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A review by padi390
My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Firstly, I haven't read a Nigerian book I felt as connected to as this one. As a Nigerian, born and bred, the setting took me back home. I could almost smell the food as It was described and the Yoruba took me back to the markets with my mum. As much as I liked the setting the only critique I have about it is that didn't feel like Lagos at times. The hustle and bustle of Lagos is something else, where it feels like no matter where you go there are just too many people and it didn't always feel like that when reading. But I suppose that was because things always happened either in their house or at the hospital.
As an older sister myself, this was a very apt (but exaggerated) way of describing what it is like being the eldest. Your siblings can do no wrong. Their messes are your fault. If they do something bad why didn't you teach them better, why weren't you there for them? You are supposed to be the confidant, the teacher, the help. You are supposed to be extraordinary so they can be ordinary.
I would have loved it if the author had gone into more detail with some of the relationships. Such as that between Korede and her mum. I honestly wouldn't have minded if the book was longer so we could further explore some of the relationships.
As an older sister myself, this was a very apt (but exaggerated) way of describing what it is like being the eldest. Your siblings can do no wrong. Their messes are your fault. If they do something bad why didn't you teach them better, why weren't you there for them? You are supposed to be the confidant, the teacher, the help. You are supposed to be extraordinary so they can be ordinary.
I would have loved it if the author had gone into more detail with some of the relationships. Such as that between Korede and her mum. I honestly wouldn't have minded if the book was longer so we could further explore some of the relationships.
The man smiles. I smile back
I don't really believe this is a spoiler, but if it is I'm sorry. This line I had to sit with for a bit because it showcased what I feel a lot of the time. It is a never-ending cycle being the oldest sibling and it gets to the point where you just have to smile and bear it because what can you do but be there for them? Even if at times it is to our detriment.
The ending wasn't as punchy as I hoped and I think fell flat. For a book that was fast-paced and packed with big emotions I just wish there had been something more. Don't ask me what but that was what I got from it.
A very solid 3.5, maybe 3.75⭐. I would like to read other works from this author.
The ending wasn't as punchy as I hoped and I think fell flat. For a book that was fast-paced and packed with big emotions I just wish there had been something more. Don't ask me what but that was what I got from it.
A very solid 3.5, maybe 3.75⭐. I would like to read other works from this author.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Domestic abuse, Gore, Death of parent, and Murder