My Sister, the Serial Killer

The concept of physical beauty is at the center of the novel’s premise that in the right circumstances, a beautiful young woman could continue to kill unpunished. Braithwaite uses beauty as a symbol of both real and figurative power: Ayoola’s looks give her a level of impunity from the crimes she has committed as well as from everyday chores and demands, which are usually taken care of by Korede. Beauty also represents the force of cumulative authority to manipulate others into doing what they otherwise would not do. Ayoola has had this kind of power since she was a child: Her mother worships her, her sister dedicates her life to her, and the older boys in school wish to date her even though she is young.

Ayoola succeeds as a serial killer because, thanks to her ethereal looks, men rarely see beyond her physical attractiveness. Ayoola utilizes her physical beauty to command adoration and devotion from various men whom she is able to control. Her affair with Tade and her communication with the police show that no one is immune to her charm. Ayoola’s victims do not comprehend what is happening to them until it is too late.