Review of Kalayla

[Alice Festo]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Kalayla" by Jeannie Nicholas.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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How would you describe a teenage life? One word stands out, chaotic! Welcome to the world of Kalayla. A young girl who is trying to find her identity. She is strong, bossy, energetic, and independent. Nothing can shake her. While going about her usual routine, she bumps into an old lady named Lena. Who turns out to be her neighbor, and has a niche for black dresses with an attitude. Has Kalayla finally met her equal? With this character mix, a disaster is inevitable. Then a storm brews, a decision has to be reached. Which path will she take?

The storyline centers around family ties, relationships, racism, friendship, and tough choices. The effect of childhood trauma is clearly shown by Clarence. We witness the extent a family will go to, for its reputation. The impact of racism on society proves how difficult it is to completely get rid of it. Friendship is shown as a form of strength that gives one the will to keep on fighting, clearly shown by Carlotta. The book cover has a picture of three ladies representing different generations. Each of them was strengthened by what they went through. The aspect of female empowerment was present, as the female characters were smart and go-getters.

I like how the writer stayed true to actual events that happen in life. It was easy to find a character that one can relate to. I could picture an aunt, uncle, brother, sister, mother, and grandmother in the scene. Lena stood out as a mother figure and a mentor. She always had an answer for everything but knew the importance of freedom of choice.

The plot is superb and easy to follow, with a pinch of surprises to spice up the entire narrative. The book is interesting, chapter after chapter. As my curiosity span rose, I was confident of predicting the next scene, only to be met by an unexpected event. I am of the opinion that the author “Jeannie Nicholas” gave the main protagonist too much attitude, that almost drew a line between like and hate. Though it may be justified by the fact that, she had to mature rapidly compared to her age mates. I, therefore, rate it 3 out of 4.

If you are open to criticism, starting afresh, and willing to have a forgiving heart, this book is certainly for you. The lessons learned are valuable, you just have to take that first step.

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Kalayla
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