A review by sheilareads_
Yinka, Where Is Your Huzband? by Lizzie Damilola Blackburn

3.0

“I realize how much less of an effort it is to be my authentic self, as opposed to trying to be someone else”.

The novel had a lot of redeeming qualities, and I really liked how Blackburn highlighted topics such as amatonormativity, religion, colorism, mother-daughter relationships, female dynamics, and family/cultural/societal expectations.

The way these problems are framed in the novel is nuanced. The reader understands/ sympathizes with Yinka (and other characters)as they attempt to navigate the challenges brought on by these topics.

I really liked the beginning of the book. The middle section became monotonous, and then a new male character appeared out of nowhere. I wish Blackburn had spent more time gradually introducing us to him.

Yinka's pathological lying gets her into a lot of trouble. This trope became tiresome very quickly. I know the book is about Yinka finding a huzband, but I thought it was too tunnel-visioned at times. Every time I turned the page, Yinka was still yapping about the same man, bruh.

The book is endearing and there are moments of humor as well as moments where Yinka is really introspective. I don’t mind predictable endings, but I also want to feel as though I learned something from spending time with the characters. I want to miss the characters after finishing a book. In all honesty, I won't miss Yinka and her crew.