Review of Kalayla
-
Ayobam 7991
- Posts: 6
- Joined: 15 Dec 2021, 03:51
- Currently Reading:
- Bookshelf Size: 4
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-ayobam-7991.html
- Latest Review: Marco Martinez by R M Allan
Review of Kalayla
[Following is a volunteer review of "Kalayla" by Jeannie Nicholas.]
Kalayla by Jeanne Nicholas is a story of lies, hatred, love, forgiveness, and personal interest, among others. It centres on the lives of two mothers and widows, Maureen and Lena, and a daughter with a sharp-tongue. Maureen doesn't know she is set to live a life of estrangement from her family when she chooses to marry Jamal, a black man, and thus goes against the will of her family, especially her mother. She is totally shut out of the family to the extent that even the news of her pregnancy, something that should normally interest and aide conflict resolution, amounts to nothing. Lena, on the other hand, is an old woman whose marital life problems are as a result of following the arrangement laid for her. She eventually finds out it will have been better she marries Mattwo instead of Joey who makes life miserable for her and sets her children on a course she doesn't pray for. The common thing about these two women is that they both have secrets and they both are hunted by those secrets.
There are quite many things to appreciate about the book; first, the use of first person narrative technique makes the whole narration come like one is really involved in the story, it feels real. Sometimes, I feel sorrowful, and other times, happy. Maybe my love for the narrative technique is further enhanced by the fact the author makes the readers see through the lenses of different characters. I get so interested in the disparity in how two characters from different age brackets think, especially as they try to shift the discussion to their advantage- either to avoid saying something, to hold certain truths, or to manipulate. Last but not the least here is that the themes are vital to having a great family and society. The importance of each theme I find in the book cannot be overemphasised.
As much as I find the book really great, however, I do not really like the fact that it seems too informal at times. The author does a great job but I personally will appreciate it better if those words that are not acceptable in formal writings are not there. Also, it has a great number of profane words which I suppose will be better if they are not as much as they are.
I rate this book 4 out of 4stars. The points I raise above are not enough for me to deny the book her full stars. I really do enjoy the book and I see it as a good fit for lovers of good literature.
I recommend this book for people who think they have come to the end of their chances. It will spur anyone who lay their hands on it to hope for change no matter the situation they find themselves. However, it is not suitable for people who think racism and revenge are appropriate.
******
Kalayla
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Kalayla by Jeanne Nicholas is a story of lies, hatred, love, forgiveness, and personal interest, among others. It centres on the lives of two mothers and widows, Maureen and Lena, and a daughter with a sharp-tongue. Maureen doesn't know she is set to live a life of estrangement from her family when she chooses to marry Jamal, a black man, and thus goes against the will of her family, especially her mother. She is totally shut out of the family to the extent that even the news of her pregnancy, something that should normally interest and aide conflict resolution, amounts to nothing. Lena, on the other hand, is an old woman whose marital life problems are as a result of following the arrangement laid for her. She eventually finds out it will have been better she marries Mattwo instead of Joey who makes life miserable for her and sets her children on a course she doesn't pray for. The common thing about these two women is that they both have secrets and they both are hunted by those secrets.
There are quite many things to appreciate about the book; first, the use of first person narrative technique makes the whole narration come like one is really involved in the story, it feels real. Sometimes, I feel sorrowful, and other times, happy. Maybe my love for the narrative technique is further enhanced by the fact the author makes the readers see through the lenses of different characters. I get so interested in the disparity in how two characters from different age brackets think, especially as they try to shift the discussion to their advantage- either to avoid saying something, to hold certain truths, or to manipulate. Last but not the least here is that the themes are vital to having a great family and society. The importance of each theme I find in the book cannot be overemphasised.
As much as I find the book really great, however, I do not really like the fact that it seems too informal at times. The author does a great job but I personally will appreciate it better if those words that are not acceptable in formal writings are not there. Also, it has a great number of profane words which I suppose will be better if they are not as much as they are.
I rate this book 4 out of 4stars. The points I raise above are not enough for me to deny the book her full stars. I really do enjoy the book and I see it as a good fit for lovers of good literature.
I recommend this book for people who think they have come to the end of their chances. It will spur anyone who lay their hands on it to hope for change no matter the situation they find themselves. However, it is not suitable for people who think racism and revenge are appropriate.
******
Kalayla
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Marco Martinez by R M Allan
