What do you think?
Rate this book
Das Baby ist meins
Unerbittlicher als ihre Schwester verteidigt eine Frau wohl nur eins: ihr Baby.Nach ihrem frenetisch gefeierten, preisgekrönten Bestseller »Meine Schwester, die Serienmörderin« legt Oyinkan Braithwaite ihren zweiten Roman vor. »Das Baby ist meins« ist eine augenzwinkernde Ansage an das Patriarchat, ein spannender Einblick in die nigerianische Gesellschaft - und vor allem eine rasante Geschichte um zwei Frauen, die wie Löwinnen um das süße Baby in ihrer Mitte kämpfen. Natürlich ohne Rücksicht auf Verluste oder gar auf den Mann, der versucht herauszufinden, wem er glauben soll. Und der selbst alles andere als ein Unschuldslamm ist. Die Presse über »Meine Schwester, die Serienmörderin«: »Ein Buch als Waffe: Oyinkan Braithwaite erzählt mit blutigem Überschwang von der Emanzipation junger Afrikanerinnen.« Volker Weidermann, Der SPIEGEL.»Schnell und witzig, ironisch und böse funkelnd. Dieser Thriller hat einen Skorpionstachel und seinen Stich vergisst man nicht.« The New York Times
Audiobook
First published May 27, 2020
38 people are currently reading
4119 people want to read
About the author
Oyinkan Braithwaite
13 books5,167 followersOYINKAN BRAITHWAITE is a graduate of Creative Writing and Law from Kingston University. Following her degree, she worked as an assistant editor at Kachifo, a Nigerian publishing house, and has been freelancing as a writer and editor since. In 2014, she was shortlisted as a top-ten spoken-word artist in the Eko Poetry Slam, and in 2016 she was a finalist for the Commonwealth Short Story Prize. She lives in Lagos, Nigeria.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 522 reviews
January 7, 2024
Måtte klø meg litt i hovudet etter å ha lytta ferdig. Kva skjedde egentlig her? Interessant nok, men veit ikkje heilt kor forfatteren ville.
January 23, 2021
English original: The Baby is Mine
Ta-dah: The first pandemic chamber play is here, and it's a novella by the literary shooting star who wrote My Sister, the Serial Killer. We hear the story from the perspective of Bambi, a Nigerian casanova who gets kicked out by his girlfriend and seeks shelter in his aunt's house. The widow has just lost her husband to COVID, but Bambi is surprised to find his late uncle's young lover living in the house as well, with both women claiming that they're the mother of his nephew, a newborn baby - who is telling the truth? And why does Bambi know his uncle's secret mistress?
Four people confined to closed quarters during a lockdown and playing psychological games that refer to gender roles and stereotypes - that's basically the set-up of the novel. Bambi is a great character because he is so flawed and believable; frequently, he frames the women in a way that shows that he has internalized societal beliefs about the roles and intentions of females. The women, on the other hand, often try to play into his male assumptions, aiming to play prejudice in their favor and to discredit their counterpart.
This is no major work or literary masterpiece, but it is a fun, smart novella from a young Nigerian talent, and I hope that Braithwaite will soon offer us another novel.
You can listen to the podcast gang dissect the text here (in German).
Ta-dah: The first pandemic chamber play is here, and it's a novella by the literary shooting star who wrote My Sister, the Serial Killer. We hear the story from the perspective of Bambi, a Nigerian casanova who gets kicked out by his girlfriend and seeks shelter in his aunt's house. The widow has just lost her husband to COVID, but Bambi is surprised to find his late uncle's young lover living in the house as well, with both women claiming that they're the mother of his nephew, a newborn baby - who is telling the truth? And why does Bambi know his uncle's secret mistress?
Four people confined to closed quarters during a lockdown and playing psychological games that refer to gender roles and stereotypes - that's basically the set-up of the novel. Bambi is a great character because he is so flawed and believable; frequently, he frames the women in a way that shows that he has internalized societal beliefs about the roles and intentions of females. The women, on the other hand, often try to play into his male assumptions, aiming to play prejudice in their favor and to discredit their counterpart.
This is no major work or literary masterpiece, but it is a fun, smart novella from a young Nigerian talent, and I hope that Braithwaite will soon offer us another novel.
You can listen to the podcast gang dissect the text here (in German).
January 28, 2023
Oyinkan Braithwaite's novella is an entertaining read of two possessive women in the midst of a scandalous dispute over who is the mother of a newborn baby. The story follows a young man named Bambi as he winds up taking refuge with his aunt and his late uncle's young mistress during a Covid-19 lockdown. Bambi soon becomes roped into a series of frustrating and unnerving events that occur while these two women fight for permanent ownership of the newborn.
