The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives

A Novel

De: Lola Shoneyin

Narrado por: Lola Shoneyin

SOON TO BE A NETFLIX SERIES!

Award-winning author Lola Shoneyin delivers an irresistible and entertaining story of marriage, family, power, and heartache set in modern-day Nigeria in her debut novel.

When Baba Segi woke up with a bellyache for the sixth day in a row, he knew it was time to do something drastic about his fourth wife’s childlessness.

For Baba Segi, his collection of wives and gaggle of children are a symbol of prosperity, success, and a validation of his manhood. All is well in this patriarchal home, until Baba arrives with wife number four, a quiet, college-educated, young woman named Bolanle. Jealous and resentful of this interloper who is stealing their husband’s attention, Baba’s three wives begin to plan her downfall. How dare she not know her place, they whisper. How dare she offer to teach them to read. They will teach her instead, they vow, and open their husband's eyes to this wicked wind who has upturned the tranquility of their home.

Bolanle’s mother worked hard to educate her daughter and save her from a life of polygamy and dependence. She cannot understand why her daughter has chosen such a fate. But Bolanle hides a terrible secret—a secret that will unwittingly exposes the deception and lies, secrets and shame upon which Baba Segi’s household rests.

A stirring rale of men and women, mothers and children, servitude and independence, The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives illuminates the common threads that connect the experiences of all women: the hardships they bear, their struggle to define themselves, and their fierce desire to protect those they love.

©2021 Lola Shoneyin (P)2021 HarperCollins Publishers

Just Awesome

I didn't really know what to expect but this book was captivating, I could not wait to find the time to get back to it. The pace was good and the plot just kept getting better.

masterfully crafted

excellent narrator. great plot, complaining story. Ended very satisfactorily. tells a lot of the culture headaches of polygamy. And most importantly how we are victims of our upbringing/past.

wonderfully told

wonderfully read and woven story. it was engaging and surprising. I would highly recommend

So good

The author did a good job and narrating each character story so you can get an understanding of who they are individually and how they came to be wives

I really enjoyed this!

The story was one mixed with many social themes and steeped in African culture and traditions. I loved the narrator's voice. I was laughing at times, sad, angry, and pleased all while reading the book because I related to all the characters. Excellent choice if you want a book that stirs up your emotions and is based on the African context.

Very well written

I went in expecting one thing and finished this story with a new appreciation for the resilience of women. Well done Lola!

Brought tears to my eyes

If you have read stay with me any Ayo Bambi. This book will move you. It will make you understand the terrible things that go on in polygamist homes. You will have sympathy for some and hate others.

Great listen and interesting story

I enjoyed this story and the narration even more. I look forward to watching the Netflix series and possibly reading more by this author.

The vivid description of every character.

I loved everything about this book. The plot twists, the setting, how the characters were built the vivid detail that allows the reader to envision each story, character and setting. I was glued the entire time and didn’t want to miss a thing. It was highly entertaining.

Yup, Polygamy Sucks!

This story was well written and even though it is a work of fiction, many women and children living in polygamous homes can relate to the circumstances that the main character found herself in. The author also exposes the dark secrets of rape, not only young girls are targeted but also young men, often at the hands of their employers.
I highly recommend this audiobook as it was realistic , shocking but not surprising especially to those who have family structures like this.