My Sister, the Serial Killer Discussion Questions
Pages 1-79 (thru “Roses”)
In your opinion, why do you think Korede continuously helps her sister get out of the messes she creates? If you have siblings or someone you’d consider to be like a sibling to you, would you do the same for them?
Are you skeptical of Ayoola’s murders’ justification? What do you think could have been Ayoola’s motive for killing her boyfriend?
Throughout the beginning of this book, Korede often refers to Ayoola in a sense of entitlement. For instance, when referring to Ayoola introducing herself, Korede internally narrates it as, “She puts out her hand, the way a queen would for her subjects” (Braithwaite, 54). Do you think Korede resents Ayoola for her seemingly effortless/careless way of life? Is she jealous?
On page 60, Korede says, “Mother still talks about Ayoola as if she were a child, rather than a woman who rarely heard the word ‘no.’” From this, and other instances in the book so far, how would you describe Korede’s relationship with her mother?
Ayoola dating Tade seems to really bother Korede throughout this section. From what we’ve read so far, do you believe this coupling bothers her because she is romantically interested in Tade or because she is fearful of what Ayoola might do to him?
Random question I had while reading… Do you think Korede could ever get to the point of potentially killing Ayoola? Either out of spite, to protect someone else (potentially Tade), or for another reason?
Let’s dissect this, “‘Well, we don’t always get what we want’ [says Ayoola]. She swirled her chair and continues her work. I should walk out, but instead, I pick up the rest of her clothes and fold them one by one, clamping down on my anger and self-pity” (Braithwaite, 70).
Colors are very apparent throughout this portion of the book, often when Korede describes Ayoola. For instance, “She looks as though she has brought the sunshine with her. She is wearing a bright yellow shirtdress that by no means hides her generous breasts. Her feet are in green, strappy heels that make up for what she lacks in height, and she is holding a white clutch, big enough to house a nine-inch weapon” (Braithwaite, 53). What other references to color did you notice? What is the significance of color in this book?
Pages 80-151 (“Father” thru “Awake”)
*Refer to page 92* Circling back to the relationship between Korede and her mother, and also between Ayoola and the mother, what did this scenario reveal to you about these relationships? Did it confirm anything we discussed in the last discussion?
It appears we’ve got a little more insight on their father, and perhaps see some connection between the father and Ayoola on page 105 in the paragraph, “I try not to scream. More and more she reminds me of him. He could do a bad thing and behave like a model citizen right after. As though the bad thing had never happened. Is it in the blood? But his blood is my blood and my blood is hers.” Let’s discuss.
Along with the same topic, we see the father’s behavior again in this chapter, “Father”
On page 121, Tade and Korede get into a small dispute regarding Ayoola’s less than perfect description of her. Do you think this situation could be the type of situation to cause Korede to take a stand against her sister?
On page 129, Korede brings out her notebook where she keeps track of Ayoola’s actions. Do you think this notebook could come back to haunt them in any way?
Korede finally gets the role as head nurse at the end of our section and things are sort of looking up for her... until Muhtar suddenly wakes up from his coma! Yikes! We left off on this cliff hangar, so, let’s make some guesses as to what happens next? Do you think Muhtar remembers what Korede has been revealing to him?
Pages 81 - END
What are your thoughts on the ending? Are you satisfied? Dissatisfied? Craving more? Called it? Tell me everything.
What are your final and overall thoughts on this novel?
Just for fun...Say this book is turning into a movie or a series...who would you cast for the leads?