This novella works not only because of its relaxed pace, but also because of its well developed plotline that does not dawdle. Braithwaite's simple but evocative prose create a vivid and unusual setting of this rural family home on the outskirts of Lagos, Nigeria. Bambi makes for an intelligent and interesting narrator. His perspective has insight and clarity, and although he has his flaws, he steps into the role of saviour when needed.
Oyinkan Braithwaite has accomplished another well written dark comedy with this novella, following the release of her best selling novel 'My Sister the Seriel Killer'. Dark comedy appears to be what she does best.
This novella works not only because of its relaxed pace, but also because of its well developed plotline that does not dawdle. Braithwaite's simple but evocative prose create a vivid and unusual setting of this rural family home on the outskirts of Lagos, Nigeria. Bambi makes for an intelligent and interesting narrator. His perspective has insight and clarity, and although he has his flaws, he steps into the role of saviour when needed.
Oyinkan Braithwaite has accomplished another well written dark comedy with this novella, following the release of her best selling novel 'My Sister the Seriel Killer'. Dark comedy appears to be what she does best.
January 30, 2021
3.75/5. Here it is — the first book I've read that's set during COVID-times! This is a darkly funny novella that takes place during the first lockdown in Lagos, Nigeria. I didn’t trust any of the characters and it was really fun trying to figure out everyone's secrets and reading about the mind games the characters played with each other. A very quick read that I would definitely recommend if you enjoyed the author's previous novel.
July 12, 2024
4 stars
short review for busy readers:
By the author of My Sister, the Serial Killer. A modern story set in Nigeria that reads like a creepy, ancient African fairy tale of two witches battling for the soul of a baby...and the wise man who steps between them. Somewhat repetitive, but the tension and creep factor are very high. Fast read, published by the British Reading Agency and intended for adults with reading difficulties but can be enjoyed by anyone. (See below for info about their fantastic book programme)
in detail:
At the start of the Covid pandemic, Bambi, a young Nigerian playboy, is thrown out by his girlfriend for cheating. He has nowhere else to go, so ends up at his recently deceased uncle’s home, imagining it to be empty.
It’s not.
His aunt and his uncle’s girlfriend are living in the house, both claiming to be the mother of the baby boy sired by the dead uncle. All four of them are now stuck in the house together as the electricity gives out, the heat soars, the baby cries, food supplies dwindle and the women become increasingly more aggressive and violent in their attempts to convince Bambi that they are the “real” mother.
Eventually, the young playboy is pushed into the role of responsible ersatz father, attempting to protect the child from the wildly unpredictable (witchy) women.
Although there’s a lot of repetition – they are stuck in a house and can’t go out due to the pandemic – the threat of violence and murder is palpable and Braithwaite skilfully places the intimations of sorcery and old African voodoo in a completely modern world of cell phones and social media.
A dark story and much better IMHO than her famous “My Sister, the Serial Killer” and just as good as her short story Treasure.
About The Reading Agency's "Quick Reads" programme from their website:
https://readingagency.org.uk/
"Quick Reads are ... a tool for boosting reading skills, confidence and engagement....They can act as an entry point to different authors’ work in diverse genres, and have led to thousands of adults reading, completing and enjoying a book for the first time.
Quick Reads provide a route into reading that prioritises great story telling and adult-focused content while ensuring the books are written in an accessible and easy to read style. The books are written by some of the most popular authors in the UK so they can be a brilliant entry point to new genres, authors as well as the spark to reignite or build up the joy of reading.
The...programme has collaborated with over 30 publishers to produce a total of 135 titles since 2006. We work with public libraries, prisons, colleges, hospitals and adult learning organisations to ensure these books are accessed by those who may find reading difficult...."
Great stuff, isn't it?
UNFORTUNATELY, these Quick Reads -- because they are written by internationally popular authors -- get translated and marketed abroad as if they were the newest, hottest novel by star author X. Fans buy them not knowing they were originally meant to get non-readers reading and are confused and greatly disappointed in the linguistic simplicity and brevity which are nothing like the author's normal books. This leads to low ratings and bad international reviews which ultimately hurts the programme.
