Book of the Month: My Sister, The Serial Killer

I don't know why there was no book of the month for January. I think I just did not fancy any of the books I read enough to make a post out of them. Yeah, that happens. But I will try my hardest to make sure this goes up in February (cookie points if it actually does—hurray , it will!). Okay, so the book of this month is definitely Oyinkan Braithwaite's My Sister, The Serial Killer.



I want to start by saying I spent an insane amount of money on books last year so I want to pump the breaks this year on spending on books for two reasons. The first is to save money, duh! More importantly though, I'm hoping for more funding to our local libraries. I really don't want libraries to die at all. So please borrow from your local library if you have one. I have access to 3 (yes, THREE) libraries (I know, lucky me). They are not all in the same city (long story) but, point is when I want a book, surely one of those three has to have it. And if they don't, well sorry to that book*. Lol. If libraries continually get used then the likelihood of them closing up reduces. And we all win when there are libraries.



Okay back to the book. As the title probably tells you, it's a satire (?), kinda funny book about two sisters. One is a well, you guessed it, serial killer. Apart from being the serial killer though, Ayoola is the favorite child, she is charming, ditzy, and somewhat manipulative.  The other, Korede, is the big sister. She is also the protagonist of the book. It is her [often resentful]  voice with which we hear the story. She is also the one who cleans up after her sister, literally. Ayoola kills, Korede cleans.  And she doesn't just kill anyone, she kills her lovers. So what happens when she starts dating a doctor at the hospital Korede works as a Nurse, but whom Korede has also secretly been in love with? I know, lol. But yes, that is the premise of the book. I love the book mostly because it does not pretend to be what it is not.

Notwithstanding, upon reading it, it uncovers layers and themes of love (yup, LOVE), emotional and physical abuse, family loyalty and more. This book is pretty dope for many reasons. The first is that it is such an easy read. Seriously, the writing is easy but astute. With so many forced writing these days, I was appreciative of the fact that this was a prose that was artful but also very straightforward and accessible.  Another thing about the book is the implicit tribute to Lagos [and Yoruba tradition]. It pays enough respect to its setting, and with the bastardization of Yoruba culture and lineage in Children of Blood and Bone, I can understand why I appreciated all the reference to  Lagos traffic, Naija police, nosy Nurses, women's place in the Nigerian society etc.

While I watch a lot of crime shows, I wasn't sure I would love a book about a serial killer. But I was pleasantly surprised. So don't let the genre discourage you. Have I mentioned how fast and easy it is to get through the book? Oh I should also mention, some people might pick this up expecting a thriller or scary book. Uhm, I don't think you would find that here, so if that's your type of stuff, I don't know lol. Some might disagree with me on this. Nothing scared or "thrilled" me about this book. However, I doubt you would read this book and not like it on some level, at least. So you should still read it; also because it's a brilliant and interesting story. It has won tons of well deserved awards too! Plus, I love the author. She is really cool in a I'm-not-even-trying-to-be-cool way.

Alright, that's it for that. If you do read the book (or if you already have), let me know, please!

Hope this wasn't too short? If yes, sorry to you (lmao). If no, then...

...it's bye, till the next book of the month!

No no, I will still blog before then (I think?😬)

Love,

I

* I always wonder about using current pop culture references in writing, because what if in 10 years I am (or you are) reading this and wondering what on God's earth I was referring to. Anyway, this is from the Keke Palmer's meme where she couldn't recognize Dick Cheney.

2 comments

  1. We read it last year and liked it. Nice to see a nigerian book that isn't pandering to the western world (did not like blood and bone). Also liked how short and digestable it was.
    Our thoughts on it are here - https://twonightstands.com/2019/01/14/we-chitchat-my-sister-the-serial-killer-by-oyinkan-braithwaite/

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    1. ooh I'm glad I'm not alone. And absolutely, she did not try to pander at alll. I will check out your thoughts on it. Thanks for sharing!!!

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