The book is written by British Nigerian: Lizzie Damilola Blackburn. When I saw the title of the book I was excited because I knew it was going to be hilarious, and it did not disappoint.
Coming from Nigeria, I can relate with the type of social pressures a single Nigerian woman experiences.
Synopsis: Yinka, a 31 year old British Nigerian, is desparate to find a date in time for her cousins wedding.
My thoughts: The stakes are high but not any higher than all the other stories we’ve read and watched of people desperate to find a wedding date. The pressures are the same. But while reading the book I could still feel Yinka’s desperation, however misplaced.
Yinka is loveable, she’s the type of protagonist you root for while also wishing you could slap some sense into her.
There were a lot of times I cringed because of the second hand embarrassment I felt for her, but that only helped me empathize with her. It also made me laugh out loud. The supporting characters were fun, and fleshed out enough to create a believable story.
What I liked the most: Is actually the ending. I think she came to a wonderful realization at the end that was both meaningful and sweet. A close second favorite is one of the supporting character’s accent. When you read the book, write in the comments which supporting character you think I’m referring to.
I also liked that the author didn’t shy away from all the family drama, which is usually present in a large close knit Yoruba family. I should know, I grew up in one!
I like that the book showed Yinka’s decision to abstain from sex until marriage as a personal decision amongst many related to her value system and not the center of her worth as a woman.
Favorite word: You guessed it, Huzband! Lol. It sounds and looks funny.
Read if: You’re looking for a good laugh! Think Bridget Jones with a Nigerian twist.
If you want a taste of second hand embarrassment from nosy Nigerian aunties.
If you’re single, the end has a good lesson!
Moyo Laditan 