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A review by bookedupandbusy
Wahala by Nikki May
3.0
3.5 stars.
The book is messy, in a good way. If you like reality TV filled with drama, this is the book to read. It has its flaws, but it is entertaining. Don’t judge it too seriously, that was my approach.
I loved the strong portrayal of Nigerian culture in London, from the descriptions of food, fashion, to cultural traditions and expectations. The main characters being mixed race is very poignant to the story. There is an exploration of colourism and I sensed that the characters felt privileged being bi-racial but I think the author does well in explaining where this privilege is rooted from.
All of the characters really embraced their heritage (I loved Ronke’s passion for food) except Boo, who had no knowledge of her heritage. I found her chapters hard to read at times as she came across as ignorant but I respected the contrasts in their upbringing being displayed. We see a change in their personalities especially when Isobel, a new friend brings Wahala (trouble) to the group.
The Friendship dynamics: All of the women are flawed. They judged each other and spoke behind each other’s backs when it came to status, husbands and partners but never looked at the trouble they themselves were causing to others.
The book is messy, in a good way. If you like reality TV filled with drama, this is the book to read. It has its flaws, but it is entertaining. Don’t judge it too seriously, that was my approach.
I loved the strong portrayal of Nigerian culture in London, from the descriptions of food, fashion, to cultural traditions and expectations. The main characters being mixed race is very poignant to the story. There is an exploration of colourism and I sensed that the characters felt privileged being bi-racial but I think the author does well in explaining where this privilege is rooted from.
All of the characters really embraced their heritage (I loved Ronke’s passion for food) except Boo, who had no knowledge of her heritage. I found her chapters hard to read at times as she came across as ignorant but I respected the contrasts in their upbringing being displayed. We see a change in their personalities especially when Isobel, a new friend brings Wahala (trouble) to the group.
The Friendship dynamics: All of the women are flawed. They judged each other and spoke behind each other’s backs when it came to status, husbands and partners but never looked at the trouble they themselves were causing to others.