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Review
`A novel of clamorous intensity. Shoneyin's language is that of a poet, both extravagant and exact.' --Jane Housham, Guardian
Book Description
'A rich debut... an engrossing and beautifully written domestic tale of polygamy and rivalry' Harpers Bazaar
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
39 of 39 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Before Reading The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives, I had never read any literary work by Lola Shoneyin. Having read it however, I will definitely be on the look out for any of her future offerings.
The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives traces the lives of five people (Ishola Alao A.K.A. Baba Segi and his four wives: Iya Segi, Iya Tope, Iya Femi and the newest wife, Bolanle). The book lets the reader into the vicissitudes in the lives of these women which sees them pitching their tents in matrimony with Ishola; from the latent feelings of homosexuality and the worship of money that the fat Iya Segi harboured, to the physical abuse, sufferings and desires for revenge that blighted the existence of Iya Femi and the almost cuckoo Iya Tope. And to top all these is the almost mysterious Bolanle who has sought refuge in this polygamous household despite the fact that she sticks out like a sore thumb being the only educated spouse in the midst of an illiterate husband and three illiterate co-wives.
Ishola, a male chauvinist, is supremely proud of his virility and his seven children. He is puffed up with the achievement of having bagged a woman who has a university degree and does not for a moment stop to think if there is a reason she has chosen him as a husband instead of a man who is as educated as she is. Of all his wives, she is the one woman that he has chosen by himself to be his wife (the other three wives having been thrust upon him by one circumstance or the other).
Bolanle's continued barrenness gives Ishola more than a little cause for concern and the search for a cure unleashes gob smacking revelations in his life. In the midst of this is the jealousy that rages amongst the older wives at the attention Ishola pays Bolanle and the inferiority complex they feel towards her on account of their being unlettered. Despite the ill feelings borne towards her by her co-wives and their maltreatment of her, Bolanle bears it all with quiet stoicism and acts remarkably with gallantry and grace.
The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives is a witty story about polygamy which has diabolical plots, murder, jealousy & secrets; and is told with compassion and understanding by the author. As a reader, it forces one to think that there just might be more than meets the eye when one sees women cleave themselves to a man irrespective of the fact that he is already joined in matrimony to another.
It was an enjoyable read for me and I recommend that you read it yourself.
The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives traces the lives of five people (Ishola Alao A.K.A. Baba Segi and his four wives: Iya Segi, Iya Tope, Iya Femi and the newest wife, Bolanle). The book lets the reader into the vicissitudes in the lives of these women which sees them pitching their tents in matrimony with Ishola; from the latent feelings of homosexuality and the worship of money that the fat Iya Segi harboured, to the physical abuse, sufferings and desires for revenge that blighted the existence of Iya Femi and the almost cuckoo Iya Tope. And to top all these is the almost mysterious Bolanle who has sought refuge in this polygamous household despite the fact that she sticks out like a sore thumb being the only educated spouse in the midst of an illiterate husband and three illiterate co-wives.
Ishola, a male chauvinist, is supremely proud of his virility and his seven children. He is puffed up with the achievement of having bagged a woman who has a university degree and does not for a moment stop to think if there is a reason she has chosen him as a husband instead of a man who is as educated as she is. Of all his wives, she is the one woman that he has chosen by himself to be his wife (the other three wives having been thrust upon him by one circumstance or the other).
Bolanle's continued barrenness gives Ishola more than a little cause for concern and the search for a cure unleashes gob smacking revelations in his life. In the midst of this is the jealousy that rages amongst the older wives at the attention Ishola pays Bolanle and the inferiority complex they feel towards her on account of their being unlettered. Despite the ill feelings borne towards her by her co-wives and their maltreatment of her, Bolanle bears it all with quiet stoicism and acts remarkably with gallantry and grace.
The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives is a witty story about polygamy which has diabolical plots, murder, jealousy & secrets; and is told with compassion and understanding by the author. As a reader, it forces one to think that there just might be more than meets the eye when one sees women cleave themselves to a man irrespective of the fact that he is already joined in matrimony to another.
It was an enjoyable read for me and I recommend that you read it yourself.
19 of 19 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Feminism is relative. And although some of the actions of Baba Segi's Wives are diabolical, some are heroic. If one must have a fat old husband because there is no other option, then why not have fantastic sex with the butcher? The story follows the escapades of these women as they fight and love and live as the wives of Baba Segi. Lola Shoneyin is a wonderful poet. In her debut novel, The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives, this has translated into beautiful, well constructed sentences, powerful imagery and plucky dialogue. Her characters are so well rounded that you can love and despise them in a single sentence. Baba Segi is a fabulous creation, and his story of living in rapidly changing times, where the past is clashing with the future - is a universal one. Reading this book, it is possible to learn something about Nigeria, about the practise of polygamous marriages, about a rich and interesting culture, about gender. Although Baba Segi is a dying breed, in a way, he will be missed. I read this novel in one sitting, and look forward to reading again. I admire Baba Segi's wives for inventiveness, and Baba Segi for forgiveness, but most of all, I admire the writer, Lola Shoneyin, who has written bravely about a subject that may make men rethink about marrying that second wife...
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
What first attracted me to this book was the title, although the title gives you a good idea of its contents, you cannot imagine how captivating the story is.
It threw me deep into the world of Baba Segi and his extended family, It has got twists, funny expressions, real life descriptions, first person narrations and it is highly expressive. Lola has done a good job with this book. I am looking forward to more books by her, I cannot wait to get engrossed with such a compelling story again.
BKA
It threw me deep into the world of Baba Segi and his extended family, It has got twists, funny expressions, real life descriptions, first person narrations and it is highly expressive. Lola has done a good job with this book. I am looking forward to more books by her, I cannot wait to get engrossed with such a compelling story again.
BKA
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Sua
I loved this book!!!!! It was recommended to me by a friend.
I thought I could predict the ending but I was certainly wrong. Read more
I thought I could predict the ending but I was certainly wrong. Read more
Published 17 days ago by Sua
Hilarious
I would first of all warn that you may not want kids under 13 to read this book as its very Vulgar. That being said the vulgarity is what makes this book interesting, as it makes... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Tulips
Truly amazing
Lola if you write any more books I will definitely buy!! This book was funny, thought provoking, sad at times, but ultimately hilarious!!! I really really enjoyed it!
Published 3 months ago by Missmye
Unputdownable!!!!
I read this over two evenings and couldn't stop thinking about it during the day in between. If I had the time I would have read it in one sitting. Read more
Published 4 months ago by WBF Kitchener
Readable, Enjoyable, Poignant
I was drawn to this story straightaway, a very cleverly told tale which had me changing my views about charachters as I got into the book. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Nefetiti
Brilliant!
I read this book in 2 days. A really good story with a great twist at the end. Well written. Great Read.
Published 6 months ago by Ksparkle
Excellent read !!!!!!
Was a bit dubious about buying this book when recommended by a friend but made the mistake of the typical 'don't judge a book by it's cover'. Read more
Published 6 months ago by bookmad23
Superb
Funny, witty, entertaining, thought-provoking and fabulous use of soliloquy.
What more can one ask from a read? Read more
What more can one ask from a read? Read more
Published 8 months ago by Under-The-Sea
3 1/2 stars something a bit different
Quite a good story in places very good, the sort of book you can read on the bus without having to reread big chunks later, the wives are well described and I had a very good... Read more
Published 9 months ago by azza
Heart warming and funny
I found this book to be compelling, a real page turner. The book was full of a range of emotions, it was heart warming, funny, informative, and gave you a real insight into the... Read more
Published 10 months ago by Adaku77
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