Tag: Nikki May

This Motherless Land by Nikki May

by Bookworm&TheatreMouse

If you have been here a while you will know that I absolutely loved ‘Wahala‘ – to the point that I know where I was when I read it. I even remember telling Nikki May herself (thanks to The Book Taster) that she had created one of the best villains of all time and I still stand by that.

So, I am sure you have worked out that I absolutely loved ‘This Motherless Land’, too. And, I do not know why I left it on my shelf for so long. Well, in fact, I do know why, because I did not want to finish it and then know that I would not be able to read it for the first time again.

This book, inspired by ‘Mansfield Park’, was everything that I hoped it would be and probably a little more. Nikki May has a skill of creating the most wonderful characters who you can visualise from the moment you start reading, and seems to have a particular skill of creating characters you quite like to dislike. However, this book touched on some really important issues. ‘Mansfield Park’ may have addressed the prejudice of the rich-poor divide; ‘This Motherless Land’ also addresses this, but also the racial prejudice faced by our wonderful central character Funke. Funke is Anglo-Nigerian, and fabulous; however, some of her family members in England do not seem to be willing to accept her with the love and acceptance that they should. However, she does form a bond with her cousin, until the day that an accident tears them apart and they lead two different lives, and we reflect on the paths their lives take.

I genuinely adored this book, just as I have so much admiration for Nikki May, especially as I was lucky enough to meet her at a ‘The Book Taster Live’ event. She really writes stories we want to read, but does not shy away from topics that we should probably all be thinking about and reflecting on, on a regular basis. This retelling brings the story bang up to date and becomes the story we need in this time, and just like ‘Wahala’ has brilliantly strong female lead characters, putting women right in the middle of the action. I am pretty sure that Jane Austen would throughly approve of this book, as it brings a social issue to the attention of readers, and gives women a loud and proud voice in the modern age.

I will be recommending this book to everyone – a modern classic in the making. Thank you Nikki May, and I can’t wait to see what other stories you will be sharing with us.

Wahala by Nikki May

by Bookworm&TheatreMouse

In preparation for the up and coming ‘Tasting Notes Live‘ I am starting to make sure that I have read the books by the incredible authors who will be appearing at the event. And one of those incredible authors is Nikki May. I am also still shopping my shelves, as this was a little treat to myself earlier this year after a visit to one of my favourite independent bookshops – Warwick Books.

‘Wahala’ is Nikki May’s debut novel and – wow – what a read it is. I was attracted to stunning cover of the paperback and thought I was letting myself in for a bit of a cosy read about female friendships. But this book is about so much more.

I mean, do not get me wrong, female friendships are a strong central theme – and a fascinating study of them it is too. But (and this is why I love not reading the blurb) this was a bit of a thriller too, which, if you judge the book by its cover, you would not expect. Why exactly is so much ‘wahala’ occurring and causing strain for three best friends who have always been rock solid?

I think this book has one of the best villains that I have met amongst the pages of a book. A true character that you love to hate. And that really added to the enjoyment of reading this book, especially as it is not exactly who you expect it to be.

There is so much in this book and I do not want to spoil it for anyone else if they hope to pick it up, but I will add that if you decide to read this then you will not be disappointed. This is a sophisticated story about friendships, relationships, family dynamics and self-discovery, with the edge of a thriller. It will keep you turning the pages and just wanting to find out more about these three women and their lives.

I am even more excited about the next live event now I have read this book, and about having the chance to hear Nikki May talk about her fantastic debut novel.