What Is The Book Wahala About?

Wahala' is this vibrant, messy, and utterly captivating novel by Nikki May that dives deep into the lives of three Anglo-Nigerian friends living in London. Ronke, Boo, and Simi seem to have it all figured out—until Isobel, a childhood friend, waltzes back into their lives and stirs up chaos. The title 'Wahala' means 'trouble' in Nigerian Pidgin, and boy, does it deliver! The book explores themes of friendship, identity, and the cultural tightrope these women walk. It’s got this addictive energy, like eavesdropping on the juiciest gossip at a family reunion. The way May writes makes you feel every high and low, from the glamorous Lagos wedding scenes to the raw, emotional confrontations.

What really stuck with me was how real the characters felt. Ronke’s desperation for love, Boo’s struggle with motherhood, and Simi’s career vs. family dilemmas—they’re all so relatable. And Isobel? She’s the kind of villain you love to hate, with her designer clothes and toxic manipulations. The book doesn’t shy away from darker themes either, like infidelity and racial microaggressions, but it balances them with humor and warmth. I finished it in two sittings because I just had to know how the drama unfolded. If you’re into stories about complex female friendships with a side of cultural commentary, this one’s a must-read.

'Wahala' is like a rich, spicy jollof rice—flavorful, a bit fiery, and impossible to resist. Nikki May’s debut follows three friends whose bond frays when Isobel, a glamorous but manipulative figure from their past, reappears. The title’s Nigerian Pidgin for 'trouble,' and the book lives up to it with betrayals, secrets, and cultural clashes. Ronke’s dating woes, Boo’s marital strife, and Simi’s career compromises are so vividly drawn, you’ll feel like part of their WhatsApp group. The Lagos wedding scene is a standout, blending humor and tension perfectly. It’s a book about the price of fitting in—and the cost of standing out.

Ever picked up a book and felt like it was written just for you? That’s how 'Wahala' hit me. It’s a glittering, sharp-eyed story about three women whose friendship gets tested when a fourth—Isobel—reenters their circle. Nikki May nails the dynamics of female friendships: the support, the Envy, the unspoken rules. Ronke’s a hopeless romantic, Boo’s juggling parenthood and a crumbling marriage, and Simi’s trying to please everyone but herself. Then there’s Isobel, who’s like a spark in a firework factory—beautiful but destructive.

The Lagos scenes are pure sensory overload in the best way—the food, the music, the fashion. But what really got me was how the book tackles identity. These women are constantly code-switching, whether it’s at their London offices or family gatherings in Nigeria. It’s exhausting and exhilarating, just like real life. The dialogue crackles with authenticity, especially the Nigerian Pidgin phrases sprinkled throughout (thank goodness for the glossary!). It’s not just a story about drama; it’s about how we navigate love, ambition, and belonging. I’ve already loaned my copy to three friends—it’s that kind of book.