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What Members Thought
Great novel! Another incredible story-teller from Nigeria! I liked a lot the deep-dive into the important and unknown (for me) topic of maternity and womanhood, especially in Nigerian society.
This novel is ultimately a story about fierce love and devotion--to spouse, children, and family. It is a story shaped by tragedy, betrayal, and healing. Adebayo alternates timelines and points of view, which kept the pace and unfolding of the story appealing to me. We learn what happens when societal expectations heighten Yejide and Akin’s own personal desires to have children: pain and suffering and dissatisfaction ensue. This story packs an emotional punch and is written with poise. I felt co
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An excellent story, this book tells the story of Yejide and Akin as their lives start out well together and then go very differently than either of them expect. Things are going along well, and Yejide has normal concerns but still thinks things are fine. However, when Yejide cannot get pregnant, she thinks that everything will still be fine, until the day her mother-in-law shows up with a second wife for Akin. Neither Yejide or Akin has thought that polygamy was an answer to any of their problem
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The theme of this work is nothing new in Nigerian literature. Yehide, a young wife,has not become pregnant yet after four years of marriage. Her in laws, with her husband and stepmothers agreement, bring in a second wife. Yehide realizes that if she does not become pregnant her marriage and her future will fall apart. The resulting choices and consequences rock her marriage and her sanity. What makes this book stand out beyond the compelling theme, however, is the masterful, sparkling story tell
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I expected this novel to be about polygamy and the sufferings of a wife who is replaced by a younger woman. But this novel has many surprising twists, and ended up being about so much more. Very well written, thought provoking and engaging throughout.
The political backdrop of a military revolution and student protests could probably have been integrated a bit better into the plot, but the family relationships were unexpected and complex. The audiobook narration by Adjoa Andoh was magnificent.
The political backdrop of a military revolution and student protests could probably have been integrated a bit better into the plot, but the family relationships were unexpected and complex. The audiobook narration by Adjoa Andoh was magnificent.
Dec 22, 2017
Suzanne
marked it as to-read
Feb 07, 2018
Hege
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Jun 24, 2019
Theresa Wright
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Sep 12, 2020
Mary Anne
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Feb 10, 2021
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May 24, 2025
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Aug 08, 2025
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