my sister, the serial killer: a RAVING review

You know how sometimes all the stars align to create a perfect and magical reading experience and it changes you forever? That's what happened when reading My Sister, the Serial Killer by Nigerian-British novelist Oyinkan Braithwaite.

I did NOT have this planned. I owned this physical copy for about a year, and something made me go over to my shelves, and pick it up. I thought, "I'll make this coffee, and read a few pages and see how I feel."

A few chapters in, I stumbled from my reading chair to the couch, book in tow, and settled in with a few snacks vowing to read "just a few more pages."

Quickly I realized that I wouldn't be able to get up until every single word was digested into my soul.

Braithwaite's writing is succinct, punchy, and powerful. I struggle to review books that affect me deeply, but will do my best to do so here.

How stunning is she?!!?! I am fascinated by her storytelling ability, and her layered character development that sinks you down into the story and situates you RIGHT in the place and time of the events.

 

What this novel explores:

• familial relationships
• enmeshment
• duty
• being exploited
• anxiety
• sibling dynamics
• relationships
• romance
• turning gender norms upside down
• parental endorsement of behavior

As I typed that list, I still struggled not to add things because doing so would spoil the novel in my opinion, and I hate spoilers so I don't give them.

All I can say is if you've been thinking of reading this one, ignore the 3.67 star rating (I always find that the world's 3 stars are my 5 stars), and pick this up immediately. 

I have to try Braithwaite's short story Treasure now.