The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives by Lọlá Shónẹ́yìn tackles universal themes grace and humor by exploring the interior lives of four Nigerian women through the secrets they keep in a conservative, polygamist family. I really loved this book even though it felt like reading it was akin to watching an imminent trainwreck, but in a fun way.
When Bolanle, wife number four, arrives, her education becomes a hindrance and ultimately leads to the reveal of a dark family secret. Each wife has her own story, past, and personality contributing to the omnipresent sexual politics within the house. Humanizing cruelty through incredible narrative and attention to detail. Shónẹ́yìn ultimately depicts how vicious and cyclical the patriarchy’s determination is to confine and silence strong, resilient women, as they/we all are in unique ways.
I was entranced by the craft that went into Shónẹ́yìn's debut novel. Nuanced, serious, yet funny. It balanced popular success with aspects of literary fiction, making entirely approachable but still elegant. Read the full review at:
https://onthebl.org/2021/10/12/the-secret-lives-of-baba-segis-wives-by-lola-shoneyin-explores-specific-yet-universal-themes/ or through the link in my bio!
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