Book Review: Cursed Daughters: SHORTLISTED FOR THE NERO AWARD 2026: the bestselling twisty heartbreaker, from the author of My Sister, the Serial Killer Kindle Edition

The Return of a Literary Sensation: Why Everyone is Talking About Cursed Daughters

When Oyinkan Braithwaite burst onto the scene with her debut, she didn't just write a book; she created a cultural moment. Her razor-sharp wit and dark exploration of family loyalty made her a household name among thriller and contemporary fiction fans alike.

Now, with Cursed Daughters, Braithwaite returns to the themes of sisterhood and inherited trauma that she navigates so masterfully. Shortlisted for the Nero Award 2026, this novel is already being hailed as a "twisty heartbreaker" that cements her status as a modern master of the domestic noir.

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About Oyinkan Braithwaite

Oyinkan Braithwaite is a Nigerian-British author whose debut novel, My Sister, the Serial Killer, became a global phenomenon. It was shortlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction and won the 2019 Anthony Award for Best First Novel.

Braithwaite’s writing is characterized by its brevity, dark humor, and an uncanny ability to expose the complexities of human relationships. Her background in creative writing and law gives her a unique perspective on justice, morality, and the ties that bind families together—or tear them apart.

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What This Book Covers

Cursed Daughters dives deep into the lives of women living under the shadow of a family legacy that feels more like a sentence than an inheritance. It explores how the sins of the father—and the secrets of the mother—shape the destinies of the next generation.

Key insight: "Blood is thicker than water, but it is also much harder to wash away when it stains the floorboards of your home."

Set against a backdrop that oscillates between tension and profound sadness, the novel examines the weight of expectations placed on daughters. It asks whether one can ever truly escape their upbringing or if we are all merely echoes of those who came before us.

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Key Takeaways

The novel offers several profound insights into the nature of family and survival in a world that often demands too much from women.

1. The Burden of Legacy - The book illustrates how generational trauma acts as a "curse" that repeats until someone finds the courage to break the cycle.
2. Complexity of Sisterhood - Like her previous work, Braithwaite explores how sisters can be each other's greatest allies and most dangerous liabilities.
3. The Cost of Silence - A central theme is how keeping family secrets for the sake of "reputation" eventually leads to an inevitable and explosive breaking point.

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Who Should Read This

This book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys fiction that balances high-stakes tension with deep psychological insight.

• Fans of domestic noir and psychological thrillers who prefer character-driven plots over mindless action.
• Readers who appreciate African literature and stories that provide a window into contemporary Nigerian social dynamics.
• Anyone who loved My Sister, the Serial Killer and wants to see how Braithwaite’s style has evolved into a more "heartbreaking" territory.

Who Might Want to Skip

If you prefer uplifting, lighthearted "beach reads" with neat, happy endings, this may not be the book for you. Braithwaite does not shy away from the darker, more "cursed" aspects of human nature and family life.

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How It Compares to Similar Books

Compared to My Sister, the Serial Killer, Cursed Daughters feels more grounded and emotionally resonant. While her debut leaned into satirical dark comedy, this second novel embraces the "heartbreaker" label with more sincerity and depth.

It shares thematic DNA with Stay With Me by Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀ in its exploration of marriage and societal pressure, but maintains the fast-paced, "twisty" energy of a Gillian Flynn novel. It is less of a "whodunnit" and more of a "why-is-this-happening," focusing on the psychological motivations of its cast.

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Pros and Cons

What Works

• Pacing: The short, sharp chapters make the book incredibly difficult to put down.
• Atmosphere: Braithwaite creates a sense of dread and inevitability that is both haunting and addictive.
• Character Development: The "daughters" are written with such nuance that you feel their frustration and desperation personally.

What Could Be Better

• Emotional Intensity: Some readers may find the relentless "heartbreak" of the plot to be quite heavy for a single sitting.
• Ambiguity: Like much of her work, the ending may leave some readers wishing for more definitive closure on certain subplots.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a sequel to My Sister, the Serial Killer?

No, Cursed Daughters is a standalone novel with a completely new cast of characters and a different storyline. However, it carries the same sharp writing style fans have come to love.

What does the "Nero Award 2026" shortlist mean?

The Nero Book Awards celebrate the best books of the year from writers in the UK and Ireland. Being shortlisted indicates that the book has high literary merit and broad commercial appeal.

Is the book more of a thriller or a drama?

It sits comfortably in the middle. While it has the "twists" and tension of a thriller, the focus on family dynamics and emotional trauma gives it the weight of a contemporary drama.

Is the Kindle edition well-formatted?

Yes, Atlantic Books typically produces high-quality digital editions. The short-chapter format of Braithwaite's writing is particularly well-suited for reading on Kindle and mobile devices.

How long is the book?

While page counts vary by edition, Braithwaite is known for her economical prose. Expect a medium-length read that you can likely finish in a weekend due to its fast pace.

Where is the story set?

Like her previous work, the story is primarily set in Nigeria, providing a rich, vibrant, and sometimes claustrophobic backdrop for the family drama.

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Final Verdict

Cursed Daughters is a triumphant second act for Oyinkan Braithwaite. It proves that she is not a "one-hit wonder" but a formidable voice in contemporary fiction. The novel manages to be both a page-turning thriller and a devastating look at the chains of family history.

If you are looking for a book that will make you think, feel, and perhaps look at your own family tree a little differently, this is it. It is a haunting, beautifully written exploration of what it means to be a daughter in a world that often expects you to carry the weight of the past.

Rating: 4.5/5

"You don't choose your family, but you do choose how much of them you allow to live inside you."