Final Rating:
Date of Completion: 31/03/2023
Published by: Penguin
ISBN: 9780241994870
Cover:
This simple design nicely conveys what the story is about. The vibrant colours also make the cover eye-catching and appealing.
Writing:
The relaxed, casual writing style is strengthened by vivid descriptions that keep the story engaging and immersive. I also loved the media elements, such as text messages, emails and internet searches, which made the story more interesting.
There’s something about helping people that’s good for the soul
Storyline:
The story jumps right into the drama of Yinka’s dating woes while gradually introducing the key characters. Despite a few predictable moments, the storyline remained entertaining as themes such as colourism and mental health were explored. I especially loved the message of empowerment and self-love, which gave a heartwarming ending complete with a movie-worthy closing scene.
Main character:
The embarrassing events Yinka faces, plus the cultural and faith aspects of her life, meant I quickly connected with her character. Even as she encountered waves of insecurities that led to increasingly bad decisions, her struggle was so realistic I remained invested in her well-being and character development.
You need to define who you are. Otherwise, people will happily do it for you
Secondary characters:
The strong females who make up the majority of secondary characters were made memorable through their distinct personalities and growth. In particular, Yinka’s best friend, Nina, stands out for her self-confidence and aromantic representation. The remaining male characters are given much less depth, but they help drive the storyline.
Romance:
Although this book has very little romance, I enjoyed the slow-burn attraction that Yinka experiences. The banter and cute moments between the characters were so nicely done I was soon rooting for them and waiting impatiently for scenes with them together.
Narration & Audio:
Ronke Adekoluejo does a great job delivering the emotions and accents needed to create a lovely listening experience. Sound effects for text messages and emails also ensure the audio is engaging.
While ‘Yinka, Where is Your Husband?‘ is not your typical romantic comedy, I still enjoyed it! The story nicely explores the insecurities and pressures that can snowball while single – specifically in the context of Nigerian culture. Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams is another book that presents the self-love journey of a black female protagonist, so check that out if you love this.
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[…] a compelling journey of self-discovery with engaging, conversational prose. Why not check out Yinka, Where is Your Huzband? by Lizzie Damilola Blackburn for a similar self-love journey by a black female protagonist if you enjoyed […]