Review of Kalayla

[Miranda Alex]

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

---

5 out of 5 stars

---

Share This Review

---

Kalayla by Jeannie Nicholas is the ideal novel for forgiveness and family. The protagonist of the novel, Kalayla LeeRoyce, was a smart-mouthed, some might say rebellious, eleven-year-old girl. With a single mother working two jobs to support her child and raise an interracial child in her early 20s, Kalayla spent much of her time alone and with plenty of spare time. Lena, a kind but sarcastic elderly woman who also serves as the landlord of the house where Kalayla and her mother Maureen reside, decided to take the young woman under her wing to keep her out of trouble.

Lena eventually understood that Kalayla was a lot of trouble—but wonderful trouble. Lena was determined to make up for the errors and wrongdoings she committed with her four boys. Underneath her rebellious exterior, Kalayla revealed herself to be a considerate youngster who organized the community and the staff at Eddie's, the café Maureen worked at, to prepare for her mother's 30th birthday celebration. Additionally, Kalayla showed her mother a lot of respect.

There were hidden secrets in this little family that started to come to light over time, posing a danger to the tenuous harmony the family maintained. Do the secrets divide this family, or do they forge new bonds of friendship? Kalayla portrayed the difficulties that mixed-race families had in the 20th century and how narrow-minded many people were about it. I like the landlady Lena and her closest friend Carlotta "Lotta" Eccli, who are both domineering and sarcastic. These two elderly ladies were very intrusive and had the best sense of humor. They believed they had the right to because of their age. The fact that Kalayla was independent and rebellious even as a small child has earned her my admiration. She was wise enough to understand that if you want something, you have to work for it rather than relying on others to give it to you.

I don't like how Maureen constantly finds justification for her brother-in-law's actions. I felt that a person's painful childhood experience was not a justification for acting out.

Overall, I would give the book a rating of 5 out of 5 stars due to the compelling narrative and complex characters. additionally, for professional editing. The book was error-free. It was exceptionally edited. The book has some upsetting scenes and foul language. If you can look beyond that, Kalayla is a fantastic novel to read. If you are sensitive to domestic abuse and rape, this book is not for you. If you're searching for a good family book, I'd suggest it.

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

[Streo Stelen]

honestly Lena essentially taking the role of grandmother was really adorable.