The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives

 

Recently,  I have grown fond of Nigerian writers so I decided to read The Secret Lives Of Baba Segi's Wives by Lola Shoneyin. Also, the title really caught my eye.

Basically, Bolanle, a university graduate, decided to marry Baba Segi, a rich polygamist, to her mother's dismay. This angers Baba Segi's 3 other wives who continuously plan ways to drive her out of the house because they fear she may expose a deep secret between them. After two years of marriage, they turn up childless and as they try to find out why, secrets start to unfold and disrupt their household. 

Image source : https://www.happenings.com.ng/reviews/2013/07/03/book-review-the-secret-lives-of-baba-segis-wives

I finished reading this book within 3 days because I was eager to find out the secret.When I first started reading this book, I found Baba Segi repulsive which is why I didn't get why Bolanle would even consider marrying a polygamist. 

I liked how all the chapters were from different characters' perspectives because I felt like I was there observing everything. Also, I admire Bolanle's persistence to befriend the other wives. The things the wives did just to get Bolanle out of their house were unbelievable. They did not hold back and were very hostile towards her which I found unnecessary.

 As I continued reading, things got interesting and the reason why Bolanle agreed to this marriage was finally revealed. Although there were pretty serious moments in the book, some moments were kind of funny to me. I have to say I was shocked and satisfied with the ending. 

Even though I was annoyed when I first started reading, I enjoyed the book and I would give this book a 7/10 rating. If you haven't already, I encourage you to take up reading. It's like watching a movie in your brain which is really cool.