If you are outside the UK and find a short, simple book by a fave author, please check the publication data to see if it's a Quick Read before giving it a frustrated, bad review. Thank you!
short review for busy readers:
By the author of My Sister, the Serial Killer. A modern story set in Nigeria that reads like a creepy, ancient African fairy tale of two witches battling for the soul of a baby...and the wise man who steps between them. Somewhat repetitive, but the tension and creep factor are very high. Fast read, published by the British Reading Agency and intended for adults with reading difficulties but can be enjoyed by anyone. (See below for info about their fantastic book programme)
in detail:
At the start of the Covid pandemic, Bambi, a young Nigerian playboy, is thrown out by his girlfriend for cheating. He has nowhere else to go, so ends up at his recently deceased uncle’s home, imagining it to be empty.
It’s not.
His aunt and his uncle’s girlfriend are living in the house, both claiming to be the mother of the baby boy sired by the dead uncle. All four of them are now stuck in the house together as the electricity gives out, the heat soars, the baby cries, food supplies dwindle and the women become increasingly more aggressive and violent in their attempts to convince Bambi that they are the “real” mother.
Eventually, the young playboy is pushed into the role of responsible ersatz father, attempting to protect the child from the wildly unpredictable (witchy) women.
Although there’s a lot of repetition – they are stuck in a house and can’t go out due to the pandemic – the threat of violence and murder is palpable and Braithwaite skilfully places the intimations of sorcery and old African voodoo in a completely modern world of cell phones and social media.
A dark story and much better IMHO than her famous “My Sister, the Serial Killer” and just as good as her short story Treasure.
About The Reading Agency's "Quick Reads" programme from their website:
https://readingagency.org.uk/
"Quick Reads are ... a tool for boosting reading skills, confidence and engagement....They can act as an entry point to different authors’ work in diverse genres, and have led to thousands of adults reading, completing and enjoying a book for the first time.
Quick Reads provide a route into reading that prioritises great story telling and adult-focused content while ensuring the books are written in an accessible and easy to read style. The books are written by some of the most popular authors in the UK so they can be a brilliant entry point to new genres, authors as well as the spark to reignite or build up the joy of reading.
The...programme has collaborated with over 30 publishers to produce a total of 135 titles since 2006. We work with public libraries, prisons, colleges, hospitals and adult learning organisations to ensure these books are accessed by those who may find reading difficult...."
Great stuff, isn't it?
UNFORTUNATELY, these Quick Reads -- because they are written by internationally popular authors -- get translated and marketed abroad as if they were the newest, hottest novel by star author X. Fans buy them not knowing they were originally meant to get non-readers reading and are confused and greatly disappointed in the linguistic simplicity and brevity which are nothing like the author's normal books. This leads to low ratings and bad international reviews which ultimately hurts the programme.
If you are outside the UK and find a short, simple book by a fave author, please check the publication data to see if it's a Quick Read before giving it a frustrated, bad review. Thank you!
April 3, 2023
A quick, entertaining read set during lockdown in Nigeria. Bambi has been kicked out by his girlfriend after being caught cheating and is forced to seek refuge with his recently widowed aunt and newborn cousin. I really enjoy this author's style, but though the story wasn't quite as strong as My Sister, the Serial Killer.
May 30, 2022
❀ blog ❀ thestorygraph ❀ letterboxd ❀ tumblr ❀ ko-fi ❀
Like Treasure, The Baby is Mine is not in the same league as Braithwaite’s My Sister, the Serial Killer. Still, if you are looking for a short and relatively compulsive read you should consider giving this short story a try.
The Baby is Mine takes place in lock-down Lagos and is narrated by Bambi a serial cheater (ahem, fuckboy) who finds himself booted from his girlfriend’s place after she comes across some incriminating evidence. Bambi decides to seek refuge at his Uncle's house. His Uncle has recently passed away and Bambi finds his home to be occupied by Bidemi, his Uncle’s wife, and Esohe, his Uncle’s much younger mistress. In the house, there is also a baby boy, and both Bidemi and Esohe claim to be his mother. Unsure who to believe Bambi falls victim to the oppressive atmosphere of the house, believing one woman one minute, the other the next. The two women are at each other’s throats and their escalating behaviour—sand in food, a suspicious stain on the wall—alarms Bambi. Due to the pandemic, he’s unable to request a maternity test so the three remain at an unbearable standstill.
I think the author does a great job of creating and maintaining a sense of unease. Bambi was too much of a himbo at times, taking longer than was necessary to ‘realize’ things. I also wasn’t keen on the two women being portrayed as ‘hysterical’ new mothers who spend their time crying or shouting. It got boring fast.
Still, this was a quick read and even if it was obvious who the ‘real’ mother was (not to Bambi though) I still found myself looking forward to the reveal.
