Book Review: The Baby is Mine by Oyinkan Braithwaite

AD* | When his girlfriend throws him out during the pandemic, Bambi has to go to his Uncle's house in lock-down Lagos. He arrives during a blackout and is surprised to find his Aunty Bidemi sitting in a candlelit room with another woman. They both claim to be the mother of the baby boy, fast asleep in his crib.

At night Bambi is kept awake by the baby's cries, and during the days he is disturbed by a cockerel that stalks the garden. There is sand in the rice. A bloodstain appears on the wall. Someone scores tribal markings into the baby's cheeks. Who is lying and who is telling the truth?

I have always been a reader. From the moment I could read on my own, I did little else, always with my nose inside one book or another. That love for reading has stayed with me throughout my life. Now, in my late 20s, I can happily say that I still have the same passion for reading and for finding my next favourite book!

However, although reading has always been my go-to pastime, I know that books can appear dull and uninviting to many people. In the UK, one in three adults don't read regularly for pleasure, and one in six adults find reading difficult. There are many reasons why people don't enjoy reading, but there are also plenty of ways to make this activity more accessible and welcoming for everyone. 

The Reading Agency is a UK charity funded by Arts Council England. It aims to help break down these barriers and promote the benefits of reading. One of their regular initiatives is the highly successful Quick Reads programme, an annual scheme commissioning short, engaging books from leading authors across different genres. As a result of the scheme, hundreds of thousands of new readers have been introduced to the joy of reading.

As ever, this year's selection features a stellar line-up of exciting titles. I could happily sit and read all six, but my chosen title this year is The Baby is Mine from bestselling author Oyinkan Braithwaite. 

The book grabs your attention right from the start, instantly getting into the action and kick-starting the story. It's an intriguing book that keeps you guessing, with twists and turns around every corner. It's punchy, snappy, and gets straight to the point. I read The Baby is Mine in a single sitting, but you could easily maintain the suspense by enjoying the book in shorter bursts. 

The characters are quirky and multi-faceted; despite the fact that there are only really three key characters in the book - with the exception of the baby. Each has secrets, and there is plenty left to uncover throughout the duration of the story. 

This is a masterful story, well-written, and with a unique hook to keep you reading. Who is the baby's mother? You'll have to read the book to find out!

The Baby is Mine is available to buy now.

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* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

Will you be reading any of this year's Quick Reads? Let me know in the comments below!