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My sister the serial
My Sister, the Serial Killer Author: Oyinkan BraithwaitePage Count: UnknownPublication Date: 2019-PRH My Sister, the Serial Killer, Oyinkan Braithwaite's 2019 Booker Prize-nominated novel, is a darkly comedic and satirical exploration of the complexities of sisterly love, the blurred lines between good and evil, and the societal expectations placed on women. Through the voice of Korede, the protagonist and Ayoola's older sister, Braithwaite crafts a narrative that is both a thrilling page-turner and a scathing critique of the social norms that govern women's lives. At its core, the novel is a story about the unbreakable bond between sisters, one that is forged in childhood and tempered by the trials of adulthood. Korede, the responsible and practical sister, has always been the one to clean up after Ayoola's messes, literal and figurative. As Ayoola's body count rises, Korede is faced with the daunting task of protecting her sister from the consequences of her actions, all while navigating her own desires and aspirations. Braithwaite's writing is razor-sharp, with a wicked sense of humor that belies the darkness of the subject matter. Her prose is economical and precise, with a keen eye for detail that makes the characters and their world feel fully realized. The Nigerian setting is vividly rendered, with a keen sense of cultural nuance that adds depth and complexity to the narrative. One of the most striking aspects of the novel is its exploration of the societal expectations placed on women. Ayoola, the beautiful and charismatic sister, is a product of a society that values physical beauty above all else. She is the favored child, the one who is indulged and forgiven, while Korede is relegated to the background, expected to be responsible and selfless. Braithwaite skewers this double standard with precision, revealing the ways in which women are socialized to prioritize others' needs above their own. The novel is also a commentary on the ways in which women are complicit in their own oppression. Korede's enabling of Ayoola's behavior is a classic example of this, as she prioritizes her sister's needs above her own, even when it means sacrificing her own happiness and well-being. Braithwaite raises important questions about the nature of sisterly love and the ways in which women are socialized to prioritize their relationships with others above their own desires and aspirations. In the end, My Sister, the Serial Killer is a novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat, even as it challenges you to think critically about the societal norms that govern women's lives. With its wicked sense of humor, razor-sharp prose, and nuanced exploration of the complexities of sisterly love, this is a novel that will stay with you long after you finish reading it. #MySisterTheSerialKiller #OyinkanBraithwaite #BookerPrizeNominee #DarkComedy #SisterlyLove #NigerianLiterature