Book Review: My Sister the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite

AMAZON — GOODREADS — BARNES & NOBLE — BOOK DEPOSITORY

The blurb pretty much tells you what to expect from this story; it’s about Korede, whose sister has formed a habit of killing her lovers for whatever reason. However, it’s also about many other things, including family and sisterhood, jealousy, favouritism, and loyalty. Korede has spent her life overshadowed by her younger sister’s beauty. While Ayoola can get away with a lot of things because of her physical appearance, Korede can’t. This means that Korede can’t tell anyone about her sister’s murderous ways, because who’d believe her? Everyone would just think she’s jealous. So, she goes on cleaning up after Ayoola, because that’s what big sisters are supposed to do.

“… You’re a big sister now, Korede. And big sisters look after little sisters.”

Gosh, there’s so much I want to say about this book, but I don’t want to spoil it for anyone. This is yet another book with characters I’m not crazy about. But don’t let that discourage you, because I really like this book. I found it to be more satire than thriller, especially because of all the social commentary.

It’s nicely written with all the short and punchy chapters, and Korede’s voice is one I enjoyed because of all her witty commentary. It’s also a quick read, so I was done in no time!

Is this a realistic story? Knowing my country, I can’t say that it’s unrealistic. The only thing I really didn’t care for is how Korede hardly grew as a character. She ends with pretty much the same bitter attitude she started out with, and I wish she became more confident instead.

“That’s how it has always been. Ayoola would break a glass, and I would receive the blame for giving her the drink. Ayoola would fail a class, and I would be blamed for not coaching her. Ayoola would take an apple and leave the store without paying for it, and I would be blamed for letting her get hungry.”

There’s a lot to be learned from this story, which I wouldn’t go into. But take my word for it; My Sister the Serial Killer is very much worth reading.

Is My Sister The Serial Killer on your TBR?