Review by Darshini Poola -- Kalayla by Jeannie Nicholas
-
Darshini Poola
- Posts: 5
- Joined: 17 Oct 2020, 13:56
- Currently Reading:
- Bookshelf Size: 5
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-darshini-poola.html
- Latest Review: The Legacy of Job's Wife by Cynthia Koelker
Review by Darshini Poola -- Kalayla by Jeannie Nicholas
[Following is a volunteer review of "Kalayla" by Jeannie Nicholas.]
Kalayla by Jeannie Nicholas is a tale of trauma, self-discovery, reconciliation, and recovery. Revolving around three powerful and intriguing female characters, the reader can't help but yearn to learn more about them with the turn of every page.
Kalayla, a bi-racial eleven-year-old maverick, is a smart young girl with a sharp tongue. Little does she know that her go-getter's attitude is going to confront some tough tests of time and persistence. The secrets that are about to reveal themselves are certainly not those she had expected them to be. Will this admirably self-dependent lass be able to deal with her emotions as the deep, dark mysteries about her family's past come back to taint her present? Unlike her shrewd daughter, Maureen, Kalayla's mother, is an insecure and perpetually faltering woman. It is hard to believe that her meek persona had once been as strong-headed as Kalayla's. Abandoned by her orthodox family because she had married Jamal, her African American boyfriend from high school, Maureen finds her haven in art. She immerses herself in her passion until life gives her a hard blow. She loses Jamal in a car accident. And to make things worse, her family refuses to take her back. Maureen is thrown into the tumultuous world of raising Kalayla as a single mother, constantly doubting her parenting capabilities. Kalayla's aggressive nature doesn't make things any easier. Maureen's disturbing past, weighing heavily upon her, poses her with the dilemma of whether to divulge it to Kalayla or not. The seventy-two-year-old well-to-do landlady, Lena, has a tint of both Maureen and Kalayla's attributes. While both the young ladies seek her guidance, Lena has her own share of scarring memories to dwell upon. Watching Maureen and Kalayla makes her reflect on her attitude towards her sons. Had her distorted perspective blinded her vision?
How the three characters uncover shades of themselves whilst having each others' backs is what forms the crux of this mesmerizing story. It is soul-stirring to see them display immense strength and courage in the face of adversity. Kalayla is a book of hope. The unique storyline and complex characters convince the reader that no situation is impossible to survive through. I especially enjoyed the quick-witted banters between Lena and Kalayla, each always prepared to challenge the other's beliefs. Yet, they shared a warm bond inexplicably homely for mere words.
Nicholas narrates the tale from three different perspectives — those of Kalayla, Lena, and Maureen. The chapters effortlessly switch viewpoints as they tenderly touch upon the sensitive issues of racial discrimination, domestic abuse, physical and mental trauma, toxic relationships, etc. Change is the only constant verity of our existence, and Kalayla says it loud and clear. It makes you believe that, in contrast to what many think, love and forgiveness demand the greatest degree of bravery and fortitude. For instance, the reader realizes that, despite her no-nonsense attitude, Kalayla has a mellow side to her.
One quality I truly admire about Kalayla is her grit to stand on her own feet. Despite being only eleven years old, she chooses to earn and pay for her dance lessons. It's rare to see such an undaunting spirit these days. Kalayla, Lena, and Maureen, though generations apart, share a common thread, and their inhibitions draw them towards each other. Indeed, life is an unfair ride over rocky terrain, the human psyche is indecipherable, and "perfection" is a myth.
I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. The ending of the novel felt slightly abrupt and brought the rating down for me. The plot presented great promise, but the eventual turn of events simply failed to do justice to the robust foundation. Moreover, the lack of a gripping mystery, apart from getting to know the characters' stories, only added to the already forming void. I wish the author had explored their personalities more deeply. Besides, the tone leaned towards being too descriptive and less involving for a reader. In my opinion, the novel dealt with so many significant issues of our society but fell short while addressing them. They could have been conveyed with more vigor to create the lasting impact they deserved to produce.
Since the book contains marginal scenes of domestic abuse and racial discrimination, I would suggest sensitive, and impressionable readers refrain from reading it to avoid being triggered. It is suitable for a mature audience because it includes mild profanity and borderline sex scenes. That said, those who love delving into the profundities of the human mind and understanding one's inner battles will find this book to be their perfect choice. Seamlessly composed and well-edited, Kalayla is undoubtedly a rejuvenating lively read.
