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A review by travelseatsreads
Wahala by Nikki May
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I requested Wahala as I was immediately drawn to the cover which is so striking and colourful and I honestly feel that this translated through to the book itself. Wahala is a bright vibrant story of 3 Anglo- Nigerian friends and their everyday lives in London. The book bring us through the trials and tribulations of the lives of Ronke, Boo and Simi and we see how they deal with the everyday dramas of relationships, motherhood, family drama and of course friendship.
The first 85% of the book is an enjoyable slow burning but drama filled women's fiction style story so I can kind of see the comparisons to Sex and the City in the marketing. These 3 girls are out living their best lives while negotiating their home lives in what seems to be a perfect balance. Until....
Cut to the last 15% of the book and hold on to your seats this ride is going to get bumpy. While throughout the book there was a simmering tension and you could certainly feel things weren't quite right, the twist and turns that come in the last section of the book are absolutely gripping.
The characters within the book are each 3 very clear individuals and it's great to see that shown from the classic married with kids to the girl who isn't too sure if she even wants kids. The book oozes with personality and vibrancy in every way. I especially loved the insight and glimpses it gave to traditional Nigerian culture but also to how these have adapted over time as people have moved about. The constant mentions of the food had my tummy rumbling throughout. I think it would have been amazing if there was a little glossary of the Nigerian terms at the back to save putting the book down and googling each time a new one popped up.
Overall I really enjoyed this book, I probably would have preferred a little bit more action earlier on but that's just me. A must read think, Big Little Lies with a seasoning of My Sister, The Serial Killer.
The first 85% of the book is an enjoyable slow burning but drama filled women's fiction style story so I can kind of see the comparisons to Sex and the City in the marketing. These 3 girls are out living their best lives while negotiating their home lives in what seems to be a perfect balance. Until....
Cut to the last 15% of the book and hold on to your seats this ride is going to get bumpy. While throughout the book there was a simmering tension and you could certainly feel things weren't quite right, the twist and turns that come in the last section of the book are absolutely gripping.
The characters within the book are each 3 very clear individuals and it's great to see that shown from the classic married with kids to the girl who isn't too sure if she even wants kids. The book oozes with personality and vibrancy in every way. I especially loved the insight and glimpses it gave to traditional Nigerian culture but also to how these have adapted over time as people have moved about. The constant mentions of the food had my tummy rumbling throughout. I think it would have been amazing if there was a little glossary of the Nigerian terms at the back to save putting the book down and googling each time a new one popped up.
Overall I really enjoyed this book, I probably would have preferred a little bit more action earlier on but that's just me. A must read think, Big Little Lies with a seasoning of My Sister, The Serial Killer.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Toxic friendship, and Alcohol
Moderate: Death of parent and Pregnancy
Minor: Body shaming, Grief, Stalking, and Abortion