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Jollof and Rice: A Year of Reading Nigerian Lit
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Reflections on a Year of Reading Nigerian Literature
Titles Read: My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite, The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives by Lola shoneyin
Having a sister that previously took this class I knew that independent reading based on a foreign country was going to be a requirement. I also found interest in Nigeria not only their music but their food and culture that is widely spread on social media. From learning about fufu and the famously known Jollof rice. From the two books I've read that is a part of Nigerian literature, I was able to learn new things about Nigeria and Nigerian culture itself. After reading for 20 weeks I’ve learned more about the Nigerian social environment between males and females. There was a common theme between these two authors that readers wouldn’t expect. Several dominant themes in Nigerian history are essential in understanding contemporary Nigerian politics and society. Women in Nigeria are expected to be inferior to men and do as they say without any complaints. From reading these two books I’ve learned a lot about the culture of Nigeria and the history behind the origins. The first book I read, seemed to talk about Nigerian economic history that led up to the current events happening in the book. This was a big cultural shock because in school you don’t learn the history and tribulations that other countries have to go through. Reading books from other countries doesn’t only give you a good read, but a shocking reveal about things that aren’t spoken about in the country in the media. After reading the series of books from Nigerian literature I’ve gotten a different point of view of how Nigerian authors portray women and the strength they have to fight back against men.
The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives by Lola shoneyin
The author of The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives gave me a perspective on a female who was seeking the wrong kind of love to fill a void. She was in a polygamist relationship with a man who had 2 other wives with children. Since the first day they got married he never showed her any respect. I will always remember this book in the real world when it comes to relationships, this book taught me to never settle for anything less than what I am or what I deserve.
Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite
Reading the preview about this book before purchasing it was something I felt like I could relate to. As someone who has a sister of my own, I thought I could relate to this book. I was so wrong, after reading a couple of chapters of these sister's dynamic was something I haven’t seen before. The younger sister was a killer and killed men that didn’t show her respect. While one sister was on the hunt to kill the oldest was cleaning up her mess along the way. This book taught me that what we want to do has consequences on others that we didn’t plan for. Her sister suffered way more than she thought because her older sister became just like her. I will always remember this book for the reason that no matter if you’re older or younger than someone there’s always a possibility of impacting someone negatively or positively.
This assignment was something I was dreading for so long but I found the motivation out of nowhere to get all my school work done. I know I waited so long just to get something so easy out the way but it's a habit that I tend to get whenever I know summertime is approaching. It’s finally the last couple of weeks of senior year and I learned so much about myself. This was the first time I’ve read a book that was over 500 pages long and I’m proud of myself that I didn’t give up. I realized that I enjoy reading when it has a deeper meaning to it. I know it took forever to get this assignment done but it feels great to get one less thing off my chest. Before starting college this is one habit that I have to leave behind in high school. So this is my last independent reading post about Nigerian literature. I won't ever stop reading and exploring and expanding my knowledge about other countries and their literature, and culture. I can finally say after a long 20 weeks of posting quotes and weekly blogs, I’m finally done!
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Week 20 Blog
My Sister, the Serial Killer
By: Oyinkan Braithwaite
Pages: 341-370
Word count: 419
Summary
Recently Korede started to finally understand Ayoola and she joined her sister in killing men that have or had broken someone’s heart. The killings slowly started to increase again and they dumped the new bodies with the old ones.the sisters are becoming more and more careless about how they move about disposing the bodies. The girl's mother is worried sick and has the whole entire village looking for the girls. While living on their own for more than 6 months Ayoola is convinced that she met her new love of her life.
Critical analysis
In the book My Sister, the Serial Killer the author Oyinkan Braithwaite, reveals a great amount of information about the two sisters. “The vibrant red liquid coming from his body is the one thing I missed the most.” (341). In this quote the author reveals that Ayoola doesn’t care about anyone besides herself and becomes more reckless by killing someone else with no hesitation. However in the pages before this quote the author stated “We take him to where we took the last one over the bridge and into the water” (361). This shows the theme of being reckless because even Korede is noticing that Ayoola just doesn't care as much as before. These quotes connect because the sisters were so in fear in the earlier pages but were careless right afterwards. The purpose of this is to demonstrate the weakness they face troubles them in every situation. The theme of this book is reckless and these quotes paint a vivid picture of that.