Like Treasure, The Baby is Mine is not in the same league as Braithwaite’s My Sister, the Serial Killer. Still, if you are looking for a short and relatively compulsive read you should consider giving this short story a try.
The Baby is Mine takes place in lock-down Lagos and is narrated by Bambi a serial cheater (ahem, fuckboy) who finds himself booted from his girlfriend’s place after she comes across some incriminating evidence. Bambi decides to seek refuge at his Uncle's house. His Uncle has recently passed away and Bambi finds his home to be occupied by Bidemi, his Uncle’s wife, and Esohe, his Uncle’s much younger mistress. In the house, there is also a baby boy, and both Bidemi and Esohe claim to be his mother. Unsure who to believe Bambi falls victim to the oppressive atmosphere of the house, believing one woman one minute, the other the next. The two women are at each other’s throats and their escalating behaviour—sand in food, a suspicious stain on the wall—alarms Bambi. Due to the pandemic, he’s unable to request a maternity test so the three remain at an unbearable standstill.
I think the author does a great job of creating and maintaining a sense of unease. Bambi was too much of a himbo at times, taking longer than was necessary to ‘realize’ things. I also wasn’t keen on the two women being portrayed as ‘hysterical’ new mothers who spend their time crying or shouting. It got boring fast.
Still, this was a quick read and even if it was obvious who the ‘real’ mother was (not to Bambi though) I still found myself looking forward to the reveal.
June 12, 2021
A quirky, smart novella set during the pandemic in Nigeria. Psychological games and hidden truths!
June 21, 2021
2.5 stars. Check out my thoughts here - https://youtu.be/oCiMG50L53A
June 2, 2024
This "quick reads" book, by the author of My Sister, the Serial Killer is set during the early days of covid, in lockdown Lagos, Nigeria.
In Braithwaite's previous novel, the male characters were mostly hapless, bumbling creatures, exploited by their desire for women, and they end up dead (at the hands of the title character — no spoiler there!).
In this short work, the main character is male, a man named Bambi, who is a faithless womanizer and yet he comes off better than the squabbling and unreliable female characters. Two women claim to be the mother of a baby, and Bambi must navigate the conflicting claims, his own feelings, and also somehow deal with that annoying cockerel (symbolism!) just outside making such a persistent racket.
Indeed a quick read, and entertaining in a way that a serial killer novel cannot ever hope to be.
In Braithwaite's previous novel, the male characters were mostly hapless, bumbling creatures, exploited by their desire for women, and they end up dead (at the hands of the title character — no spoiler there!).
In this short work, the main character is male, a man named Bambi, who is a faithless womanizer and yet he comes off better than the squabbling and unreliable female characters. Two women claim to be the mother of a baby, and Bambi must navigate the conflicting claims, his own feelings, and also somehow deal with that annoying cockerel (symbolism!) just outside making such a persistent racket.
Indeed a quick read, and entertaining in a way that a serial killer novel cannot ever hope to be.
May 20, 2025
The cop-out ending ruined this otherwise intriguing shorty.
2 1/2 Shirking Stars
2 1/2 Shirking Stars
December 31, 2024
Kicked out by his girlfriend after his latest indiscretion, Bambi goes to the home of his Uncle Folu expecting it to be empty given his recent death from Covid-19. When he arrives he not only finds his uncle’s grieving wife, Aunty Bidemi, but the man’s mistress, Esohe, who both claim that the baby in the house is their child. Ladies’ man Bambi finds himself the unlikely arbitrator between the two warring women who seem just as concerned to prove their devotion to Folu, the man who caused all the strife. All three are stuck together in a run-down house with intermittent power where the days drag by and with no obvious solution to the argument besides a post pandemic DNA test it gives Bambi plenty of time to try his hand at parenting.
