Honey and spices, Bol Bavarora
If she is not a writer, Bol Bavarora could be a great cultural anthropologist. Her work is full of observations that have the richness of field notes. In ethnography, her writing is called a sick description — it is accurate, layered, and interpretive. In her debut romance novel “Honey and Spice,” Bavarola trains her keen eyes and considerable wit about young black British society.
It’s easy to set up. Kikiora Banjo is a sophomore at Whitewell College, a student broadcaster, and an ambitious multimedia journalist. Kiki has carved out a good life outside of social conflicts at school. She has her show “Brown Sugar”. This has long been the glue that holds the “Blackwell” women’s faction together (Whitewell’s eclectic Black community is collectively known). She has her best friend, her roommate and producer Amina. And she is doing her research. For Kiki, relationships are casual and sex is as strictly medicinal as exercise. Then, a handsome and charming transfer student, Malakai Collede, steps into the campus and threatens to break that equilibrium. Malakai seems awkward for Kiki-he’s a slick, man who causes division and heartache to Blackwell-she called him a “whitewell spender” in the air to warn his classmates. ..
But when Kiki and Malakai academic tutors pair them as project partners, it’s easier than ever to contain Malakai. Suddenly, was Kiki found around the town with a man she dubbed as a spender? not good. To make matters worse, she is getting to know the real Malakai, which is really smart and really sweet. So Kiki and Malakai decide that it’s best to double down and create a strategic fake dating arrangement that wants to restore their reputation in Blackwell society.
In “Honey and Spice,” Bavalola plays with familiar literary romance metaphors (hurrying first impressions, lover rivals, fake dates) to explore questions about gender and sexuality. Do you steer avoiding sex and relationships? Or is it a retread of the idea of ”dating like a man” decades ago?
These questions are encapsulated in the opening scene of the novel when Kiki and Malakai first clashed as strangers in the dorm corridor. Malakai is heading for a potential connection. Only one Kiki is left. In Kiki’s view, her hookup is practical, open and meets her needs without entanglement, but she determines her encounter with Malakai.
Does Kiki’s reaction reflect gender hypocrisy? Or does past and present gender inequality require asymmetrical standards?
These discussions of relationships and gender are at the heart of “Honey and Spice,” a novel that is sweeter than spices and more pondering than behavior. Like Jane Austen’s novel, the story focuses on the war between personal attraction and social constraints in a complex and controversial hierarchy. The true stars of “Honey and Spice” are depictions, jokes, and keen social observations, all of which are beautifully represented by Bavarora. She soars in her rich depiction of intimacy and relationships, with all their grandeur. And Bavalola blends the words and rhythms of Black American music with Black British culture, blending Pan-African influences and enriching her text.
Few novelists make their debut with a built-in type of Bavalora behaviour. She has grown her audience over the years with her popular online cultural commentary. “Honey and Spice” follows her excellent story collection “Love in Color”. Expectations for her first feature-length novel are high. Sexy, messy and painful “Honey and Spice” offers more than that.
Carol V. Bell is a Jamaican-born writer, cultural critic, and media researcher. Her work focuses on social identity, public opinion and entertainment politics.
HONEY AND SPICE, Bolu Babalola | 358pp. William Morrow | $ 27.99