Personal response
The book is slowly coming to an end and it’s honestly the best book I’ve read. This was honestly the most realistic part of the book because of the numerous amount of arguments the two sisters had. It was action packed which was a good change since they’ve been scared and hiding for most of the book. For many people with siblings this book is so relatable and would be a great read. I would recommend this to my friends and family because this is such a great book so far. I predict in the next couple chapters that Ayoola is going to disobey Korede words and will kill someone else for own enjoyment that Korede will later have to clean up. Nothing new or interesting was revealed in this chapter besides themselves battling their own emotions. I think the sisters are going to lose their moral values and expand their comfort zone area for their victims.
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We take him to where we took the last one over the bridge and into the water
Oyinkan Braithwaite, My Sister, the Serial Killer (361)
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She didn’t mean to, of course. He was angry, screaming at her, his onion stained breath hot against your face.
Oyinkan Braithwaite, My Sister, the Serial Killer (357)
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The vibrant red liquid coming from his body is the one thing I missed the most.
Oyinkan Braithwaite, My Sister, the Serial Killer (341)
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Week 19 Blog
My Sister, the Serial Killer
By: Oyinkan Braithwaite
Pages: 291-340
Word count: 420
Summary
Their mother finally figured out what the two sisters were hiding and ultimately made her disown Ayoola.Korede is fighting with her inner self about the thing she loves the most. She was good at cleaning up Ayoola’s mess and she’s slowly missing the adventures and the good times. She’d battling with her own mind and eventually caves in. Korede finally asked why Ayoola began killing in the first place and she learns that Ayoola’s first murder was her lover that broke her heart. Korede understood and she joined her sister in killing men that has or had broken someone’s heart.
Critical analysis
In the book My Sister, the Serial Killer the author Oyinkan Braithwaite, reveals a great amount of information about the two sisters. “sometimes I just want to go back to how things were. Simple.” (326). In this quote the author reveals that Ayoola doesn’t care about anyone besides herself and becomes more reckless by killing someone else with no hesitation. However in the pages before this quote the author stated “But I can’t seem to fight this urge to make you feel pain again.” (311). This shows the theme of being reckless because even Korede is noticing that Ayoola just doesn't care as much as before. These quotes connect because the sisters were so in fear in the earlier pages but were careless right afterwards. The purpose of this is to demonstrate the weakness they face troubles them in every situation. The theme of this book is reckless and these quotes paint a vivid picture of that.
Personal response
The book is slowly coming to an end and it’s honestly the best book I’ve read. This was honestly the most realistic part of the book because of the numerous amount of arguments the two sisters had. It was action packed which was a good change since they’ve been scared and hiding for most of the book. For many people with siblings this book is so relatable and would be a great read. I would recommend this to my friends and family because this is such a great book so far. I predict in the next couple chapters that Ayoola is going to disobey Korede words and will kill someone else for own enjoyment that Korede will later have to clean up. Nothing new or interesting was revealed in this chapter besides themselves battling their own emotions. I think in the next chapters they are going to get caught by officials and would be placed in jail.
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My love for him was my greatest weakness. He used me.
Oyinkan Braithwaite, My Sister, the Serial Killer (338)
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sometimes I just want to go back to how things were. Simple.
Oyinkan Braithwaite, My Sister, the Serial Killer (326)
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But I can’t seem to fight this urge to make you feel pain again.
Oyinkan Braithwaite, My Sister, the Serial Killer (311)
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I’m becoming just like her and I hate it!
Oyinkan Braithwaite, My Sister, the Serial Killer (302)
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I’m not trying to argue with her! She just doesn’t listen to the ones that care about her the most mother.