March 1, 2021
>>Unerbittlicher als ihre Schwester verteidigt eine Frau wohl nur eins: ihr Baby<<
"Das Baby ist meins" von Oyinkan Braithwaite ist eine kurze Geschichte, die mich wie schon der Vorgänger "Meine Schwester, die Serienmörderin" direkt doch sehr in ihren Bann gezogen hat. Was ich nicht erwartet hatte war, dass diese kurze Geschichte innerhalb der Lockdown-Zeit spielt, was die ganze Sache noch etwas brenzlicher machte. Insgesamt schaukelt sich hier alles sehr schnell sehr hoch und es ist kaum zu erkennen, wer lügt und wer nun die Wahrheit sagt. Klar bleibt jedoch, dass alle irgendwie mit dem Baby zu tun haben... nur auf welche Weise, das muss man hier als Leser selbst herausfinden. 😉 Inhaltlich möchte ich auch gar nicht mehr vorwegnehmen. Meiner Meinung nach ist es doch interessant die Charaktere selbst kennenzulernen und die verschiedenen Blickwinkel und auch Hintergründe selbst zu erfahren. Das machte die Geschichte für mich persönlich mitunter auch spannend und zu einer gelungenen kurzweiligen Kurzgeschichte. Durch die Kürze des Buches bedingt kann man hier natürlich keine ausschweifenden Erklärungen oder gar Vertiefungen erwarten, das machte mir persönlich nichts aus, denn die Geschichte brachte für mich persönlich trotzdem einige Punkte, die zum nachdenken angeregt haben und auch das Ende lies Raum für Spekulation, war dennoch in sich auch ein für mich logischer Abschluss.
Fazit: Eine rund um gelungene Kurzgeschichte, die mir ein spannendes und nervenaufreibendes Lesestündchen beschert hat. 📖🤗
"Das Baby ist meins" von Oyinkan Braithwaite ist eine kurze Geschichte, die mich wie schon der Vorgänger "Meine Schwester, die Serienmörderin" direkt doch sehr in ihren Bann gezogen hat. Was ich nicht erwartet hatte war, dass diese kurze Geschichte innerhalb der Lockdown-Zeit spielt, was die ganze Sache noch etwas brenzlicher machte. Insgesamt schaukelt sich hier alles sehr schnell sehr hoch und es ist kaum zu erkennen, wer lügt und wer nun die Wahrheit sagt. Klar bleibt jedoch, dass alle irgendwie mit dem Baby zu tun haben... nur auf welche Weise, das muss man hier als Leser selbst herausfinden. 😉 Inhaltlich möchte ich auch gar nicht mehr vorwegnehmen. Meiner Meinung nach ist es doch interessant die Charaktere selbst kennenzulernen und die verschiedenen Blickwinkel und auch Hintergründe selbst zu erfahren. Das machte die Geschichte für mich persönlich mitunter auch spannend und zu einer gelungenen kurzweiligen Kurzgeschichte. Durch die Kürze des Buches bedingt kann man hier natürlich keine ausschweifenden Erklärungen oder gar Vertiefungen erwarten, das machte mir persönlich nichts aus, denn die Geschichte brachte für mich persönlich trotzdem einige Punkte, die zum nachdenken angeregt haben und auch das Ende lies Raum für Spekulation, war dennoch in sich auch ein für mich logischer Abschluss.
Fazit: Eine rund um gelungene Kurzgeschichte, die mir ein spannendes und nervenaufreibendes Lesestündchen beschert hat. 📖🤗
January 5, 2023
WTF DID I JUST READ!!?
I am seriously questioning this author's sanity right now for even coming up with this shitstorm of a book.
Bambi and his aunt and his uncle's mistress - ALL OF THEM WERE UNHINGED. I am glad that this was such a short book because no one in their right mind would have been able to go through any more of this torture honestly.
I am still trying to understand whether this was a satirical take on cheating or the author simply incorporated the element as something completely normal and acceptable.
I definitely got the creepy vibes author was probably trying to go with but NOT in the way she might have been aiming to. I just wanted this book to end so that I can sit back and evaluate my life choices that led me here.
1 star.
I am seriously questioning this author's sanity right now for even coming up with this shitstorm of a book.
Bambi and his aunt and his uncle's mistress - ALL OF THEM WERE UNHINGED. I am glad that this was such a short book because no one in their right mind would have been able to go through any more of this torture honestly.
I am still trying to understand whether this was a satirical take on cheating or the author simply incorporated the element as something completely normal and acceptable.
I definitely got the creepy vibes author was probably trying to go with but NOT in the way she might have been aiming to. I just wanted this book to end so that I can sit back and evaluate my life choices that led me here.
1 star.
March 6, 2021
Nein, Bücher, welche in der aktuell weiterhin herrschenden Pandemie spielen, wollen mir noch nicht gefallen. Oyinkan Braithwaite nutzt die Situation zwar nur als Rahmen und nicht als Aufhänger, trotzdem scheint mir "Das Baby ist meins" zu wenig ausgereift. Die Novelle spielt mit vielen spannenden Gedanken zum Thema Nachwuchs, Beziehungen und Patriarchat, blieb für meinen Geschmack aber zu oberflächlich.
