The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives: A Novel

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 the hardships they bear, their struggle to define themselves, and their fierce desire to protect those they love.

Audible Audio

Published January 19, 2021

Reviews

[Dun · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a masterpiece! This book is beautifully woven together, and the author did an excellent job. It provides insight into the home of a polygamist whose wives each have their own secrets, alongside shared ones. I applaud Bolane for not settling for less and for finally realizing that what happened to her as a child was not her fault and should not dictate her future. Overall, it’s an amazing book.

[H.A. Leuschel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal reading by the author. The story was captivating in itself, but the fact that I listened to the author's voice and her wonderful impersonations really brought the narrative alive. Highly recommended!

[Latoya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. Baba Segi and his wives were very good characters with a lot of depth. I thought the way each characters back story was told was timed perfectly to progress the present plot forward. The dynamic between the wives was interesting but I understand what motivated each wife in the end. I think this book tells each woman’s perspective and story well and even though each wife is different motherhood is a central element and how men and society tie a woman’s worth to her womb. Overall an excellent read and I will look for other books by this author.

[Iyin Asekun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super funny! Really enjoyed this read and totally DID NOT expect the plot twist/ending. So Yoruba in the most authentic way possible lol

[Gabrielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full disclosure - I think I would have rated this higher if I read the physical copy, instead of listening to the audiobook. Because of the many relationships and connections between characters, this book would probably be easier to follow-along with in a format where you could easily flip between chapters, pages, etc., to keep track of things.

That said, I did really appreciate the complexity of characters in this novel, as well as the nuanced setting for the story to unfold. There is a wonderful level of depth to the stories woven together here, and many powerful takeaways for married women, if all ages.

[Elton Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only a foolish woman leans heavily on a man's promises.

― Lola Shoneyin, The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives

Overall, this was a fun reading experience. Great characters made strong by the depth and power of their background stories and how those connected to their present actions and decisions. Not necessarily my ideal ending but it works. Definitely had some good laughs and some tender moments. There were, however, a few times that the writing might have been less than ideal.

[dlovesreading · Rating 4 out of 5]

J’ai adoré comment on a montré que parfois ce qui paraît être de mauvais choix nous rend plus fort. L’histoire de bolanle est tout simplement magnifique le caractère du personnage est trop bien et les scènes sont si bien faite vraiment trop bien.

[Lindiwe Nkabane · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favourite reads this year. The plot twist!!

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Polygamy, secrets, sex and humor made this a pleasurable read!

[Dineo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book, left me yearning for a sequel

[Winnie Natana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great book! I would love to see a movie or play of this!

[Jasmine Ehanire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book twice and might read it again in a year or so. Baba Segi is a typical traditional Nigerian man, but his wivesssssssss, were the real MVPs.