A review by bonnie9595
Wahala by Nikki May

adventurous emotional funny mysterious tense fast-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

4.0

This is a really fab book, but it isn't the book it is marketed as - unless you have a very different interpretation of SATC from me. The characters feel very real; sometimes, when an author writes in multiple voices, they can start to feel samey, but I thought each of the 3 girls was consistent and convincing. I also really enjoyed the unfolding of the drama! I was raised on crime so I look for twists where there often aren't any, but there is plenty to unravel here. The multiple narratives also help to create suspense, and it is quite gratifying to be able to see different perspectives on the same event.

What I didn't like:
The end feels almost abrupt - I could have used another 100 pages to flesh it out. The main characters arcs are wrapped up, but it feels a bit superficial; you don't get the satisfaction of seeing their conflicts resolve, and so it feels a bit unsatisfying. Some of the characters get more than they deserve, and others less, which is a bit frustrating as a reader, but I do think if given longer to digest the events of the climax and the ensuing carnage it would have been more palatable. Also, the fatphobia towards Ronke, who I think at one point is said to be a size 14 was a bit off-putting - the way her friends talked about her was so unkind in a way that made me really dislike them.

Very excited to see the TV adaptation and to see if they expand on anything! 
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