The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives

A Novel

By: Lola Shoneyin

Narrated by: Lola Shoneyin

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.

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.

So good

The author did a good job and narrating each character story so you can get an understanding of who they are individually and how they came to be wives

TSLOBSW

I love the book, the different storylines and characters really stood out. Baba Segi and his wives were very entertaining

wonderfully told

wonderfully read and woven story. it was engaging and surprising. I would highly recommend