Book Review: The secret lives of Baba Segi's wives



BOOK REVIEW
THE SECRET LIVES OF BABA SEGI’S WIVES
AUTHOR: LOLA SHONEYIN
GENRE: CONTEMPORARY AFRICAN LITERATURE
PUBLISHED: 2010

PLOT SUMMARY
Set in Ibadan, Nigeria, this satirical and emotionally charged novel follows Baba Segi, a wealthy, uneducated man with four wives. When he marries Bolanle, a young, educated university graduate, her presence disrupts the household’s fragile balance and foundation. As tensions rise, long buried secrets among the wives begin to unravel, particularly concerning the true parentage of Baba Segi,s children. Bolanles’s arrival indirectly triggers a series of revelations that shake the very foundation of the polygamous household.

THEMES
. Polygamy and power dynamics
. Female solidarity and rivalry
. Secrets, shame and Identity
. Patriarchy vs Education

   The strenghts of this book lies in the rich and vivid characterizations of each wife. The author blends humor, tragedy and social critique. The book gives voice to women who are often silenced in patriarchal societies and the book also depicts the richness of the Yoruba culture.
The Secret lives of Baba Segi’s wives is a bold, engaging novel that exposes the tensions within a traditional polygamous family. With wisdom and sensitivity, Lola Shoneyin explores what it means to survive , adapt and rebel in a deeply patriarchal society.
 
This book is my personal favourite and I’ll rate it a solid 4.8/5. You should add it to your lists of books to read.

                                           Tomisin💕

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