The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives

A Novel

By: Lola Shoneyin

Narrated by: Lola Shoneyin

Length: 9 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's summary

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

Flesh on the bones of collective secret stories

This was like an anthology of stories that women only whisper to themselves in the darkness. Well written with a pen like a paintbrush. One could see aunts, mothers, sisters and cousins that have lived these lives and then some. The author did not shy away from the pain, but also showed the strength, resilience and industriousness of women in a society that may rate them only on the ability to bear children. Beautifully narrated in a voice and an accent that added authenticity.

Excellent!

I need Lola to read all my audible books. She’s phenomenal. I love this book. I need a signed copy!

Masterful Narration

This was a wonderful story, a labyrinth of individual stories skillfully told. The narrator is absolutely wonderful. I loved hearing the pronunciation of Yoruba words and places.

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

Engaging read!!

I found the book a little hard to get into at first, but it was an extremely engaging read! Everyone in the book is given layers, which makes this so much more than a simple story about a polygamous family!! There are a quite a few twists, a lot of backstories, and the structure allows for empathy with essentially all characters. The author brings to life a colorful and expansive world that you can immerse yourself in.

Captivating

Unexpected twists and turns. The author found a way to evoke sympathy for the antagonists. We never know what motivates others until we know their whole story.

Such a well written drama

I absolutely loved this book. It's such a captivating story, and the narrator does an amazing job.

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.