From the Bookshelf of Nothing But Reading Challenges…

The Secret Lives of the Four Wives

Lola Shoneyin

Start date: August 1, 2011

Finish date: August 31, 2011

Why we're reading this: The publisher approached us and after asking some of our more active members their opinions, we decided t…more
[close] The publisher approached us and after asking some of our more active members their opinions, we decided to go ahead and use it for one of our August BOMs. While the book is a bit different from what we usually pick I think this should make for some good discussions.

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Sep 11, 2011 Lisarenee rated it liked it

Notes: Not a book for kids. Sex is openly discussed although not in great detail. Language used which some may find offensive.

Bolanle has decided to become the fourth wife of Baba Segi, a wealthy Nigerian business owner. Some may think she married him for his money, but that's not it. It is hinted that something happened to Bolanle to change her whole perspective and personality at the beginning of the book. As the story unfolds, her secret will be revealed. Hers, however, is not the only secret Notes: Not a book for kids. Sex is openly discussed although not in great detail. Language used which some may find offensive.

Bolanle has decided to become the fourth wife of Baba Segi, a wealthy Nigerian business owner. Some may think she married him for his money, but that's not it. It is hinted that something happened to Bolanle to change her whole perspective and personality at the beginning of the book. As the story unfolds, her secret will be revealed. Hers, however, is not the only secret that is being kept. The other wives have a secret of their own, and by not revealing it to Bolanle, it will be uncovered, and it will change Baba Segi's household forever.

This is truly a book about Bolanle and her journey to find peace with herself and the world. I like how the book came full circle beginning and ending with her story. She did not expect to be welcomed with open arms by the other wives, but she didn't expect to be hated either. This book takes a close look into the taboo topic of polygamy, and looks at some of the problems associated with it. It delves into those basic human emotions of jealousy and hate. The book takes a look at the lives of each of the three wives from their own perspective, and reveals how each of their paths led them to their current place in Baba Segi's household. We get a look at some of the injustices that are suffered from a society where women aren't always held in high regard. As secrets are revealed and tragedy strikes Bolanle grows and deals with what happened to her so many years ago. I gave this one 3 out of 5 roses.

I should mention I got this book from the wonderful publisher, William Morrow. They provided me and five members of my Goodreads Group, Nothing but Reading Challenges, copies via a giveaway. It is one of our August Books of the Month. If you'd like to join us in our discussion of the book we'll probably be starting later this week. Thank you William Morrow. Here is a link to the group discussion: http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/6...
I should also apologize because I thought I'd posted this review last month, but while looking through my booklist today I realized it wasn't among my reviews. I'm not sure what happened, but I'll be double checking to make sure all my reviews get posted. ...more

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