Reviews

Yinka, Where is Your Huzband? by Lizzie Damilola Blackburn

nerdynatreads's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective slow-paced

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

3.5

 
I realize the irony in having picked up this book after hearing it likened to Bridget Jones' Diary when I’ve never actually read/watched Bridget Jones, but this seems pretty true to it from my basic knowledge, though modernized and with a Nigerian twist. I wouldn’t quite say I enjoyed this book a lot of the time because Yinka became almost painful to watch, but I was also oddly invested, curious to figure out what would officially tip her too far and who would pull her back from the edge.

This was a really solid character study, watching Yinka falling into this obsession with finding love and how it changes so much of her life, her relationships with friends and family, her body image, her priorities. As I said, it wasn’t enjoyable a lot of the time because she’s so frustrating, but it was like a car crash where I just couldn’t look away. It wrapped up in a satisfying way and I was glad there was a lot of positivity around therapy. I did have a hard time getting invested in any of the possible romances because I was hoping for Yinka to focus on herself, but at least the final one seemed the healthiest. 

gills_2022's review against another edition

hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

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

4.0

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