******
Kalayla
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Kalayla by Jeannie Nicholas is a tale of trauma, self-discovery, reconciliation, and recovery. Revolving around three powerful and intriguing female characters, the reader can't help but yearn to learn more about them with the turn of every page.
Kalayla, a bi-racial eleven-year-old maverick, is a smart young girl with a sharp tongue. Little does she know that her go-getter's attitude is going to confront some tough tests of time and persistence. The secrets that are about to reveal themselves are certainly not those she had expected them to be. Will this admirably self-dependent lass be able to deal with her emotions as the deep, dark mysteries about her family's past come back to taint her present? Unlike her shrewd daughter, Maureen, Kalayla's mother, is an insecure and perpetually faltering woman. It is hard to believe that her meek persona had once been as strong-headed as Kalayla's. Abandoned by her orthodox family because she had married Jamal, her African American boyfriend from high school, Maureen finds her haven in art. She immerses herself in her passion until life gives her a hard blow. She loses Jamal in a car accident. And to make things worse, her family refuses to take her back. Maureen is thrown into the tumultuous world of raising Kalayla as a single mother, constantly doubting her parenting capabilities. Kalayla's aggressive nature doesn't make things any easier. Maureen's disturbing past, weighing heavily upon her, poses her with the dilemma of whether to divulge it to Kalayla or not. The seventy-two-year-old well-to-do landlady, Lena, has a tint of both Maureen and Kalayla's attributes. While both the young ladies seek her guidance, Lena has her own share of scarring memories to dwell upon. Watching Maureen and Kalayla makes her reflect on her attitude towards her sons. Had her distorted perspective blinded her vision?
How the three characters uncover shades of themselves whilst having each others' backs is what forms the crux of this mesmerizing story. It is soul-stirring to see them display immense strength and courage in the face of adversity. Kalayla is a book of hope. The unique storyline and complex characters convince the reader that no situation is impossible to survive through. I especially enjoyed the quick-witted banters between Lena and Kalayla, each always prepared to challenge the other's beliefs. Yet, they shared a warm bond inexplicably homely for mere words.
Nicholas narrates the tale from three different perspectives — those of Kalayla, Lena, and Maureen. The chapters effortlessly switch viewpoints as they tenderly touch upon the sensitive issues of racial discrimination, domestic abuse, physical and mental trauma, toxic relationships, etc. Change is the only constant verity of our existence, and Kalayla says it loud and clear. It makes you believe that, in contrast to what many think, love and forgiveness demand the greatest degree of bravery and fortitude. For instance, the reader realizes that, despite her no-nonsense attitude, Kalayla has a mellow side to her.
One quality I truly admire about Kalayla is her grit to stand on her own feet. Despite being only eleven years old, she chooses to earn and pay for her dance lessons. It's rare to see such an undaunting spirit these days. Kalayla, Lena, and Maureen, though generations apart, share a common thread, and their inhibitions draw them towards each other. Indeed, life is an unfair ride over rocky terrain, the human psyche is indecipherable, and "perfection" is a myth.
I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. The ending of the novel felt slightly abrupt and brought the rating down for me. The plot presented great promise, but the eventual turn of events simply failed to do justice to the robust foundation. Moreover, the lack of a gripping mystery, apart from getting to know the characters' stories, only added to the already forming void. I wish the author had explored their personalities more deeply. Besides, the tone leaned towards being too descriptive and less involving for a reader. In my opinion, the novel dealt with so many significant issues of our society but fell short while addressing them. They could have been conveyed with more vigor to create the lasting impact they deserved to produce.
Since the book contains marginal scenes of domestic abuse and racial discrimination, I would suggest sensitive, and impressionable readers refrain from reading it to avoid being triggered. It is suitable for a mature audience because it includes mild profanity and borderline sex scenes. That said, those who love delving into the profundities of the human mind and understanding one's inner battles will find this book to be their perfect choice. Seamlessly composed and well-edited, Kalayla is undoubtedly a rejuvenating lively read.
******
Kalayla
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: The Legacy of Job's Wife by Cynthia Koelker
-
Hiruni Hansika
- Posts: 175
- Joined: 23 Apr 2021, 04:45
- Currently Reading: The Midnight Library
- Bookshelf Size: 117
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-hiruni-hansika.html
- Latest Review: Cynthia and Dan by Dorothy May Mercer
I attempted this book but it was not my cup of tea. But I am glad you enjoyed it. Also I love your review 
Latest Review: Cynthia and Dan by Dorothy May Mercer
