Genre: Autobiography
First Published: 2021
Buy the Book [Here]
Book Review and Reflection
Introduction
I first came across Gina Yashere through her role in Bob Hearts Abishola, where she plays Kemi, Abishola’s hilarious best friend. I instantly fell in love with her character. Later, I discovered she was also an incredible stand-up comedian, so I watched a few of her shows. When I found out she had written a memoir, I knew I had to read it—I was in for a treat! And Cack-Handed: A Memoir did not disappoint. Gina delivers a raw, honest, and, of course, funny account of her life.
Book Summary
Cack-Handed is structured into 21 chapters, each titled after a traditional Nigerian proverb. African proverbs are often reflected in African-authored books like I Do Not Come To You By Chance by Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani and many others. The first chapter was a delightful surprise. Gina opens with a brief but deeply appreciated historical account of the Kingdom of Benin, where her roots lie. She even introduces a fascinating mystery—whether or not she is the reincarnation of her maternal grandmother.
She then delves into key historical moments in Britain, particularly those she experienced firsthand, such as the phenomenon of “farming.” She recounts growing up in London in the 1970s and 1980s in Tower Hamlets, one of the most impoverished boroughs. Learning that she lived in Tower Hamlets made me smile—I, too, lived there for a year while pursuing my master’s in human rights at Queen Mary University of London in 2017 and 2018.
Gina’s reflections on her childhood, particularly her relationship with her strict but loving mother, are candid and heartwarming. I giggled at the clever ways she worked around her mother’s restrictions. She also details the hardships of living with a terrible stepfather—whom she aptly calls “step bastard”—and the relentless bullying she endured for being African and for her name that sounded like female genitalia.
Her career journey was particularly fascinating. From working as an engineer to discovering a passion for stand-up comedy, Gina’s pivot was bold and inspiring. She also openly discusses her sexuality, reflecting on how little she knew about it growing up. Her experiences in Nigeria—facing rejection due to her sexuality—were both surprising and, unfortunately, unsurprising.
Reading about Gina’s struggles with the BBC and the broader industry was incredibly eye-opening. Given her challenges, I’m thrilled she achieved her dream of moving to the United States. I follow Gina on Instagram and I know she is making the most of her time in the USA.
I also found it interesting that she gained success as a comedian in England before I even knew her from Bob Hearts Abishola. Her brother’s name, Dele, was a fun coincidence, just like Abishola’s son on the show. But in hindsight, it’s not surprising that I didn’t know her earlier—growing up in Namibia, I was far more exposed to American media than British entertainment. I became more interested in Britain and its people after moving to Kingston Upon Hull in 2020.
Gina ends the book by asking if we want to hear more about what happened next. My answer? Yes, please! I can’t wait to read the next chapter of her life.
What I loved
- The brief but well-researched historical insights sprinkled throughout the book.
- Her generous use of Nigerian proverbs, many of which she credits to her mother, was especially heartwarming.
- The raw honesty in her storytelling, particularly in how she speaks about her mother, her “step bastard,” and her journey.
- Her unwavering pride in her identity as an African Nigerian woman. Though born in England, she has always appreciated and continues to embrace her roots.
Favourite Proverbs from the Book
- “If you are eating with the devil, you must use a long spoon.”
- “The same sun that melts wax also hardens clay.”
- “It is when there is a stampede that the person with big buttocks knows that he carries a load.”
These sayings, rooted in Yoruba culture, add humour and resilience to Gina’s storytelling.
Final Thoughts – Would I Recommend It?
Absolutely. If you enjoy funny and inspiring memoirs, Cack-Handed will make you laugh, cry, and reflect. It’s perfect for anyone interested in memoirs by Black women, women in comedy, or stories of resilience and self-discovery.
Audiobook Note
I listened to the audiobook of Cack-Handed narrated by Gina herself. Hearing her tell her own story made it even more powerful. Her delivery, rhythm, and tone add emotion and punch to the already compelling narrative.
About the Author
Gina Yashere is a trailblazing British Nigerian comedian, writer, and actress. Known for her work on The Lenny Henry Show, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and Bob Hearts Abishola, she has broken barriers across the comedy and TV landscape. Gina co-created and co-produces Bob Hearts Abishola, where she plays Kemi, a fan-favourite character. She also holds the distinction of being the first British comic on Def Comedy Jam.
Her story reflects her dedication to diversity in entertainment and her refusal to be boxed in. Learn more at ginayashere.com.