Die Erzählung wirkt unausgereift, eventuell wurde das Buch zu schnell auf den Markt gebracht, um weiterhin in der Lockdown- und Isolationssituation gelesen werden zu können. Da hätte ich nach dem wirklich gelungenen Debüt der Autorin mehr Gewicht erwartet.
Die Erzählung wirkt unausgereift, eventuell wurde das Buch zu schnell auf den Markt gebracht, um weiterhin in der Lockdown- und Isolationssituation gelesen werden zu können. Da hätte ich nach dem wirklich gelungenen Debüt der Autorin mehr Gewicht erwartet.
January 26, 2022
A fun and quick read.
December 25, 2020
During the lockdown in Lagos, Nigeria, Bambi’s girlfriend finds out that he has been cheating on her, so she throws him out. Not knowing where to go, he could be arrested for being out and about during the lockdown, he eventually goes to his uncles house. The uncle had died from COVID, leaving behind a pregnant wife, but when Bambi comes to the house he finds also there the uncles girlfriend, and a baby both women claim is their own. From that point Bambi’s life gets complicated.
It’s the first novella I’ve read that takes place during COVID. As terrible this disease is, and it is terrible, it does have a lot to offer as story material goes. For example, the isolation of the lockdown is quite dramatic, and to a certain point Braithwaite uses that very well to create dramatic tension between the three main characters. The baby is the other source of tension in the story, and for a little while I thought this was going to be some kind of modern version of king Solomon’s decision. It’s not. It’s a bit more complicated than so.
It’s not just a dramatic story, because there is quite a bit humor there too. Not really laugh out loud funny, though I did laugh out loud at the last sentence of the story, but more as a enjoyable humor. On top of that there is the mystery element. Whose baby is it really? I’m not going to tell you, but I will say that it makes for an interesting blend, the mystery, the dramatic, and the humor. It builds up very nicely, and it kept me attention all through the story. I really liked this little book, and I’m definitely going to look up Braithwaite’s earlier book, My Sister, the Serial Killer.
It’s the first novella I’ve read that takes place during COVID. As terrible this disease is, and it is terrible, it does have a lot to offer as story material goes. For example, the isolation of the lockdown is quite dramatic, and to a certain point Braithwaite uses that very well to create dramatic tension between the three main characters. The baby is the other source of tension in the story, and for a little while I thought this was going to be some kind of modern version of king Solomon’s decision. It’s not. It’s a bit more complicated than so.
It’s not just a dramatic story, because there is quite a bit humor there too. Not really laugh out loud funny, though I did laugh out loud at the last sentence of the story, but more as a enjoyable humor. On top of that there is the mystery element. Whose baby is it really? I’m not going to tell you, but I will say that it makes for an interesting blend, the mystery, the dramatic, and the humor. It builds up very nicely, and it kept me attention all through the story. I really liked this little book, and I’m definitely going to look up Braithwaite’s earlier book, My Sister, the Serial Killer.
February 19, 2023
Oyinkan Braithwaite is famous for her other novel, My Sister, the Serial Killer, which I loved.
When I found this book at the library (I didn't even know she wrote another short novel), I was so delighted!
It's marketed as a "Short Read" or whatever in the adult literacy campaign in the UK.
I would recommend this book to those who enjoy Braithwaite's way of writing. If you enjoyed My Sister, the Serial Killer, there's a chance you will enjoy this novella as well. If not, then you most likely won't (Serial Killer is entertaining even if you don't love the writing; I'd argue that The Baby is Mine really is not).
When I found this book at the library (I didn't even know she wrote another short novel), I was so delighted!
It's marketed as a "Short Read" or whatever in the adult literacy campaign in the UK.
I would recommend this book to those who enjoy Braithwaite's way of writing. If you enjoyed My Sister, the Serial Killer, there's a chance you will enjoy this novella as well. If not, then you most likely won't (Serial Killer is entertaining even if you don't love the writing; I'd argue that The Baby is Mine really is not).
September 22, 2021
The novella is told from the POV of Bambi, a Nigerian playboy who is kicked out of his girlfriend’s house at the beginning of the book. Not having many options because of Covid lockdown, he goes to his late uncle’s house. Here he finds his aunt living with his uncle’s mistress…and a baby both women claim is theirs.
The story is engaging and the writing is wonderful. The plot is filled with tension. However it’s frustratingly predictable with really no twist.
Having said that it’s a fun and short read, great for relaxing.
The story is engaging and the writing is wonderful. The plot is filled with tension. However it’s frustratingly predictable with really no twist.
