Friendships, they say, outlive your existence. But what happens when a new face shows up and threatens to disrupt the peace?
Set in modern day London, Nikki May’s debut novel “Wahala”, takes its readers on a rollercoaster journey with a group of friends- Ronke, the dentist whose career is promising unlike her relationship with Kayode which doesn’t seem to be making headway, Simi who is the perfect definition of an IT girl- a career in fashion and a wealthy husband that loves her to bits and the somewhat gloomy Boo who is dissatisfied with her life and is pretty much going through the motions of being a mother and a wife.
Of course, the story starts up in a cute and beautiful way because what is better than seeing black women in wholesome friendships? Nothing!
Then comes Isobel, dashingly beautiful and seemingly a girl’s girl who is fresh out of a divorce and wants to be a part of this circle. It doesn’t seem like a bad idea because community is in itself therapy. One would think Isobel would ease into the group gently. Without wasting a single moment, Isobel shows up and finds every opportunity to make herself the center of every conversation. Main character syndrome, hello?! Especially on the first day when she not only comes to the girls’ favorite place, Buka. But also makes lunch about her and Simi’s shared childhood. And you know what they say about first impressions. Right?
The characters seem to be living beautiful lives- Ronke working a job she loves and being one of London’s best dentists, Simi traveling the world and getting showered with gifts by her husband, and Boo with an intelligent kid and a good husband. Their lives revolve around work, their families, friendship, and weekend dates at Buka. Until Isobel comes into their lives and turns it topsy-turvy, pulling out secrets they have individually tucked into neat corners of their lives and using it as a weapon to destroy their bond and relationships. Isobel knows how to get a person cozy and talking and if the circumstances were different, she would have been the middle ground for the girls. The one who they could easily unburden to but…..
Her weaponized use of that power taught me that a problem shared is not a problem half-solved, especially when it’s shared with someone you barely know. From the first date at Buka, Ronke felt ticked off by Isobel and was the one person who partly clocked the Isobel performance while Simi sang her praises. At first it felt like she was being that one friend who didn’t want her little circle to get crowded. But it taught me that an intuitive feeling never lies.
The story went further to show that nobody’s life is picture-perfect because while the girls seemed to be doing great, they were battling things that weighed heavily on them in secret. They seemed to have it all but there remained things that were out of their reach- a hot lover, a willing partner, and a child-free life.
And it buttressed the point of life being a circle of wants and needs. You get one thing today and the next day, there’s a chase for the next accomplishment or want. So truly, nobody ever has it all.
Most importantly, it portrayed the true importance of communication in friendships and relationships. I learned that details omitted intentionally and lies told could be the downfall of a relationship, romantic or not as in the case of Simi’s silence about not wanting kids and actively doing things that made sure she didn’t get pregnant while all Frank did was think of kids running around the house. There was a bridge in communication from the start and instead of addressing the issue, Simi opted for silence and secrets which led to a conflict.
Overall, Wahala is a compelling, emotional, and thought-provoking read. It’s a book for anyone who values friendship, community, and honesty. And fair warning, you may think you’re ready, but you are not fully prepared for the deep lows and soaring highs this story will take you through.
Gladys Kyauta Yahaya is a fourth-year medical student who believes she was born to write. From writing stories for fun in miserly 20 leaves notebooks in primary school, she has fast become an amazing writer who seeks to create worlds and experiences through soulful and in-depth storytelling.
When she’s not crashing out from trying to understand the pathophysiology of diseases, she’s taking pictures of everything and anything and making her mark on Substack via her page, 9jan, that explores the fine art of being Nigerian in every sense of the word.
