Book Review: The List by Yomi Adegoke

I recognize a real bestseller based on the length of the waiting time to receive the book reservation from a library. For the most expected and much talked about debut The List by British journalist Yomi Adegoke I had to wait at least two months, which is a big amount of time, given that in general my reservations arrive within maximum two weeks.

Inspired by the torments of the online world and having as main character a successful power Ghanaian-Nigerian couple, Ola and Michael, the book has a provocative story while raising many questions about reliability of social media information but also about responsible male behavior.

Almost one month before their wedding, the couple is faced with a terrific revelation: the attractive Michael might be an abuser. An anonymous list released on Twitter (currently X) includes him among a long cast of men, with a high social profile. For Ola, ´(...) everything about her life had changed in an instant´.  She wants to believe Michael whom she dearly loves, but as an author of articles about abusive males, she may know a bit more about such cases - ´She had dedicated the best part of a decade to rallying against patriarchy, rape culture and toxic masculinity´. The trust, so hard to maintain nowadays, is slowly eroded as she further hires a detective to track Michael. As for him, he is faced with difficult professional challenges, as the publication of the anonymous list coincides with his first day at a new work, where his credibility may affect his employer.

Given the relevance of the topic and the ingenous story construction - which develops in point-counterpoint pace, which gives to the story a certain cinematic appeal; hopefully there may be a movie inspired by the book soon - I hardly wanted to do anything else than reading the book. I was curious to find out what will happen with the characters and if and if yes, at what extent, Michael was really guilty. 

There is a cultivated ambiguity that clarifies only in the last part of the story which builds up the appeal of the story. Through the decisions of the characters, we are challenged to judge - The List is an excellent choice for book clubs as well, as it invites to unique points of view - the characters and their circumstances. 

I largely enjoyed the story, although some characters were relatively flawed characters and was keen to find out more about them. I was also slightly irritated by seeing quite often ´kissing her teeth´ mentioned to more than one character, thus it was more than an individual tic.

The List approaches a delicate topic with humour, inviting to a higher debate about online responsibility and accepted behaviors in post #MeToo media world. Although some takes may be debatable, the discussion is open and may lead to interesting conclusions.

PS: The cover is hilarious.

Rating: 4 stars