Title: A Hustler’s Wife
Author: Nikki Turner
First published January 1, 2003
259 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780970247254 (ISBN10: 0970247257)
Rating: 4.43
Overview
In Words in the Dust, Trent Reedy tells the story of a young girl named Zulaikha who dreams of a better life. With the Taliban gone from Afghanistan, she hopes for peace, but she also hopes for a relationship with her stepmother and the chance to go to school.
Zulaikha knows that everything will come to her, “Inshallah,” if God wills it. However, when she meets Meena, who teaches her the poetry her mother once taught her, and the Americans arrive in her village promising to fix her cleft palate, Zulaikha’s life changes in ways she never imagined.
These opportunities could mean a whole new life for Zulaikha, but she must decide if she’s brave enough to take a chance on hope.
About the Author
When Nikki Turner finished reading The Coldest Winter Ever by Sistah Souljah, she was disappointed to find that there weren’t many other books like it. She wanted to write books that she herself would enjoy reading.
Her debut novel, A Hustler’s Wife, was published in 2002 and became a bestseller, selling hundreds of thousands of copies.
Although her first two novels were published by a small company in the Midwest, in 2004, Nikki signed a 2-book contract with One World, which is part of The Random House Publishing Group. After publishing the first book under that contract in 2005, as well as a collection of short stories edited by Nikki, One World quickly signed her up for three more novels and negotiated a contract for her own book line.
Nikki’s goal is to provide new authors with the same opportunities that she was given, and to help them become household names.
Editoral Review
Nikki Turners A Hustlers Wife is a riveting novel that takes readers into the gritty underworld of drug dealing, street life, and survival. With its raw narrative and vivid characters, the book quickly gained a following in the urban fiction genre, capturing the true essence of life on the streets.
The author herself is a former real estate agent turned writer, who grew up in a rough neighborhood in Richmond, Virginia. Her deep understanding of the urban culture and her ability to portray it with honesty and authenticity make A Hustlers Wife a noteworthy work of literature.
The story follows the trials and tribulations of a young woman named Desember, who falls in love with a notorious drug dealer and becomes entangled in his world of crime, violence, and power. Along the way, she must navigate the complexities of their relationship, as well as the dangers and pitfalls of the illegal drug trade.
The novel is set against the backdrop of Richmond, Virginia, where the harsh realities of urban life are on full display. From the dangerous streets to the rundown apartment buildings, the setting plays a crucial role in the story, creating a sense of urgency and intensity throughout.
Turners writing style is straightforward and unflinching, capturing the heart and soul of the characters with precision and depth. She excels at crafting compelling dialogue and building tension, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
The main character, Desember, is a complex and relatable protagonist, struggling to find her place in the world and make sense of her difficult circumstances. Through her eyes, readers are drawn into a world that is both terrifying and fascinating, filled with danger, betrayal, and unexpected twists.
Despite its many strengths, A Hustlers Wife is not without its flaws. Some readers may find the violence and language too intense, and the pacing can be uneven at times.
However, these minor shortcomings do little to detract from the books overall impact and importance. In conclusion, A Hustlers Wife is a must-read for anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of urban life and the challenges faced by those who live it.
With its strong characters, gritty setting, and compelling storyline, this book is a true masterpiece of the urban fiction genre. I highly recommend it to readers who enjoy thought-provoking narratives and insightful social commentary.
I give it a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
