Book Review: The List by Yumi Adegoke

Yumi Adegoke’s debut novel, The List, is such an interesting read. It’s all about modern relationships, power dynamics, and how information can be weaponized in the digital age. The story focuses on Ola and Michael, this seemingly perfect couple who are about to get married. But then—bam! Michael’s name shows up on an anonymous online list accusing men of misconduct, and everything goes sideways.

The whole idea of the list being anonymous is wild because it shows how one unverified claim can blow up and potentially ruin lives. It’s a lot to think about, especially since it’s such a big topic in today’s world. Adegoke does a great job of balancing the importance of believing survivors while also showing how devastating false accusations can be. The anonymity of the list brings an eerie sense of power and vulnerability. It protects those who might be afraid to come forward, but it also opens the door for misuse. This duality is explored deeply in the novel, leaving readers to grapple with their own feelings about justice and trust in a digital world.

The timing of the list’s release is brutal. Ola and Michael are days away from their wedding, and instead of focusing on their future, they’re stuck in this massive public scandal. Ola’s emotions really hit hard. You can feel her pain as she tries to figure out if she should trust Michael or believe the anonymous accusation. Her internal conflict is gut-wrenching—she’s torn between standing by her fiancé and protecting herself. Adegoke delves into Ola’s psyche, capturing the way doubt creeps in and fractures even the most solid foundations. Ola’s journey is as much about self-discovery as it is about navigating her relationship. She’s forced to confront what she truly values and whether love is enough to withstand such a monumental breach of trust.

Michael’s side of things is just as intense. He’s flawed but comes across as genuinely trying to clear his name. Adegoke keeps you guessing about whether he’s innocent or guilty, and honestly, that uncertainty makes the story even more gripping. You’re right there with Ola, questioning everything and feeling the weight of it all. Michael’s desperation is palpable, and his actions—both good and bad—paint a complex picture of a man under siege. This complexity makes it hard to pin him down, reflecting the messy, multifaceted nature of real-life situations.

One of the things I really appreciated about the book is how it doesn’t give you easy answers. The anonymity of the list’s creator is such a big deal. On one hand, anonymity can give people a voice who might not feel safe speaking out otherwise. But on the other hand, it’s terrifying how it can also be misused. Adegoke dives into all of this in a way that feels real and thoughtful. The story doesn’t shy away from the grey areas, forcing readers to sit with the discomfort of not knowing what’s right or wrong. It’s a reminder of how complicated accountability can be, especially in a world where social media acts as both judge and jury.

I have to say, Ola and Michael’s relationship is written so well. You really root for them, which makes it even harder to see them go through this mess. Their love story feels so genuine, and watching it crack under the pressure of these allegations is heart-breaking. You’re constantly wondering if they can make it through this—and if they even should. The emotional stakes are sky-high, and Adegoke doesn’t let up, making every moment feel charged with tension and significance.

I liked the book, but I’ll be honest, it felt a bit long-winded at times. That said, everything ties together in the end, so it’s worth sticking with it. The slower pace allows for a deeper exploration of the characters and themes, which ultimately pays off. It’s a bit of a slow burn, but it’s worth it. The story is super relevant and makes you think about how we handle things like accountability and justice in the age of social media. It’s one of those books that sticks with you, and I think it’s a great pick if you’re into stories that dig into the messy, complicated parts of life.