Take a photo of a barcode or cover
abbie_ 's review for:
My Sister, the Serial Killer
by Oyinkan Braithwaite
4.5 stars
Thank you so much @atlanticbooks for sending me a copy of My Sister, The Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite! It was a delight to read, and I devoured it in one day! The writing was not overly flowery but it was powerful in its simplicity and made for a read where you just can’t turn the pages fast enough.
.
Relationships between women are one of my favourite things to read about, so this novel was a completely fresh approach to that, exploring Korede’s relationship with her sister Ayoola who is, you may have guessed it, a serial killer. I loved the flashbacks to their turbulent childhood, as it really helps you understand the tight link between the two sisters, and while it doesn’t get deep into psychology, you really feel the urgent need Korede feels to protect her sister no matter what.
.
Usually I’m put off by the inclusion of social media in books, as I used to think I wasn’t really into contemporaries, but this book has made me start to change my mind! Braithwaite’s inclusion of Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter didn’t feel forced or unnatural, just a fascinating exploration of the power of social media, the way we use it, and the potential consequences.
.
She also deftly handles notions of beauty standards and abuse, perfectly balancing the heavier themes with deadpan wit and a sardonic tone which made this book a delight to read yet thought-provoking at the same time.
.
I did take off half a star because I think the ending was too abrupt. I wanted more! I thought there could have been more to the story. But other than that, wholly recommend this book!
Thank you so much @atlanticbooks for sending me a copy of My Sister, The Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite! It was a delight to read, and I devoured it in one day! The writing was not overly flowery but it was powerful in its simplicity and made for a read where you just can’t turn the pages fast enough.
.
Relationships between women are one of my favourite things to read about, so this novel was a completely fresh approach to that, exploring Korede’s relationship with her sister Ayoola who is, you may have guessed it, a serial killer. I loved the flashbacks to their turbulent childhood, as it really helps you understand the tight link between the two sisters, and while it doesn’t get deep into psychology, you really feel the urgent need Korede feels to protect her sister no matter what.
.
Usually I’m put off by the inclusion of social media in books, as I used to think I wasn’t really into contemporaries, but this book has made me start to change my mind! Braithwaite’s inclusion of Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter didn’t feel forced or unnatural, just a fascinating exploration of the power of social media, the way we use it, and the potential consequences.
.
She also deftly handles notions of beauty standards and abuse, perfectly balancing the heavier themes with deadpan wit and a sardonic tone which made this book a delight to read yet thought-provoking at the same time.
.
I did take off half a star because I think the ending was too abrupt. I wanted more! I thought there could have been more to the story. But other than that, wholly recommend this book!