Oyinkan Braithwaite, My Sister, the Serial Killer (295)
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Week 18 Blog
My Sister, the Serial Killer
By: Oyinkan Braithwaite
Pages: 241-280
Word count: 393
Summary
After the news about the missing man had become the talk of the town, Korede started to resent Ayoola even more. She realized that she’s in this situation solely because of her sister. Korede finally expresses her feelings about Ayoola and tells her to leave. She started to have second thoughts about what she said to Ayoola and wanted to apologize. However their mother totally agreed with Korede with her decision of kicking her out. Their mother finally figured out what the two sisters were hiding and ultimately made her disown Ayoola.
Critical analysis
In the book My Sister, the Serial Killer the author Oyinkan Braithwaite, reveals a great amount of information about the two sisters. “I’m fighting the urge Korede!” (241). In this quote the author reveals that Ayoola doesn’t care about anyone besides herself and becomes more reckless by killing someone else with no hesitation. However in the pages before this quote the author stated “I feel like you’re not the same person anymore. What changed you?” (253). This shows the theme of being reckless because even Korede is noticing that Ayoola just doesn't care as much as before. These quotes connect because the sisters were so in fear in the earlier pages but were careless right afterwards. The purpose of this is to demonstrate the weakness they face troubles them in every situation. The theme of this book is reckless and these quotes paint a vivid picture of that.
Personal response
This was honestly the most realistic part of the book because of the numerous amount of arguments the two sisters had. It was action packed which was a good change since they’ve been scared and hiding for most of the book. For many people with siblings this book is so relatable and would be a great read. I would recommend this to my friends and family because this is such a great book so far. I predict in the next couple chapters that Ayoola is going to disobey Korede words and will kill someone else for own enjoyment that Korede will later have to clean up. Nothing new or interesting was revealed in this chapter besides themselves battling their own emotions. I think in the next chapters they’re going to do everything in their power to male sure no one finds the second body which means burning it.
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I have to force myself to ignore her. If that makes me a horrible sister so be it!
Oyinkan Braithwaite, My Sister, the Serial Killer (270)
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She disowned you because you’re an embarrassment Ayoola.
Oyinkan Braithwaite, My Sister, the Serial Killer (267)
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I feel like you’re not the same person anymore. What changed you?
Oyinkan Braithwaite, My Sister, the Serial Killer (253)
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I’m fighting the urge Korede!
Oyinkan Braithwaite, My Sister, the Serial Killer (241)
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Week 17 Blog
My Sister, the Serial Killer
By: Oyinkan Braithwaite
Pages: 191-240
Word count: 372
Summary
After taking a long awarded break Ayoola decided to take her life into her own hands. She snuck out late at night and did what she was told she wasn’t supposed to do. She killed a local man from her village just because. She went home crying to Korede begging her for help and guidance. Korede was so upset with her sister because she broke her promise not to kill anyone ever again. After a week a news channel station in Nigeria covered a story that a local man was missing and is searching for him.
Critical analysis
In the book My Sister, the Serial Killer the author Oyinkan Braithwaite, reveals a great amount of information about the two sisters. “Don’t tell me you did it again Ayoola… please.” (206). In this quote the author reveals that Ayoola doesn’t care about anyone besides herself and becomes more reckless by killing someone else with no hesitation. However in the pages before this quote the author stated “they found his body Ayoola…” (228). This demonstrates the fear the sisters have of someone finding out and seeing what they did came true after all. These quotes connect because the sisters were so in fear in the earlier pages but were careless right afterwards. The purpose of this is to demonstrate the weakness they face troubles them in every situation. The theme of this book is reckless and these quotes paint a vivid picture of that.
Personal response
It was action packed which was a good change since they’ve been scared and hiding for most of the book. For many people with siblings this book is so relatable and would be a great read. I would recommend this to my friends and family because this is such a great book so far. I predict in the next couple chapters that Ayoola is going to disobey Korede words and will kill someone else for own enjoyment that Korede will later have to clean up. Nothing new or interesting was revealed in this chapter besides themselves battling their own emotions. I think in the next chapters they’re going to do everything in their power to male sure no one finds the second body which means burning it.
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