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…
An intriguing novecl about the bonds of sisterhood, love and ethics.
Braithwaite shones with her characterization. She makes it clear that Korede has been second-best to Ayoola all her life, but she isn’t outwardly resentful of it. It’s just a fact that she’s less pretty, less charismatic compared to the lighter-skin, seductive Ayoola. But because of their difference in age, Korede is mature enough to accept it and sees it as her duty to protect her sister and clean up her mistakes.
Literally.
It’s a classic toxic relationship where Korede does everything and Ayoola takes her for granted, and even makes fun of her to the other aunties. But like I said, Korede accepted it until Tade comes into the picture. Finally, Korede has someone she wants, who could potentially like her back, but he also falls under Tade’s spell.
Braithewaite putting a man between the sisters could be seen as a cliche, but she utilizes it more as a catalyst for Korede to question the relationship she has with her sister and the denial she’s struggling to maintain. Doesn’t Korede deserve to want more? Ayoola’s self-defense alibi three times in a row? Does that make Korede complicit? If she stops helping her sister, would that make her as bad as their selfish, womanizing father?
WHat makes Tade different is that Korede knows who he is. With the other victims, she could convince herself that they could have assaulted Ayoola but she knows Tade is not that kind of guy so if Ayoola hurts him, she can’t hide behind her denial.
The horror is contained to the psychological vein. Do you really know your loved ones as well as you think you do? Although Korede’s nightmares are also psychological intense with Ayoola’s victims haunting Korede’s conscience. The pacing is quick which keeps a reader turning the pages. However, with the short chapters and efficient prose, it is hard for me to really connect to the characters emotionally. I wanted to see what would happen next, but I was not interested in the characters themselves. They didn’t grow or change even though their obviosu flaws and inability to communicate could have been interesting side-arc.
3 stars
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