Diving into 'My Sister, The Serial Killer' by Oyinkan Braithwaite: A Darkly Comic Tale of Family and Murder
BY OYINKAN BRAITHWAITE
My Sister, The Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite completely captivated me with its dark humor, sharp writing, and the complex relationship it portrays between two sisters. The story follows Ayoola, a dangerously beautiful serial killer, through the eyes of her older sister Korede, who finds herself repeatedly cleaning up—both literally and figuratively—after Ayoola’s crimes.
I was immediately drawn into Korede’s internal struggle as she tries to reconcile her love and loyalty for her sister with the horrific reality of Ayoola’s actions. As the older sibling, Korede feels a deep sense of responsibility to protect Ayoola, even as she questions the morality of her complicity. Her reflections, such as “I can’t say exactly when I realized that Ayoola was beautiful and I was not,” struck me as heartbreakingly honest and set the tone for one of the book’s central themes: the power of the privilege of beauty.
Ayoola’s beauty is more than just a physical trait; in Braithwaite’s hands, it becomes a symbol of power. Through Ayoola, the novel examines how society often grants attractive people a level of freedom and impunity that others don’t have.
Ayoola’s looks allow her to manipulate others, escape consequences, and even commit murder without arousing suspicion.
Meanwhile, Korede, who lacks Ayoola’s striking appearance, is left to handle the messy aftermath and carry the moral burden of her sister’s actions.
As I read, I found myself grappling with the same questions Korede faces: but why does she continue to protect Ayoola? Is it simply loyalty, or something deeper? What drives Ayoola to kill? Braithwaite doesn’t offer easy answers, which made the story all the more intriguing.
I also loved how the book explores the darker sides of familial relationships, especially sibling dynamics. The contrast between Ayoola’s carefree charm and Korede’s cautious, responsible nature felt so authentic, and it made their bond both relatable and unsettling. Braithwaite’s writing is razor-sharp and filled with biting humor, which made even the grimmest moments compelling.
My Sister, The Serial Killer isn’t just a thriller; it’s a thought-provoking exploration of beauty, power, and the complexities of sisterhood. It challenged me to think about how we excuse or enable certain behaviors based on societal biases and personal loyalties.