Having said that it’s a fun and short read, great for relaxing.
July 28, 2022
Una novel·la molt original en el seu plantejament, situada en ple confinament universal per la pandèmia, on dos dones es disputen la maternitat d'un nadó. El nostre narrador, veu masculina d'una societat hiperpatriarcal, haurà de "decidir" a quina creure. Es llegeix en mitja tarda!
December 9, 2024
Research has made my reading life extremely drab. I thought to pick an old love to rekindle my love for reading. Oyinkan Braithwaite did not fail me. Had thoroughly enjoyed listening to My Sister, the Serial Killer. Devoured this one in one sitting. Thank you, old love.
April 21, 2021
Echt nicht gut. Es ist ein sehr kurzes Buch mit einem unglaublich simplen unf trockenen Schreibstil. Die Geschichte ist sexistisch und absolut 0 authentisch. Ein Fall von: Ein Mann, der typische Macho-Held, entschärft die Situation und rettet die Welt vor zwei hysterischen Weibern. Furchtbar..
Ich bin mir durchaus bewusst, dass der Casanova und die beiden Frauen absichtlich nach allen Stereotypen geschrieben und insziniert wurden und eigentlich ein "sich lustig machen" über das Patriarchat sind, nur leider merkt man das der Geschichte gar nicht an. Man versteht diese Ironie nur, wenn man die Autorin kennt und weiss, dass sie Feministin ist. Ansonsten wäre es einfach eine durch Sexismus geprägte Erzählung.
Ich bin mir durchaus bewusst, dass der Casanova und die beiden Frauen absichtlich nach allen Stereotypen geschrieben und insziniert wurden und eigentlich ein "sich lustig machen" über das Patriarchat sind, nur leider merkt man das der Geschichte gar nicht an. Man versteht diese Ironie nur, wenn man die Autorin kennt und weiss, dass sie Feministin ist. Ansonsten wäre es einfach eine durch Sexismus geprägte Erzählung.
February 11, 2023
➸ Trigger warnings for .
Blog • Trigger Warning Database • StoryGraph
Blog • Trigger Warning Database • StoryGraph
December 21, 2020
3,75 / 5
En los 14 días de confinamiento decretados el 30 de marzo de 2020 por el presidente de Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari. Sin embargo, Bambi se ve obligado a abandonar el piso donde reside ¿El motivo? Una pelea con su novia ¿La solución? Ir al bungaló de su tío Folu, que esta supuestamente abandonado. Sin embargo, alguien esta viviendo. Concretamente, tres personas: su tía Bidemi, una amante de su tío y un bebé ¿El problema? Ambas mujeres aseguran que el bebé es suyo y cada una tratará de reivindicar por todos los medios su maternidad.
Oyinkan nos hipnotiza de nuevo mediante capítulos cortos (2-3 páginas) en un intrigante misterio por el que pisaremos un terreno conocido por todos: el confinamiento. Un aura noir y de pura desconfianza que circula por el asfixiante hogar que los tres están obligados a compartir. Dentro de esta realidad tan cercana para nosotros, con esa imposibilidad de salir del hogar, el miedo de contraer la enfermedad y una crisis económica tensando el ambiente, las 96 páginas de El bebé es mío son ante todo una reflexión sobre la maternidad y la fidelidad ¿Es la maternidad o la paternidad un asunto sanguíneo, o de crianza?
Reseña más extensa en el blog: https://boywithletters.blogspot.com/2...
En los 14 días de confinamiento decretados el 30 de marzo de 2020 por el presidente de Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari. Sin embargo, Bambi se ve obligado a abandonar el piso donde reside ¿El motivo? Una pelea con su novia ¿La solución? Ir al bungaló de su tío Folu, que esta supuestamente abandonado. Sin embargo, alguien esta viviendo. Concretamente, tres personas: su tía Bidemi, una amante de su tío y un bebé ¿El problema? Ambas mujeres aseguran que el bebé es suyo y cada una tratará de reivindicar por todos los medios su maternidad.
Oyinkan nos hipnotiza de nuevo mediante capítulos cortos (2-3 páginas) en un intrigante misterio por el que pisaremos un terreno conocido por todos: el confinamiento. Un aura noir y de pura desconfianza que circula por el asfixiante hogar que los tres están obligados a compartir. Dentro de esta realidad tan cercana para nosotros, con esa imposibilidad de salir del hogar, el miedo de contraer la enfermedad y una crisis económica tensando el ambiente, las 96 páginas de El bebé es mío son ante todo una reflexión sobre la maternidad y la fidelidad ¿Es la maternidad o la paternidad un asunto sanguíneo, o de crianza?
