Braids Take a Day

Uncovering secrets is like undoing braids, one at a time… Abidemi can’t wait for summer, her last one at home in Ennistymon before she heads off to college. She’s ready to say goodbye to school, spend some time learning new braids and hairstyles – and see where things go with her friend Jack. But when she meets an intriguing woman from Nigeria, secrets start to unravel.

Suddenly Abi’s life and family are changing and she needs to think hard about who she wants to be …

A coming of age story featuring Nigerian-Irish culture, it’s Boladale’s first book and is an intriguing read, as Abi’s family secrets are gradually revealed to both Abi and the reader. First love, teen parties and braids!

Sarah Webb

follows the story of Abidemi Benson, a black Irish woman on the verge of adulthood who embarks upon a summer of self-discovery after completing her Leaving Certificate. The novel weaves themes of friendship, romance and independence together with strands of African and Irish culture

Irish Times’ Magazine, Lauren Murphy

Boladale’s coming-of-age debut perfectly captures rural Irish teenage life along with the complicated emotions and search for identity that come with that final summer between secondary school and college

Irish Examiner