Wahala Audiobook By Nikki May cover art

Wahala

A Novel

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Wahala

By: Nikki May
Narrated by: Natalie Simpson
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"Contemporary female friendship goes glam in this lively debut novel with remarkable depth." -- Washington Post

"Great fun and extremely smart." -- npr.org

NAMED A MOST ANTICIPATED BOOK OF 2022 BY Vogue * Marie Claire * Glamour * Essence * Oprah Daily * Entertainment Weekly * Bustle * PopSugar * CrimeReads * and more!

An incisive and exhilarating debut novel following three Anglo-Nigerian best friends and the lethally glamorous fourth woman who infiltrates their group—the most unforgettable girls since Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte, and Samantha.

Ronke wants happily ever after and 2.2. kids. She’s dating Kayode and wants him to be “the one” (perfect, like her dead father). Her friends think he’s just another in a long line of dodgy Nigerian boyfriends.

Boo has everything Ronke wants—a kind husband, gorgeous child. But she’s frustrated, unfulfilled, plagued by guilt, and desperate to remember who she used to be.

Simi is the golden one with the perfect lifestyle. No one knows she’s crippled by impostor syndrome and tempted to pack it all in each time her boss mentions her “urban vibe.” Her husband thinks they’re trying for a baby. She’s not.

When the high-flying, charismatic Isobel explodes into the group, it seems at first she’s bringing out the best in each woman. (She gets Simi an interview in Shanghai! Goes jogging with Boo!) But the more Isobel intervenes, the more chaos she sows, and Ronke, Simi, and Boo’s close friendship begins to crack.

A sharp, modern take on friendship, ambition, culture, and betrayal, Wahala (trouble) is an unforgettable novel from a brilliant new voice.

©2022 Nikki May (P)2022 HarperCollins Publishers Fiction Friendship Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Women's Fiction World Literature Witty Funny

Editor's Pick

I’m looking for wahala in 2022
Wahala is the Nigerian word for “trouble,” and Nikki May’s debut is exactly the kind of trouble I want to be getting into this year. Inspired by a lunch with friends, May’s Wahala follows Ronke, Boo, and Simi—three Anglo-Nigerian best friends who are navigating the personal and professional chaos of their mid-30s. Their decades-long bond, however, starts cracking when a new woman—Isobel—infiltrates the group. This debut is drawing comparisons to Sex and the City, but I’m getting major Big Little Lies vibes, which has me beyond excited to get lost in London with these women. Natalie Simpson is a new narrator for me, and as the chapters alternate between Ronke, Boo, and Simi, I’m eager to hear the nuances she brings to each character. —Katie O., Audible Editor

Engaging Plot Twists • Captivating Character Development • Nigerian Cultural Elements • Compelling Friendship Dynamics
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Initially I thought I would have a hard time understanding with the strong accent but after the first chapter I was so hooked and the accent wasn’t a problem. I could not put this book down and was sad when it ended, hope there is a sequel.

Great narration

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This book doesn’t really pop off until the end. It’s engaging enough but just as you’re getting into these dreaded awful characters like Boo and Simi YUCK, the ending happens and it leaves you about a satisfied as a limp…….eggplant! How could this writer do that to us? Read at your own risk of dissatisfaction! The only glimmer of redemption is a sequel. Which for the revenge factor alone (along with the food descriptions) I might read.

I can’t get no satisfaction

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I loved this book from beginning to end. Entertaining and suspenseful towards the end. Must read!

Amazing read!

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The book started off a little slow but then picked up and became very interesting. Then the ending was abrupt and not very satisfying.

Started off strong,but ending was abrupt

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It was submerged into a different culture and it was a breath of fresh air. Highly recommend

Really enjoyed this book

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I loved the journey of the three friends, getting to know them so well and feeling like I was right there with them. Learning so much about their culture and their experience being multicultural was an added bonus and the author did a fantastic job of showing it for those of us who are not familiar, yet keeping within an amazing story.

I didn’t know what to expect at all going into this book and it blew me away. Between the friendships and the psychological thriller aspect, I don’t know if any other book can compete. Fabulous must read book.

That ending… wow!

Immersive

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The ending was a disappointment. This book dragged on. I felt like the story was set up like a soap opera. I did not care for this it was long for no reason.

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As a Nigerian, when you read a Nigerian story, you have the unparalleled advantage of knowing your way around the story. It is a lot easier for you to pick holes here & there. So putting together loads of Nigerian sounding names & siting scenes in Nigerian cities, isn't enough to make it feel like a Nigerian tale. It felt more Western than Nigerian in most ways. Sadly this tale was one big Wahala on its very own.

Very disappointing: A credit wasted

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Five stars. Hand down. Best book I’ve read in a while. I will be waiting for the next release from this author.

I typically don’t write reviews but I am so pleased I had to. I did not want it to end.

The story was soo well written. I knew something was off a few minutes in but I just couldn’t place it. Even though I knew something was gonna happen. I had no idea what until the very end. It was so detailed I felt like I was watching a movie.

I recommend to anyone who loves a little drama.

Loveeeeeeeed it.

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The story was refreshing but the ending was utterly rubbish. Seriously. It was quite riveting but the end was just... you won't get closure at all. There is no happy ending. No justice. It's like a cold case.

Great book until the ending.

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