The back cover of this new and highly anticipated novel by Oyinkan Braithwaite has a quote by the New York Times, calling it “brilliantly perceptive” and “sharp”. It is those things. But the review also calls this novel “wickedly funny” and “hilarious”. To me, this is misleading. This novel is more complicated than that, and it is certainly no rom-com. There were moments you could chuckle at, yes. When you have a big family sharing a home together, funny and ironic things happen all the time. To me, this is a family saga. In it, there is a lot of heartbreak, a lot of love, some superstition, and some questionable choices. Braithwaite is immensely talented, and her stories will keep you on the edge of your seat, craving the knowledge of what will happen next. She is a gifted storyteller, and I will eagerly read anything she writes. This story is very different from her first novel and is perfect for anyone interested in multigenerational stories woven together with otherworldly elements.
Cursed Daughters by Oyinkan Braithwaite, (List Price: $29, Doubleday, 9780385551472, November 2025)
Reviewed by Krista Roach, E. Shaver Bookseller in Savannah, Georgia