Colorism is real.
Dislikes: The climax happened too late and resolved very quickly

recycledwords's review against another edition

funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

This worked brilliantly as an audiobook, it'  first person narrated and follows a chronological timeline. Yinka is a relatable protagonist, struggling with the pressures of being both single and unhappy in her current career. The remaining cast of characters help act as vehicles for themes such as changing friendships and family life.
This wasn't an outstanding read for me but I enjoyed it and would definitely give other books by Blackburn a go in future.

akmickler16's review against another edition

4.0

A funny, refreshing, and quick read. More of a rom-com, with cultural and familial expectations at the forefront.

the_suze's review against another edition

funny hopeful lighthearted reflective

3.75

uhnaisja's review against another edition

funny lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

sheilareads_'s review against another edition

3.0

“I realize how much less of an effort it is to be my authentic self, as opposed to trying to be someone else”.

The novel had a lot of redeeming qualities, and I really liked how Blackburn highlighted topics such as amatonormativity, religion, colorism, mother-daughter relationships, female dynamics, and family/cultural/societal expectations.

The way these problems are framed in the novel is nuanced. The reader understands/ sympathizes with Yinka (and other characters)as they attempt to navigate the challenges brought on by these topics.

I really liked the beginning of the book. The middle section became monotonous, and then a new male character appeared out of nowhere. I wish Blackburn had spent more time gradually introducing us to him.

Yinka's pathological lying gets her into a lot of trouble. This trope became tiresome very quickly. I know the book is about Yinka finding a huzband, but I thought it was too tunnel-visioned at times. Every time I turned the page, Yinka was still yapping about the same man, bruh.

The book is endearing and there are moments of humor as well as moments where Yinka is really introspective. I don’t mind predictable endings, but I also want to feel as though I learned something from spending time with the characters. I want to miss the characters after finishing a book. In all honesty, I won't miss Yinka and her crew.