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A review by stephhamp
My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite
dark
emotional
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I got through this book in 2 days.
It's truly a lesson in extreme eldest daughter syndrome. It's also a great case study of how two sisters deal with the trauma left by their abusive father and childhoods. One sister becomes a man attention seeker, and killer of those men. Men who are like her father. She can't be completely loved and committed to one man, yet constantly seeks their attention and validation. The eldest sister feels she has to protect her baby sister no matter the circumstances. It's a horrible pressure that cultures put on eldest daughters and this Nigerian culture where reputation is crucial. Both sisters can never learn until the other drastically changes their behavior, yet both are too afraid and codependent to do so. This stems from trauma. Both sisters have a level of insanity. One shows in the men she murders, and the other in the constant covering up and coddling. She knows her sister is guilty but she cannot truly admit to herself. And you have to be a little crazy to be so complicit in aiding and abetting like this.
It's truly a great satire on culture, love, sisterhood, and so much more. I cannot wait to read more from this author.
It's truly a lesson in extreme eldest daughter syndrome. It's also a great case study of how two sisters deal with the trauma left by their abusive father and childhoods. One sister becomes a man attention seeker, and killer of those men. Men who are like her father. She can't be completely loved and committed to one man, yet constantly seeks their attention and validation. The eldest sister feels she has to protect her baby sister no matter the circumstances. It's a horrible pressure that cultures put on eldest daughters and this Nigerian culture where reputation is crucial. Both sisters can never learn until the other drastically changes their behavior, yet both are too afraid and codependent to do so. This stems from trauma. Both sisters have a level of insanity. One shows in the men she murders, and the other in the constant covering up and coddling. She knows her sister is guilty but she cannot truly admit to herself. And you have to be a little crazy to be so complicit in aiding and abetting like this.
It's truly a great satire on culture, love, sisterhood, and so much more. I cannot wait to read more from this author.
Content Warnings
Minor: Violence and Injury/Injury detail