Review of Kalayla

Hasa Athapaththu · Post by **Hasa Athapaththu** » 17 Apr 2022, 10:30

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

4 out of 4 stars

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It's no wonder that life is troublesome at times. It is so for Maureen, Kalayla's Mama, who had kept a grave secret from her daughter for many years. It is so for Lena, the sweet Old Lady, who happens to build an intimate relationship with Maureen and Kalayla and becomes a strength to them at all times. And it is so even for little, 11-year-old, headstrong girls such as Kalayla herself. The secret might cause her whole world to turn tumultuous. How would they react if the truth ever comes out, and how would Kalayla confront it? Are love, loss, forgiveness, and reconciliation ever easy? Let Kalayla, Maureen and Lena tell you all about it.

Kalayla by Jeannie Nicholas portrays the lives and challenges of the three prominent female characters: Kalayla, the bi-racial girl, her Mama, and Lena, their landlady. The way the three of them interact with one another and with others is a beautiful sight to see. The writer also alludes to issues of abusive relationships and racist dispositions that cause long-lasted problems but does not let these consume the essence of her narrative as she has more to convey. Her purpose is to underline something profound and something humane through the stories of her characters.

I love how the writer has outlined the characters and their lives, which are close-knit, to develop a holistically beautiful story that would even make you cry. She is adept in her writing with an abundance of fresh ideas, and the way she has presented human psychology in all stages of life is unique and admirable. For this purpose, the narrative shifts between these three women and unveils their honest emotions. The strength of character imparted to them makes them live beyond fiction. I love how relatable the incidents and the characters were. They became my friends to the extent that I felt sorrow in parting from them at the end of the book. I'm sure you will feel much the same once you read this incredible story. It lucidly reflects the writer's storytelling capacity and success. The narrative flows effortlessly, is not unnecessarily lengthy, and has just the right amount of humor to put a smile on your face from time to time. Kalayla's and Lena's witty remarks are sure to amuse you.

The only negative point I observed about the book was that the winding-up seemed a bit fast-paced. However, it did not affect my outlook or rating as the story was elegant throughout the read, and I was wholly absorbed in it.

I believe the book is professionally edited since I noticed only a minimum of errors in addition to all its other positive points. Hence, I gladly rate this book 4 out of 4 stars.

The book is appropriate for a mature audience. I recommend it to readers who may be curious about family and the conflicts that could arise within them due to personal beliefs. It will also serve as a good read for people who may be interested in the struggles of individuals as the writer depicts those of women (especially) and others too, even children. As the characters bring out how to overcome them, you are sure to mature within this read and broaden your perspective. Kalayla is a thought-provoking and inspirational piece of writing that provides much insight into life events.

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Kalayla
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honeybear_11001 · Post by **honeybear_11001** » 24 Apr 2022, 09:22

I loved many parts of this book. Especially the strong female characters. I have read it twice. This was a wonderful review. Thanks.

Hasa Athapaththu · Post by **Hasa Athapaththu** » 24 Apr 2022, 10:12

Thank you! @honeybear_11001

Amy Luman · Post by **Amy Luman** » 24 Apr 2022, 13:58

I am enamored with the way that the three women form their own support system. Each one of them may not know the specific struggles of the others, but offer what they know.