Book Review: My Sister, The Serial Killer

 

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...

What an interesting little book this was! It was very well paced and quick to read (it's only around 200 pages long, so perfect if you don't have much time). I loved the exploration of the relationship between Korede and Ayoola and the testing of their loyalties to each other as sisters, despite the atrocities Ayoola has committed. It's written in a very easy and fluid way, with a lot of deadpan/black comedy, so if that's your thing then I'd definitely recommend!

I only rated the book 3 stars, however, because I just felt there was something lacking towards the end. The book is super short, so there isn't much development or real delving in to the complexities of Ayoola's and Korede's relationship - it's hinted at, but not taken as far as I would've liked. I feel like this would be a great book to analyse if there was a bit more substance to it. I also think that maybe my expectations were more geared towards it being a thriller rather than literary fiction, so I felt the end was also a little flat - but that's probably my fault for making assumptions from the title!

Overall I would definitely recommend - you can easily get through this book in a few spare hours so it's worth a read. I'll definitely be reading whatever Oyinkan Braithwaite writes next.