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Book Review: My Sister, The Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite



Book: My Sister, the Serial Killer

Author: Oyinkan Braithwaite

Pages: 240

Read on: Kindle

Read in: 2 hours

Plot Summary: When Korede's dinner is interrupted one night by a distress call from her sister, Ayoola, she knows what's expected of her: bleach, rubber gloves, nerves of steel and a strong stomach. This'll be the third boyfriend Ayoola's dispatched in, quote, self-defence and the third mess that her lethal little sibling has left Korede to clear away. She should probably go to the police for the good of the menfolk of Nigeria, but she loves her sister and, as they say, family always comes first. 

Until, that is, Ayoola starts dating the doctor where Korede works as a nurse. Korede's long been in love with him, and isn't prepared to see him wind up with a knife in his back: but to save one would mean sacrificing the other.

Things I Liked: 

1. I have been hearing really good things about this book for a very long time and so, I, finally gave in and bought it! The premise seemed interesting, intriguing and like it would be a dark comedy- all things I enjoy! And, the book did not let me down! It was all those things and more! 

2. Korede is a very relatable character- she is hardworking, has a strong moral compass and seems to be the only one, who can see things for what they are. She is also "plain" and has always led her life in the shadow of her younger sister- Ayoola's- unusual beauty. Korede does everything she can to help Ayoola after each of the murders and somewhere, as a reader, you wonder if there is more to this loyalty than just simple sibling love and affection?! Korede's moral quandary, the choices she makes and her fate at the end of the book are all very interesting and you will end up discussing her and her fate even after the book is long over. 

3. Ayoola is an interestingly written character. The author does a great job of leaving you wondering why she kills the men she dates- are they always violent or bad? Or is there another deeper reason? As you go through the book, the author offers some reasons and possible reasons for Ayoola being the way she is and, again, that is something that you will also end up discussing long after the book is over. 

4. The book is very un-put-downable and I found myself reading it in one sitting. The writing is beautiful. The story pulls you in and you find yourself rooting for Korede and, even, unwillingly, for Doctor Tade! 

Things I Didn't Like: Nothing, really. This is a great novella! 

Rating: 4.5/5 

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