My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite

 

Although I had heard of this book, I as usual avoided finding out too much about it, so when I chanced upon it in the ‘recent returns’ section of my local library I did not know what to expect.  I was hooked immediately and devoured it in two days.  It is not a long book and is very fast paced and easy to read.  This is helped by the short chapters, with one word titles reflecting the key theme or element of the chapter.
 
The central character, Korede, speaks to the reader in a frank, matter-of-fact, straight forward manner which is refreshing and also humorous.  Given the subject matter, which is revealed in the title, you could anticipate a deeper, darker, more psychological tenor to the narrative, but the deadpan style and avoidance of gratuitous gory detail suits the story perfectly.  This is a different kind of crime fiction.
 
This is also a different kind of African fiction, something the author explicitly states and supports in interviews.  The book is set in Lagos, Nigeria, but the focus is on one family and the city is simply the location for the action.  Braithwaite does not dwell or even comment on the country’s past, this is not a tirade about or an ode to Nigeria.  That is not to say that the book shies away from or ignores the location - the family’s cultural heritage, societal expectations and the corruption of men in authority all feature and impact the story, but the location never hijacks the plot.
 
The story centres on two sisters, Korede and Ayoola, and is told wholly by Korede.  We only know what Korede knows and we suspect things along with her.  Although I did guess all the major plot points very early on, I enjoyed seeing them unfold and there were still a few surprises.  I liked the character Korede, but I was occasionally frustrated at her indecision and lack of nerve, whilst also understanding and sympathising with her conundrum.
 
Alongside the present, Braithwaite reveals the sisters’ past gradually throughout the novel, as Korede recalls and ponders on snippets and memories.  But there is not too much dwelling on past events, there is not time as the action is relentless.  It is left to the reader to interpret and analyse the psychological impact of past traumas and draw conclusions or make assumptions about the sisters’ motivations or personality traits.
 
The main theme of the story is the sisters’ relationship, the sibling rivalry, jealousy and undying unquestionable love and bond.  This love is undoubtedly challenged by events, it is abused and exploited and its wisdom questioned, but it underscores everything.  The novel could also be viewed as a feminist narrative as the story emphasises the strength and power women possess whilst at the same time being subjugated by and dependent on men.  It also questions men’s power and ridicules them for the easily manipulated and obvious weakness of their lust and desire.  However Braithwaite doesn’t dwell too much on this either or overstate her point, she is restrained and never strident – the creation of good entertaining fiction is her stated aim.  As a debut novel I found it highly enjoyable and despite being an easy read it is still interestingly written with an authentic voice.  I am looking forward to more from Braithwaite in the future.