May wrote the novel based on her own experiences as someone of a multiethnic parentage living in Britain. As an Anglo-Nigerian she incorporates four female characters with Nigerian fathers and European mothers. The story explores issues of identity, racism, and colorism while addressing the clash between two cultures through the women. At the core, the narrative focuses on female friendships as they develop and also become fragile at a moment’s notice.
The novel follows Ronke, Boo, and Simi as they navigate their everyday lives comprising of careers, relationships, parenthood, and education. They have been friends since college when they bonded over their similar ethnic backgrounds and challenges. Ronke has a successful career but is struggling with her relationship because of a non-committal partner. On the other hand, Boo is in a good marriage but copes with the monotony of domesticity. Meanwhile, Simi is having a difficult time with career choices and the decision to have a baby with her husband. The introduction of Isobel, Simi’s childhood friend, into their lives threatens to ruin their friendship and relationships. As the antagonist, she prods each of the friends to make life-changing decisions that may negatively disrupt their lives.
The title is a Nigerian Pidgin term that translates to trouble which perfectly defines the new addition to the friend group. Isobel emphasizes the mild issues in the friendship with the intention of causing chaos and damaging the bond. The author addresses issues of race, interracial relationships, and friendship from the perspective of modern women.
