The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives by Lola Shoneyin is a thought-provoking novel set in Nigeria, centered around Bolanle, the youngest and most educated wife of Baba Segi. The story delves into the complexities of a polygamous family as each wife's secrets and motives are revealed through alternating viewpoints, leading to jealousy, rivalry, and unexpected consequences within the household. The writing style includes vivid details, humor, shocking moments, and a mix of tones ranging from satirical to tragic, providing a deep exploration of Nigerian customs, culture, and traditions.

Characters:

The characters are distinct yet sometimes caricatured, embodying various social roles and motivations shaped by their circumstances in a polygamous marriage.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is vibrant and engaging, employing alternate narratives that enhance character depth and highlight cultural nuances.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot intricately details the lives of Baba Segi's wives, revealing their tensions and secrets while emphasizing Bolanle's childlessness as a central conflict.

Setting:

The setting is contemporary Nigeria, capturing the cultural context of polygamous practices and social constructs.

Pacing:

The pacing is brisk, allowing for rapid character development while gradually delving into deeper societal concerns.

IDIDN’T JUST HAPPEN upon this room; I dreamed of the pale green walls before I arrived. Now the built-in wardrobe is mine and so is the ceiling fan. My window looks over a backyard with patchy but nea...

Notes:

The novel is set in modern-day Nigeria, showcasing the life of Baba Segi, a polygamist with four wives.

The main plot revolves around Bolanle, Baba Segi's educated fourth wife, who struggles with childlessness.

Baba Segi's other wives, Iya Segi, Iya Femi, and Iya Tope, resent Bolanle due to jealousy and insecurity.

The wives' names include 'Iya' followed by their first child's name, a cultural practice in Nigeria meaning 'mother of'.

The story is told through multiple perspectives, mainly from Bolanle and the other wives, providing insights into their lives before marrying Baba Segi.

The novel explores themes of jealousy, power dynamics, and the societal pressures faced by women in polygamous relationships.

Despite the humorous surface, the book delves into serious issues, including the emotional and physical cruelty that can exist in such households.

The character of Baba Segi is portrayed with both comical and serious elements, reflecting his ignorance and desires as a patriarch.

The author, Lola Shoneyin, uses rich imagery and language reflecting Nigerian culture, making the setting vivid for readers.

The novel was nominated for the 2011 Orange Prize for Fiction, highlighting its critical acclaim within literature.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of jealousy, cruelty, domestic strife, and bodily humor that some readers may find unsettling.

From The Publisher:

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 husbands 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.

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The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives

Lola Shoneyin