Review of Kalayla

[Ceeco2002]

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

---

4 out of 4 stars

---

Share This Review

---

How quickly can a mother sever ties and lose the love she once had for her child just because she fell short of expectations? This book is essentially built on the life of three ladies who have each been dealt a fair deal of blows in life. They are Kalayla, Lena, and Maureen. Kalayla is an 11-year-old who can be described as an independent, sassy, and foul-mouthed little girl. Despite the indifferent and rude behaviors she always displays, she still has a little bit of that child-like sweetness, love, and care inside of her.

Maureen is the widowed mother of Kalayla, who got disowned by her parents because she married a black man. Lena is Maureen's landlady. She is a 72-year-old woman who picks interest in Kalayla the first day she sees her. After failing as a mother to her children and seeing how busy Maureen always is, she tries to be there for Kalayla and hopes she can stop her from threading the wrong path in life like her children did. As the story progresses, Lena discovers a huge secret Maureen has been keeping from her daughter for years and warns Maureen of what could happen if her daughter finds out. Will Kalayla ever discover this secret? What exactly is it? Find out by reading Kalayla by Jeannie Nicholas.

There are so many things I liked about this book. I loved the way each character had a particular point of view. Through this prism or mirror, their varying and unique stories are told personally and intimately. This gave many insights into the characters' personal thoughts and feelings. The writer was also able to construct a connection between past and present events without altering the smooth flow and understanding of the storyline. The characters were well-formed and developed right till the very end of this book. One would feel like he was living among the characters in this novel due to the writer’s superb writing style and how real every event in the book felt.

I found absolutely nothing to dislike about this book. I’ve got to say; this is one of the best books I’ve read in a long while. The book was exceptionally edited, as I found no single error while reading. This made understanding the storyline in this work of fiction much easier. I want to warn readers, however, that this book contains a good number of profane words and minor instances of racism.

I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. I did not give it a lower rating because I completely enjoyed reading this book and found nothing to dislike about it. I recommend this book to everyone who would like to read about concepts like resilience and strength in the face of hardships, forgiveness, reunions, maturity, and love.

******
Kalayla
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Manang Muyang]

I have read so many good reviews of this book. I hope I can meet these three fascinating women soon. Oh, four, including Jeannie.

[Ceeco2002]

I have read so many good reviews of this book. I hope I can meet these three fascinating women soon. Oh, four, including Jeannie.

You definitely won't regret meeting them Miriam. Thanks for stopping by.

[Amy Luman]

The first few reviews I read of this book discouraged me from reading it. I’m glad I read just one more! Your review really piqued my interest in this. I feel bad for Kalayla AND I wonder what Maureen’s secret could be. Thanks for the great review!

[Aisha Yakub]

I enjoyed reading the connection between the past and present too. This book has a great character development. Great review.

[Chesko]

You ask an intriguing and interesting question at the opening of this review. I wish we'd get a certain answer. Nice review.

[GNerd]

Your review was intriguing. I hope they all find a path that leads to fulfilment.

[kandscreeley]

I'm glad the author put so many positive messages in this book. However, it's not for me. Thanks.

[Ceeco2002]

The first few reviews I read of this book discouraged me from reading it. I’m glad I read just one more! Your review really piqued my interest in this. I feel bad for Kalayla AND I wonder what Maureen’s secret could be. Thanks for the great review!

I'm glad you enjoyed reading my review. Kalayla is worth every second spent on it. Thanks for stopping by.

[Ceeco2002]

I enjoyed reading the connection between the past and present too. This book has a great character development. Great review.

Yes, I agree with you. Thanks for stopping by.

[Ceeco2002]

You ask an intriguing and interesting question at the opening of this review. I wish we'd get a certain answer. Nice review.

The answer would be shocking, trust me. Thanks for stopping by.

[Tendy567]

I've recently read this book and I loved everything about it. Great review.

[OTrain Disene]

I have read this book a year ago, and I enjoyed it. Although I didn't like how spoilt Kalayla was. She was talking to her elders like they were her peers.

[Oyedele Tomijane]

This sounds like an excellent character-driven story. I'm glad Lena came into Kalayla's life. Thanks for the lovely review!

[Francis Aderogbin]

Kalayla is a nice girl and witty. I love her character.