My Sister, The Serial Killer - Oyinkan Braithwaite - Book Review

     I had always wanted to explore writers from new countries. After Japanese and Norwegian writers, this time I wanted to try an African writer. One continent where I have not yet explored any kind of literature. When I came across this book in the previous years Good Reads challenge list, I had already set my eyes on the same.
     This is the story of two sisters; Korede and Ayoola and described as a first person account from Korede's point of view. Korede works as a nurse in a hospital in Nigeria and lives with her mother and sister. Korede's silent night time is interrupted by a call from Ayoola. She had just murdered her third boyfriend and needs Korede's help to dispose the same. She should be going to the police but as the saying goes... Blood is more thicker. Korede has a crush on one of the doctors of the hospital. As chance may have it, the doctor and Ayoola fall for each other and Korede is at cross roads - Her crush at one side and her sister on the other side. Will she be able to stop her sister from committing another crime? Will she be able to save the man of her dreams? forms the remaining part of the story.
     This is my first read of Oyinkan Braithwaite or as a matter of fact any African writer. The writing is simple and the book being split into a lot of small chapters makes this a very quick read. Even though touted as a thriller, this is a true dark comedy. The way both the girls are able to judge men is wickedly funny. The book as you can see is not a whodunit. The story being said in the words of Korede works well as it throws more light on both the sisters and the relationship between them. Korede is not as beautiful as Ayoola even though she is more hard working. Ayoola is able to make inroads into the hearts of men easily where as Korede's love life is miserable. This story is written in a non-linear fashion flashing between their childhood, their father's dominance and present times. The book clearly points out the life in that part of the world as well as the men-women equation. Ayoola's character is a real enigma. The book also does not try to provide explanations for each and every thing which does not work in a negative way.
     Overall this book is a fresh read. Part thriller part dark humour and a real quick read indeed.