Review of Kalayla

Anjali Patil · Post by **Anjali Patil** » 13 Jul 2021, 12:07

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

4 out of 4 stars

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Kalayla by Jeannie Nicholas is a Fiction book that mainly focuses on three characters named Kalayla LeeRoyce, Lena Barzetti, and Maureen O'Rourke. And their lives intertwined with each other since 1999 Cambridge, MA.

The book is predominantly about an 11-year-old black girl who is an Audacious, Cheeky, Self-Dependent girl who loves to spend quality time reading books and wandering around everywhere, on her own. Her mother is Maureen O'Rourke, a 30-year-old Irish woman, an artist who lost her husband who was black in a car crash made to work as a waitress in an eatery. And lastly, An elderly lady Lena Barzetti, a 72-year-old Italian woman who has lost her husband and her twins in the marine war. Currently, she has two more sons; one handles the family business, the other one she has lost touch with 15 years ago. Lena also handles their real estate business and earns sufficiently.

The story is about how these three women get around with each other with different personalities yet so close that their lives are now interdependent. They live in the same building which is owned by Lena and are neighbors, sharing their life.

Additionally, the book also focuses on their individual stories and the way they grow in their manner after meeting one another. And, their life-transforming with those who surround them. As they become more acquainted, they start to look out for each other and help one another in the time of need.

Kalayla book is all about dealing with the most difficult problems like Sexuality, Domestic violence, Racism, Profanity, Guilt, Assault(physical and mental), Abandonment, Sacrifice. And, also Love, Care, looking out for each other, and being there for each other, etc.

The most important aspect of the book is how the three people can be so connected, living like a family irrespective of their race, age, community, and personalities. The author has done an exquisite job in character designing according to the storyline.

I liked a quote from one of the chapters, where Lena says to Kalayla, “If you start with hating, you'll end with hating, and the one you'll hate the most will be yourself.”

What I liked the most about the book is how the author has presented the story. The story is told from each person's perspective, in each chapter so that all the characters' life get the spotlight and attention they are needed. Every character, even the supporting ones are designed just perfectly. The way Kalayla speaks, Maureen's anxious behavior, and Lena's elderly wisdom are just perfect.

There is nothing much to dislike about the book but I wished the ending was more of a fulfilling one rather than a simple one. I didn't expect that kind of ending because the whole book kept me engaged but the ending was just bland.

I did find a few errors, mostly typos that did not disturb me while reading. “I will rate this book four out of four stars.” Even if, I didn't like the ending, I didn't see the need to remove a star from its rating.

I will recommend this book to those who are a fan of organic and domestic fiction. I won't recommend this to children as it contains explicit scenes and profanity. Some may find it disturbing for its racism and assault. But excluding all that, It is a good book.

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Kalayla
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MsH2k · Post by **MsH2k** » 28 Jul 2021, 00:19

I read this book and enjoyed it as well. It was beautiful to see the friendship blossom among the three. Thank you for your take on this read!

Kaushiki Parihar · Post by **Kaushiki Parihar** » 30 Jul 2021, 05:41

The book has wonderful character development and beautiful storyline. I have read this book, and I loved it. You did a great job on the review.

Anjali Patil · Post by **Anjali Patil** » 04 Aug 2021, 14:23

MsH2k wrote: ↑28 Jul 2021, 00:19 I read this book and enjoyed it as well. It was beautiful to see the friendship blossom among the three. Thank you for your take on this read!

I loved the book and I couldn't agree more on the friendship thing. It was just perfect. Thanks for taking the time to read my review.

Anjali Patil · Post by **Anjali Patil** » 04 Aug 2021, 14:26

Kaushiki Parihar wrote: ↑30 Jul 2021, 05:41 The book has wonderful character development and a beautiful storyline. I have read this book, and I loved it. You did a great job on the review.

Thank you for the compliment, I appreciate it. I loved the characters which were design perfectly according to the storyline.

Michelle Menezes · Post by **Michelle Menezes** » 05 Aug 2021, 04:09

I agree with everything you've said. I have also read and enjoyed the book. Great job with the review. It's well-written and to the point.

Brandy_Nyongesa · Post by **Brandy_Nyongesa** » 08 Aug 2021, 11:54

Racism and domestic violence have been addressed. This are vices that should be condemned.

Anjali Patil · Post by **Anjali Patil** » 08 Aug 2021, 13:31

Michelle Menezes wrote: ↑05 Aug 2021, 04:09 I agree with everything you've said. I have also read and enjoyed the book. Great job with the review. It's well-written and to the point.

Thank you so much for the insights on the review. It's also great to have someone agree.