Structural Irony
The irony commences with a structural introduction. Preceding Chapter 1 is a prefatory section titled “Aftermath.” Chronologically speaking, of course, in a linear timeline that word would be situated for the purpose of use in an epilogue rather than a prologue. The irony of beginning with the “Aftermath” of the story sets the stage for how the book will heavily rely on irony to examine certain themes and plot mechanics.
Racism
The main characters in this novel speak about racism directed their way quite often. And, as they should, reveal emotional pain that cuts deeply. Ironically, however, they themselves often express racist views toward others. Boo, in particular, is characterized as a profoundly racist creature. One of the most glaring instances of this irony being demonstrated obliviously, however, is when Isobel complains about the racism demonstrated in one single Chinese restaurant in Nigeria, completely blind to the racist language she uses to castigate all Chinese people.
The Absence of Racism
The foundation of the friendship of the friends is their shared experience of biracial birth and how that influences their experience growing up in England. Ironically, what upsets the balance of this friendship based partly upon a dynamic of racial tension is the arrival of a new addition who also shares their background. Thus, racism is not the trouble—the “wahala”—which comes creeping into their friendship to alter everything as might be expected.
Truth
The dynamic of the friends prior to the introduction of Isobel into the mix is, as indicated, built upon a solid foundation of shared experience. It turns out, however, that in addition to this bonding agent, there is another one that is of at least equal strength. The friendship is kept together by virtue of dishonesty and deception. Isobel arrives as the “wahala” into this intricately knitted web of friendship and, ironically, it is not through lies that she pulls everything apart, but through the honesty that comes with the revelation of hard truths the others have worked hard to keep from each other.
Comparison
The inherent irony in the proverbial adage that the grass next door always seems greener than your own is given an ironic spin. Looking at her reflection and patting and fluffing her hair, Ronke thinks to herself, “At least once a day someone said to her, `I wish I had curly hair,’ but Ronke knew better – curls meant frizz, knots and chaos.” The rapid intensification from frizz to chaos is suggestive of the irony at this moment. The lighthearted commentary on the mechanical difficulty of dealing with naturally curly hair digs deeper than it seems so that it becomes a statement about the unintended cultural offense. The desire for curly hair by those born with a genetic predisposition otherwise is such a subtle swipe at ethnic divisions that the irony almost remains entirely comic.
