Review of Kalayla

[Bradley Shelvie]

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

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5 out of 5 stars

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"Kalayla" by Jeannie Nicholas is a compelling account of Maureen, the main character, and her struggle to find reconciliation with her past. Despite her haunting mistakes, she remains uncertain about what lies ahead. Her deepest fear is losing the trust and, worse yet, the love of her only daughter, Layla, after concealing family truths. Simultaneously, she confronts numerous challenges, including being disowned by her family for marrying out of love, the subsequent loss of her husband in an accident, and the ensuing struggle to make ends meet.

The author adeptly captures the reader's emotions, evoking profound sympathy. This is achieved by highlighting the poignant aspects of the narrative and skillfully intensifying them, ensuring their resonance within the reader's consciousness. For instance, the author portrays the impact of racism on a parent's moral guidance for their children, illustrating how this influence can diminish due to personal struggles. The novel also explores the repercussions of regrettable decisions made out of a desire to avoid unfavorable outcomes, which come back to haunt Maureen in her life. These elements culminate in an engaging reading experience.

Another standout feature of the book is its well-crafted and developed characters. Presented through the alternating first-person perspectives of three characters, the readers gain a comprehensive understanding of their lives. While narrating in the first-person perspective might not be unconventional, it provides a deeper insight into the characters' worlds compared to a third-person account. We become intimately acquainted with each character's journey, from the downtrodden and resilient Maureen to the embittered and unsettled Layla, as well as the caring and courageous Lena, among others.

I struggle to find any negatives to mention about the book. In addition to the aforementioned points, the novel boasts an exceptional plot and exhibits professional editing, as I detected no errors. Consequently, I wholeheartedly award it 5 out of 5 stars.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to those who appreciate memoirs delving into characters' struggles with their past and present lives. However, I must note that the book contains scenes depicting rape and gay relationships. If these topics are sensitive for you, you might consider passing on this book.

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Kalayla
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[revathy sw]

I agree with your review — Kalayla was a great read. It's very interesting that you identified Maureen as the main character in the story. For me, it was Kalayla. Your review has intrigued me to perhaps read the book again from Maureen's perspective. Your observation about regrettable decisions being made to avoid unfavourable outcomes is insightful and empathetic. I thought that was a really nice line.
I'm glad you enjoyed the book.
Thank you for the great review.