My Sister, the Serial Killer.

By Oyinkan Braithwaite.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“The most loving parents and relatives murder with smiles on their faces. They force us to destroy the person we are: a subtle kind of murder.”

My Sister, the Serial Killer had been on my radar for quite some time due to the hype around it but then I never got the opportunity to read it. It became available on Audible so I thought I would give the audiobook a go and I’m so glad I did. Weruche Opia, the narrator, played a crucial role in setting the tone and making the book come to life.

The book revolves around two Nigerian sisters, Korede, and Ayoola. It begins with Ayoola seeking help from Korede after killing her boyfriend – the third time she has done so. Korede, a nurse at the local hospital, harbours a crush on Tade, a doctor she works with. When Ayoola and Tade develop a relationship after Ayoola's visit to Korede at work, Korede becomes apprehensive, fearing Tade might meet the same fate as Ayoola's previous boyfriends.

Despite not being hundreds of pages long,  the book manages to hit the nail on the head when it comes to its topics and themes. The portrayal of the sisterly bond between Korede and Ayoola, enriched by their cultural context, is great to read about. Whilst readers scream, shout, and question Korede's choices in repeatedly helping her sister - because that is what I did, the narrative underscores the protective instinct of older siblings and how Korede does not no other way than protecting her sister and her family.

The book's humour, sarcasm, and dry wit, particularly in Korede's character, contribute to its brilliance. It is engaging throughout and a book that I will remember for a while to come. Sometimes the hype surrounding books does make them good recommendations!

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