Review of Kalayla
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Review of Kalayla
[Following is a volunteer review of "Kalayla" by Jeannie Nicholas.]
5 out of 5 stars.
‘Kalayla’ by Jeannie Nicholas is a striking piece of art that shares the story of three generations of women who fight their battles of life in society. The novel is centered around Kalayla who is an eleven-year-old girl of mixed-race origin, with a sharp mouth and a good mind. From a young age, they get acquainted with Lena, the 72-year-old widow who mourns her sons who died in the Vietnam War and whose son is estranged. Through their friendship, the three ladies realize that what they had been missing all along was family and they can let go of past hurts, embrace forgiveness, and feel whole again. Love, motherhood, friendship, and courage are the core messages of Nicholas’s novel, which, being a heart-rending and heart-touching book can be considered worthy of a 5-star rating for its profound description of the protagonists’ character and social position.
The characters portrayed by Nicholas are well-animated and have several layers. Some of the memorable characters include Kalayla, the smart-mouthed and spirited heroine. She has multifaceted emotions and is quite the liberated female character, which adds appeal to her character. Thus, Maureen’s experience as a single mother left by her family because of marrying a Black man is shown as realistic as it portrays the social expectations and racism. Lena, who has lost her sons and is alienated from another, sees a new meaning in the care of Kalayla, giving the viewers hope that the bond between people can be formed not only through family ties.
“Kalayla” is also a social commentary with compelling themes explored throughout the story. For those who read novels, it helps them learn the lesson that it’s always best to never judge other people’s lives as everyone has their battles to fight secretly. I found that the issue of mental health is presented as crucial and the need for assistance and compassion is highlighted in the novel.
Nevertheless, the play by Jeannie Nicholas, “Kalayla” does have its flaws despite how brilliant it may be. While reading the book, there are several instances where the author explains racism, abuse, and homophobia in a manner, which can be quite exhausting to the reader. Furthermore, there are moments when the story is heavy and dramatic; which may not suit people who would prefer the easy-breezy type of story. Nevertheless, these aspects do not in any way diminish the effect and cohesiveness of the work as seen in the novel. These issues are portrayed rather convincingly and with great emotional intensity by Nicholas; as a result, the book has remained a flawless 5-star work of art.
The writing is very clean and accurate and the book is well-edited. The book deserves 5 stars.
Overall, “Kalayla” by Jeannie Nicholas is a marvelous masterpiece, a powerful novel that addresses essential motives orbiting the three admirable females. In conclusion, it paints a perfect picture of the ability to rise again after being battered, to forgive, and the undeniable impact of love, hence deserves a 5-star rating and is a must-read.
******
Kalayla
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
5 out of 5 stars.
‘Kalayla’ by Jeannie Nicholas is a striking piece of art that shares the story of three generations of women who fight their battles of life in society. The novel is centered around Kalayla who is an eleven-year-old girl of mixed-race origin, with a sharp mouth and a good mind. From a young age, they get acquainted with Lena, the 72-year-old widow who mourns her sons who died in the Vietnam War and whose son is estranged. Through their friendship, the three ladies realize that what they had been missing all along was family and they can let go of past hurts, embrace forgiveness, and feel whole again. Love, motherhood, friendship, and courage are the core messages of Nicholas’s novel, which, being a heart-rending and heart-touching book can be considered worthy of a 5-star rating for its profound description of the protagonists’ character and social position.
The characters portrayed by Nicholas are well-animated and have several layers. Some of the memorable characters include Kalayla, the smart-mouthed and spirited heroine. She has multifaceted emotions and is quite the liberated female character, which adds appeal to her character. Thus, Maureen’s experience as a single mother left by her family because of marrying a Black man is shown as realistic as it portrays the social expectations and racism. Lena, who has lost her sons and is alienated from another, sees a new meaning in the care of Kalayla, giving the viewers hope that the bond between people can be formed not only through family ties.
“Kalayla” is also a social commentary with compelling themes explored throughout the story. For those who read novels, it helps them learn the lesson that it’s always best to never judge other people’s lives as everyone has their battles to fight secretly. I found that the issue of mental health is presented as crucial and the need for assistance and compassion is highlighted in the novel.
Nevertheless, the play by Jeannie Nicholas, “Kalayla” does have its flaws despite how brilliant it may be. While reading the book, there are several instances where the author explains racism, abuse, and homophobia in a manner, which can be quite exhausting to the reader. Furthermore, there are moments when the story is heavy and dramatic; which may not suit people who would prefer the easy-breezy type of story. Nevertheless, these aspects do not in any way diminish the effect and cohesiveness of the work as seen in the novel. These issues are portrayed rather convincingly and with great emotional intensity by Nicholas; as a result, the book has remained a flawless 5-star work of art.
The writing is very clean and accurate and the book is well-edited. The book deserves 5 stars.
Overall, “Kalayla” by Jeannie Nicholas is a marvelous masterpiece, a powerful novel that addresses essential motives orbiting the three admirable females. In conclusion, it paints a perfect picture of the ability to rise again after being battered, to forgive, and the undeniable impact of love, hence deserves a 5-star rating and is a must-read.
******
Kalayla
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: The Legacy of Job's Wife by Cynthia Koelker
