This novel depicts the dysfunctional relationship between a nurse, Korede, and her younger sister Ayoola, who is a serial killer. Now, while this sounds fairly dark and unsettling, the morbidly funny narrative Oyinkan creates keeps things light and entertaining. In fact, the satirical nature of Oyinkan's writing completely changes the tone of the novel from a thriller to an amusing beach read.
My only issue with this book is how it unwittingly portrays having a wide nose and big lips as unattractive. This really rubbed me the wrong way as these features are typically associated with Africans. Sadly, there are also other instances where Western beauty ideals are praised in the 'beautiful' Ayoola and contrasted with Korede’s more African features. However, I was a little appeased by the fact that Ayoola's character has dreads which are not a typical feature of Western beauty standards.
Apart from this personal peeve, I found the storyline to be unexpectedly provocative and this is why I loved it so much. Oyinkan challenges readers to consider the role an individual's outward appearance plays in "attraction" and how they are treated by others. She also challenges our perception of love and what it means to put family first.
"The most loving parents and relatives commit murder with smiles on their faces. They force us to destroy the person we really are: a subtle kind of murder.”
My only issue with this book is how it unwittingly portrays having a wide nose and big lips as unattractive. This really rubbed me the wrong way as these features are typically associated with Africans. Sadly, there are also other instances where Western beauty ideals are praised in the 'beautiful' Ayoola and contrasted with Korede’s more African features. However, I was a little appeased by the fact that Ayoola's character has dreads which are not a typical feature of Western beauty standards.
Apart from this personal peeve, I found the storyline to be unexpectedly provocative and this is why I loved it so much. Oyinkan challenges readers to consider the role an individual's outward appearance plays in "attraction" and how they are treated by others. She also challenges our perception of love and what it means to put family first.
"The most loving parents and relatives commit murder with smiles on their faces. They force us to destroy the person we really are: a subtle kind of murder.”