The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives

Lola Shoneyin

As the proud holder of a degree, Bolanle is a truly great prize for Baba Segi – and a formidable challenge to the other women in the household.

However, her ambitious mother, who worked her fingers to the bone to put Bolanle and her sister through college, is horrified by her choice.

Polygamy, she says, is for gold-diggers and bush dwellers, not educated children brought up in a good Christian home.

Bolanle’s wild sister Lara is both amused and scathing. But Bolanle has her own reasons for choosing the dubious protection of a polygamous household and a much older husband; dark reasons which become clear much later in this riotous tale.

Initially Segi’s three other wives view Bolanle with deep wariness. However, with two of them, that caution quickly develops into dislike, covert animosity and sly digs. But even college graduates must bear children, and, when Bolanle does not appear to be blessed by the fecundity manifested by Baba Segi’s other wives, something clearly needs to be done.

Inspired by the stories of the author’s grandfather’s polygamous household, as heard from her mother, this debut novel is a real eye-opener; a deft, compelling and unsettling tale of a traditional polygamous household and the inevitable – if veiled – competitiveness which dominates the lives of Baba Segi’s four wives.

Weaving the voices of the four wives and the rotund businessman, who must be addressed as ‘Lord,’ it provides a fascinating glimpse into the day-to-day routines of a polygamous household and the rivalry which underpins it.