Review of Kalayla

nwankwo chibuchi · Post by **nwankwo chibuchi** » 15 Mar 2022, 02:48

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

4 out of 4 stars

Share This Review

I once lived in the same house with a female cousin that had virtually the same attributes as Kalayla, and it was an emotionally exhausting experience. Reading this masterfully written fiction story by Jeannie Nicholas brought back old memories I wasn't sure I wanted to relieve. 11-year-old Kalayla is rebellious, quick-tempered, and anti-social. Kalayla had no interest in becoming sociable and wasn't looking to form friendships with people; she preferred to be a loner. Lena, the 72-year-old owner of the house Kalayla lived in, who is always known to don black clothes, noticed Kalayla's awkward lifestyle and decided to utilise experiences from her dysfunctional family to begin the process of redeeming Kalayla. They started on the footing of a mutually beneficial relationship, and things picked up slowly. She had formed good ties with her and Maureen when she discovered that Maureen had a family secret she kept away from Kalayla for so long; this could potentially mess up all the time she had invested in grooming Kalayla because nobody was sure what her reaction to the information would be.

Jeannie Nicholas is such a creative, and that's easily noticeable from how creatively crafted Kalayla is. It's amazing how she ingeniously weaves the theme of racism into this family-centered story. The idea of interracial marriage and the discriminatory attitude it's met with at the initial stage can spark a full-blown conversation on its own. Lena's proactiveness towards Kalayla is also very commendable. Being that I have experience with such a character as Kalayla in real life, I can attest to the fact that the story is written in the most relatable way possible. I can relate to Lena's initial struggles with getting along with Kalayla. The chronological flow of events in the book is another commendable part I must not fail to mention. The idea of having three different narratives from the three most prominent characters in the book makes the story even more fascinating.

I was slightly worried about the book's sexual content and the number of vulgar words used, but that wouldn't be an issue once the right audience reads the book. There was no other part of the book that was less impressive. I found it difficult to take breaks while reading the book because it had a beautiful flow.

I came across only a few comma errors that I didn't bother noting because they were inconsequential and couldn't taint my reading experience in any way. Suffice it to say that the book contained no error and was exceptionally well edited, which prompted me to give it a rating of four out of four stars.

If you're in search of a thrilling fiction novel, Jeannie Nicholas' Kalayla is the book for you. Also, if you want to read about family and its many challenges, you will definitely enjoy this book.

******
Kalayla
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

Nwankwo GC · Post by **Nwankwo GC** » 01 Apr 2022, 03:58

Kalayla seems like trouble. This will be a great read, I guess. Maybe I will check it out.

Alexander C Schmoock · Post by **Alexander C Schmoock** » 01 Apr 2022, 04:04

I've come across a lot of great reviews of this book. Jeannie must have created something here. Great review.

Gifty_biblophile · Post by **Gifty_biblophile** » 01 Apr 2022, 15:01

JamesJaphet wrote: ↑01 Apr 2022, 04:04 I've come across a lot of great reviews of this book. Jeannie must have created something here. Great review.

Indeed she created something there because it really is an interesting book to read.

Kennedy NC · Post by **Kennedy NC** » 03 Apr 2022, 12:37

Lena utilised her experience intelligently in this book, and that's the highlight of the book for me.

Walter R · Post by **Walter R** » 03 Apr 2022, 13:00

I like that the reviewer related the book to his personal experience. I also like Kalayla's character.

Ekezie1998 · Post by **Ekezie1998** » 03 Apr 2022, 13:37

Maureen failed at her duty as a mother but thankfully Lena came to the rescue. This is a good review.

Rhodahams · Post by **Rhodahams** » 03 Apr 2022, 17:11

Kalayla's character will be so beautiful to read about. This is a brilliant review.

Itz Savaga · Post by **Itz Savaga** » 21 Apr 2022, 02:04

Kalayla has such an interesting personality. Jeannie did an excellent job with her character.

Nwankwo GC · Post by **Nwankwo GC** » 22 Apr 2022, 11:54

I'm curious to know Kalayla's reaction to the secret her mother kept away from her for so long. Good review. Well done

Ace John · Post by **Ace John** » 28 Apr 2022, 02:42

It's amazing to learn that the author is creative. I'm glad you enjoyed your read.

Oreoluwa281 · Post by **Oreoluwa281** » 28 Apr 2022, 16:38

Reading this review gave me an insight into what the book entails and an introduction to some of the characters whom I am starting to like. This is a book I must surely read, a wonderful review!

Ikenna John · Post by **Ikenna John** » 15 May 2022, 12:16

Kalayla appears to me like a really stubborn girl. I love reading about prominent and bold characters. I'm definitely adding this to my bookshelf.

Tony Official · Post by **Tony Official** » 15 May 2022, 12:50

The spirit of family among Maureen, Lena and Kalayla has to be the most endearing parts of his book from what I can see in the review. I will check this out. Great review. Well done.