Reviews with content warning for Rape - My Sister, the Serial Killer

Reviews tagging 'Rape'

My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite

12 reviews

aeleis's review against another edition

adventurous dark funny tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

I picked this book up and was genuinely stunned (what turned out to be a few hours later) to realize I'd come to the last page without putting it down. The detail so deftly packed into such few words is really impressive (and Braithwaite's an addictive writer to boot)
Definitely involves some dark topics, so tread carefully if you're sensitive to those - but they're not gratuitous or insensitively handled.

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rob's review against another edition

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dark fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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gerikrempa1's review against another edition

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challenging dark medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Disturbing.
Audio book was ok a little hard to understand sometimes as narrator read in native slang language

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ahhhreadzombiez's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

This book hmm… I got through it very fast (in two days, really) but does that mean I enjoyed it? Well, not exactly. I didn’t enjoy the characters; it’s very hard to read a book when you don’t like a single character in it. And I can’t help but feel I continued to read it because I wanted to just see it through to the end and hope, just really hope that the characters would have some type of development that would make them just a tad bit enjoyable. It was just a tragic story with what felt like no real point. I wish I liked this more, but it just… didn’t do it for me.

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thatenbyisisreads's review against another edition

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challenging dark funny mysterious reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Although, I didn't understand the dynamic between Korede and Ayoola, the ending helped me to understand their relationship more. After everything that they had gone through with their father, it only makes sense why Korede would hold herself to that responsibility of protecting her younger sister no matter what. Even if that cost her the loss of her former crush. Overall, as much as I would liked a more dramatic ending, it still made sense for it to end the way that it did.

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nojerama's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny sad tense fast-paced

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

4.5

Wow this book moved at breakneck speed I literally read it in one day. Absolutely gripping and so much of Korede's feelings towards her sister and other women in her life resonated with me so much. Absolutely loved it.

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islesbiyana's review against another edition

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dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.25

“Ayoola needs me; she needs me more than I need untainted hands.”

Rating — 2.5 stars ★★★☆☆
Representation — Nigerian main and side characters
TW/CWs — Murder, Stabbing, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Cheating, Pedophilia, Implied rape

In spite of the intrigue that the title, premise, and opening provide altogether, the overall consensus for Braithwaite's novella is that it's less of a tension-filled thriller, and more of a straightforward anecdote on sisterhood. The presumption that we could be following Korede's attempts in preventing Ayoola from killing each of her boyfriends under a Dark Comedy-esque tone was what made this one of my most anticipated reads. Unfortunately, we didn't get that, even the satirical humor flew over my head. We're left just as confused as Korede on her sister's motives with only vague implications; I was under the impression that those men were abusive pricks, however, whether on purpose or not, that was left undetailed. We really only focus on two particular guys, but I'm still left unsure on why one of them had such an impact on Korede's conscience. Meanwhile, the other's presence as an obstacle between the sisters felt a bit too… trivial. I feel like we didn't need too much of the love triangle's dramatics. Especially when the guy was quite dull and callous. I did enjoy this particular exchange, where Korede questions his love for her sister—not as a jealous admirer, but a concerned sister and colleague:

“Tade…what do you like about my sister?”

“Everything.”
“But if you had to be specific.”

“Well…she is…she is really special.”
“Okay…but what makes her special?”

“She is just so…I mean, she is beautiful and perfect. I’ve never wanted to be with someone this much.”

I rub my forehead with my fingers. He fails to point out the fact that she laughs at the silliest things and never holds a grudge. He hasn’t mentioned how quick she is to cheat at games or that she can hemstitch a skirt without even looking at her fingers. He doesn’t know her best features or her…darkest secrets. And he doesn’t seem to care.

I can still verify that My Sister, the Serial Killer is a worthwhile pick, especially if you're looking for a fast-paced and easily consumable read. While I had hoped for more complexities and development within the characters, I supposed their dynamic could have a much stronger impact on anyone with sisters, possibly with a similar relationship as Korede and Ayoola's. Just keep in mind that this is moreso a tale about protecting and prioritizing biological family above all than a crime thriller brimmed with chaos.

Overall, a story that holds so much promise, only for the final product to offer unsatisfactory and jejune results, and still, Braithwaite manages to keep you engaged with their accessible, candid writing and solid narrative. Looking forward to seeing their growth from their debut.