Summary:
When Korede’s dinner is interrupted one night by a distress call from her sister, Ayoola, she knows what’s expected of her: bleach, rubber gloves, nerves of steel and a strong stomach. This’ll be the third boyfriend Ayoola’s dispatched in, quote, self-defence and the third mess that her lethal little sibling has left Korede to clear away. She should probably go to the police for the good of the menfolk of Nigeria, but she loves her sister and, as they say, family always comes first. Until, that is, Ayoola starts dating the doctor where Korede works as a nurse. Korede’s long been in love with him, and isn’t prepared to see him wind up with a knife in his back: but to save one would mean sacrificing the other…
My take: 2.5 looksÂ
This was a very easy read, and an interesting premise. Basically, the beautiful younger sister (Ayoola) calls the responsible older sister (Korede) when she kills her boyfriend, which is happening enough to qualify her as a serial killer.
And Korede keeps cleaning up Ayoola’s messes (literally, bloody messes). She is a nurse, an OCD cleaner, and in love with the doctor at her clinic. The younger sister seems to live off of the generosity of her suitors. Their mother, with whom they both live, has a strong preference for the beautiful and very marriageable Ayoola. In memories and flashbacks, there is a now-deceased violent husband/father.
There is never an explanation as to why Ayoola kills, and it seems to happen at random times. She uses an intricate knife which belonged to their father, and I can only assume that her violence was beget by him. Korede is completely unable to tell her sister no. As a matter of fact, Ayoola seems to have everyone under some sort of spell to believe her habitual lies, which I think she even believes herself.
The book is a short one, and the family dynamics are presented as simply a matter of fact, and never explored. It is clear that Ayoola will continue to kill, Korede will continue to clean up after her, and their mother will continue to be oblivious. It would have been interesting to explore the sibling relationship, perhaps having Korede finally managing to rip herself from Ayoola, and the ramifications of that. As it is, it is merely a story being told, and being told in an engaging and entertaining manner, but with no real explanations or underlying substance.
All-in-all, it was a very fast read, and I would recommend it as a “palate cleanser”.Â
Somewhat recommended.