Reseña más extensa en el blog: https://boywithletters.blogspot.com/2...
March 28, 2021
Nachdem ich Braithwaites Debut so gefeiert habe, hatte ich mich sehr auf Das Baby ist mein gefreut und ohne groß nachzudenken auch gekauft. Die Geschichte erinnert ein wenig an eine Bibelgeschichte, von der ich vor langer Zeit gelesen hatte: zwei Frauen behaupten ein Baby gehöre ihnen und es lässt sich nicht klar nachvollziehen, wer nun die Wahrheit sagt.
Was mich überrascht hat, war dass es während des (ersten?) Lockdowns spielt, was ich vorher nicht gewusst habe und mich vielleicht vor dem Kauf dann noch anders überlegt hätte, denn ich kann über alles lesen aber nicht über Corona-Geschichten. Davon gibt mir das real life genug. Wäre diese kurze Geschichte mit ihrem knapp 120 Seiten ein voll ausgereiftes Buch mit 300-400 Seiten mit mehr Thriller-Elementen und mehr Psycho-Spielchen gewesen, dann hätte ich es ebenso gemocht wie Meine Schwester, die Serienmörderin. Aber wie so oft bei kurzen Büchern, hat man dem keine Zeit gegeben sich voll auszufalten. Schlechter Schreibstil, vorhersehbare Story und viel zu schnell abgekanzelt. Leider ein Reinfall.
Was mich überrascht hat, war dass es während des (ersten?) Lockdowns spielt, was ich vorher nicht gewusst habe und mich vielleicht vor dem Kauf dann noch anders überlegt hätte, denn ich kann über alles lesen aber nicht über Corona-Geschichten. Davon gibt mir das real life genug. Wäre diese kurze Geschichte mit ihrem knapp 120 Seiten ein voll ausgereiftes Buch mit 300-400 Seiten mit mehr Thriller-Elementen und mehr Psycho-Spielchen gewesen, dann hätte ich es ebenso gemocht wie Meine Schwester, die Serienmörderin. Aber wie so oft bei kurzen Büchern, hat man dem keine Zeit gegeben sich voll auszufalten. Schlechter Schreibstil, vorhersehbare Story und viel zu schnell abgekanzelt. Leider ein Reinfall.
April 28, 2021
Un dia m’ha durat aquesta novella d’Oyinkan Braithwaite després de la seva estupenda Mi hermana asesina en serie.
En aquest cas, escrita i ambientada durant el confinament, relata la història d’una disputa entre dues dos tancades amb un home en un bungalow per escatir qui és la mare d’un nadó.
En realitat, el tema del confinament passa a ser gairebé anècdotic i no se li treu tot el suc claustrofòbic que se li podria haver tret, però Braithwaite torna a demostrar talent alhora de submergir-te en la història amb poques paraules i capítols curts, així com la capacitat per fer personatges versemblants i reconeixibles.
Un altre encert d’una autora que no penso deixar de seguir de prop.
En aquest cas, escrita i ambientada durant el confinament, relata la història d’una disputa entre dues dos tancades amb un home en un bungalow per escatir qui és la mare d’un nadó.
En realitat, el tema del confinament passa a ser gairebé anècdotic i no se li treu tot el suc claustrofòbic que se li podria haver tret, però Braithwaite torna a demostrar talent alhora de submergir-te en la història amb poques paraules i capítols curts, així com la capacitat per fer personatges versemblants i reconeixibles.
Un altre encert d’una autora que no penso deixar de seguir de prop.
January 23, 2021
4,5 ⭐️
Kein literarisches Meisterwerk, aber eine teils amüsante, teils intelligente Novelle einer jungen und sehr talentierten nigerianischen Autorin.
Es liest sich genauso spannend und flüssig wie ihr erster Roman und ich war binnen weniger Stunden auch schon durch.
Unbedingt mehr von Oyinkan Braithwaite!
Kein literarisches Meisterwerk, aber eine teils amüsante, teils intelligente Novelle einer jungen und sehr talentierten nigerianischen Autorin.
Es liest sich genauso spannend und flüssig wie ihr erster Roman und ich war binnen weniger Stunden auch schon durch.
Unbedingt mehr von Oyinkan Braithwaite!
January 15, 2022
short and forgettable
July 24, 2022
Lai gan autores raksturīgais stils ir manāms, šis stāsts tomēr neaizvelk līdz "My sister, serial killer" līmenim.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 522 reviews