Title: The League of Style
Author: Ope Adebanjo
Year of Publication: 2024
Number of Pages: 212
Category: Fiction
The cover of The League of Style by Ope Adebanjo looks more like that of a fashion magazine than a novel. And that beautiful, dark chocolate-skinned lady on the cover? Stunning! But look closely at her expression and you might suspect that beauty is not the only thing she has going for her. Something seems to be bothering her, and naturally, one wants to know what it is. The title offers no clues, so we have to open the book and find out what Ope Adebanjo is up to.
Set in Paris and Lagos, the novel opens with a conversation between an African couple in Paris. The writing is simple and natural, and the dialogue flows easily. There is a romantic comedy feel to the opening, giving the impression that we are in for an enjoyable read. So far, so good!
Things take a different turn when Sade returns to Lagos after seven years in Paris. She has a mission, but Adebanjo is not telling us much about it just yet. Clearly, this is not an ordinary homecoming. Sade has unfinished business, and her brother and his friends seem to have something to do with it. One might expect someone returning home after seven years to head straight to Mummy and Daddy for a proper reunion. Not Sade! She has more pressing matters to attend to, and settling a score appears to be higher on her list than family catch-ups. Mummy and Daddy will have to wait.
What is supposed to be a one-week stay stretches into weeks, with one dramatic encounter after another. Adebanjo keeps things moving, although at times, the story feels like an action movie that refuses to end.
Adebanjo brings Lagos to life with descriptions of its busy streets and everyday hustle. Anyone familiar with the city will recognise its familiar chaos, while the stylish locations and luxurious lifestyles reveal the author’s taste for the finer things in life. There is a distinctly bougie feel to the novel, and fashion enthusiasts will find something to enjoy. As the story progresses, the title The League of Style begins to make more sense. Clearly, looking good is part of the assignment.
The author also includes photographs of some characters, buildings and locations, which is a lovely touch. Why should readers do all the imagining when Ope Adebanjo can lend a helping hand? The pictures add interest to the reading experience and allow us to put faces to names and see some of the places featured in the story. It is almost like having a little visual tour alongside the novel. Who says reading cannot come with sightseeing?
The chapter headings indicating time and location are another thoughtful touch, especially as the story moves between Paris and Lagos. At least, readers do not have to pause and ask, “Wait, are we still in Paris, or have we landed in Lagos?” Unfortunately, some of the supporting characters do not enjoy the same attention. Saskia, Sade’s boyfriend, and Banke, her brother’s ex-girlfriend, seem promising, but they fade from the story just when things could get interesting. Where did they go? Did they quietly leave the party without telling anyone?
Then comes the ending, and this is where Adebanjo leaves readers wanting more, perhaps a little too much. After all the drama, several questions remain unanswered, some characters’ stories are left hanging, and certain events need further explanation.
We have followed Sade around Lagos and turned the pages, expecting everything to come together, only to reach the end still searching for answers. Surely, we deserve a little more!
Ope Adebanjo, please, we need to talk! And if there is a sequel coming, kindly let us know. Some of us still have questions, and for once, they have nothing to do with fashion.
About the reviewer
Titilade Oyemade is a business executive in a leading organisation and holds a degree in Russian Language. She’s the convener of the Hangoutwithtee Ladies Event and the Publisher of Hangoutwithtee magazine. She spends her weekends attending women conferences, events and book readings. She loves to have fun and to help other women have the same in their lives. Email: [email protected] Social: @tiipreeofficial
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