After watching Zainab Boladale on news2day on RTÉ, I have always loved the way she tells stories, and Braids Take A Day is no different.
This debut novel follows Abidemi, a young girl from Ennistymon who is going through major changes in her life—from finishing her Leaving Cert to an encounter with a woman she follows on Instagram. Abi is also deciding what she wants to study in college and whether she should follow the path her father wants or take a chance and pursue her own passion.
The book incorporates friendships both likely and unlikely, possibilities of new relationships both platonic and romantic, and a different family dynamic. It captures small-town Irish vibes while introducing several female characters, all of whom I came to love.
I was really looking forward to the release of this book, and I was not disappointed at all! I highly recommend it and love how it incorporates Irish culture alongside the history and love of hair, particularly for mixed-race and Black women.
Review by Medb O’Gorman
Braids Take A Day
Zainab Boladale
The O’Brien Press, 2024
Paperback, €11.99
ISBN: 9781788495370
