Prize-winning ‘My Sister the Serial Killer’ is the debut novel by Oyinkan Braithwaite. I’ve seen the book advertised everywhere (shout out to the marketing team), and it is not without its accolades. Nominated for the Women’s Prize for fiction, the Man Booker Prize and the winner of the Los Angeles Times Book Prize, so I knew I had to see for myself what this book was about.
We’ve all heard the universal phrase of literature ‘never judge a book by its cover’. However, in going against the grain fashion, I sometimes find it necessary to bring about this conversation. The provocative and alluring title of the novel immediately drew me in. What do you mean your sister is a serial killer?! And why, (at this point I was assuming the lady on the cover is the sister of the said killer) are you so calm as a very sharp very menacing knife is being lifted right in front of you? So, yes as you can see very intrigued. Looking through my collection, I haven’t read many crime novels (something that I’m hoping to change, so my canvas was pretty blank in terms of expectations. I can say with confidence that it has delivered.
The novel is narrated by protagonist Korede, who is the sister of the Serial Killer Ayoola. Korede is an antisocial nurse, who has a crush on the doctor in her hospital and would rather confide in her only friend, a coma patient in room 319. Her meticulous attention to detail and anxious cleaning make her the perfect accomplice in Ayoola schemes. Ayoola is the complete opposite of her older sister. She is the favoured one, beautiful, erratic and social. Her character highlights the weight that society places on good looks. It is Ayoola’s beauty that allows her to sail through life, serial killer or not.
You’re a big sister now, Korede. And big sisters look after little sisters
Braithwaite, 130
The pairing thrives off Korede’s enabling ways. Although disapproving, which is all expressed to her best friend in hospital room 319, she adopts the ‘my sister’s keeper’ role. Which, we later learn, is enforced through the childhood trauma at the hand of their deceased father. The continual killings, which Korede cleans (literally!), and her sister’s favouritism cause jealousy to fester deep within. I thought the novel would take us on a journey showing the destruction of a sister relationship, especially when Ayoola sets her sights on Korede’s long-time crush. However, Braithwaite interestingly highlights the strength of their blood union (including the blood of the victims) throughout the turmoil and craziness.
Braithwaite’s writing style is formed of short chapters, short syntax and satirical language. The humour is dark and almost clinically sinister. If satire is not your thing, it can become overwhelming and incomprehensible if the jokes are missed. However, Braithwaite pulls off a balance, which will have most, if not all readers darkly amused throughout each troubled chapter. For such a short book at 226 pages, it sure does pack a punch! However, I would have loved for the characters to have more depth. It left me wanting more – a deeper insight into their life. I did appreciate the social commentary on our global society’s obsession with beauty and there is something to be said about the perception of beauty and what that can bring you in life.
Not a 10/10 for me however, I would still recommend this book. The character development between the two sisters was amusing, however I felt like I needed a lot more depth. With that being said I can’t fault Braithwaite’s writing style. So, if you’re looking for a darkly humorous novel which you can speed through, I would definitely add this to your list. If you do pick this up or have already read it, let me know what you think!