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The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives by Lola Shoneyin

7/1/2010

 
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Shoneyin's debut novel of a modern Nigerian polygamist family is refreshing. Though some may be turned off by the idea of polygamy, it is a revelation to read of the dynamics of such a relationship. Baba Segi has four wives, Iya Segi, Iya Tope, and Iya Femi, and the newest, Bolanle. Bolanle is college educated unlike the other three wives and this brings her much jealousy and animosity. All the while the first and third wives, Iya Segi and Iya Femi, respectively, are plotting Bolanle's demise,  their own secrets are about to be exposed. Things start to unravel for the first three wives when after years of trying, Bolanle does not get pregnant. Bearing offspring is a great source of pride for Baba Segi and Bolanle's supposed barrenness is hurting it.

How the story unfolds is in chapters that reveal back story on each wife before and after she married Baba Segi. Each of these women were filled with various desires like learning to read and being educated, the affections of a young man, and even wealth. The wives are the important characters here and that's fine because a tale involving polygamy does bear more implications on the status of women.  It's pleasing that the female characters are fully realized and even the two most vindictive are shown to have some humanity. Baba Segi was probably the type of characterization you'd expect of a wealthy polygamist-- demanding and unattractive. Shoneyin has written this novel with great honesty and realism and it was a joy to read.  The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives is a fabulous piece of literature from a fantastic writer poised to have a brilliant career.

disclosure: I received this book from the publisher.

Nicole link
7/1/2010 08:28:33 am

I haven't read that much about polygamy, but this looks like a good choice. The one book that I did read was about polygamy in the United States so it would be nice to compare it with somewhere else as well.

Book Snob Wannabe link
7/1/2010 01:15:38 pm

This seem like a great book to try. I will be adding it to my "to read" list ASAP!!!!

Doret link
7/2/2010 12:18:09 pm

There have been some great debut novels this year.

I wasn't bothered by the polygamy because its was the wives stories.

Whenever I read a novel by an African author I always wonder why I don't read more. The few I've read mastered the art of satire.

Jodie link
7/8/2010 08:59:29 pm

I love that cover, like you can see th huge split between the wives, that you described in your review. I keep being surprised to find polygamous relationships mentioned in books, but sometimes they're brished aside (although 'Elergy for Easterly' has some a very nice insider short story about a polygamous relationship) so it would be nice to see it from the wives perspective.


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