Category: Books/Books/Fiction/General - Fiction
Coming soon to Netflix
'Comic, tragic, topical and entertaining in equal measure' - Bernardine Evaristo
To the dismay of her ambitious mother, Bolanle marries into a polygamous family, where she is the fourth wife of a rich, rotund patriarch, Baba Segi. She is a graduate and therefore considered a great prize in Nigeria, but even graduates must produce children and her husband's persistent bellyache is a sign that things are not as they should be. She only wants to escape to a quiet life, but the others disapprove of the newest, youngest, cleverest addition to the family. Treated with respect by her husband, she is viewed with suspicion by her seniors - who fear she may unlock their well-guarded secret.
Through the voices of Baba Segi and his four wives, Lola Shoneyin weaves a vibrant story of love, secrets and a family like every other - happy and unhappy, truthful and not, sometimes kind, sometimes competitive, always bound by blood, and the past.
What's in the box
1 x Book
07 May 2025
As an book-loving academic, Iβve read my fair share of fictions and non-fictons, but The Secret Lives of Baba Segiβs Wives is a rare gem that blends humour, heartbreak, and razor-sharp social commentary in one unforgettable narrative. Iβm buying this book for the third time; not because I lose it, but because I keep giving it away (sometimes reluctantly) to friends who must read it. Lola Shoneyin doesnβt just tell a storyβshe opens the front door, invites you into Baba Segiβs household, and serves you spicy stew and scandal. Buy it. Read it. Then buy it againβyouβll want to share it too.
19 Aug 2024
I am enjoying this read soo much! If you want to get back into reading and need a book thats easy to follow, this is the book to read. Be ready for a rollercoaster of emotions. Definitely worth the read.
09 Jul 2025
i enjoyed the book finished it within 3 days after i had received it. i dont know whether its because i read novels a lot some scenes were so cliche, however i liked the end, i like it when a person decides to walk out of toxic situations, some stay and die. so am so proud of Bonle here, am sorry for everything she went through i wish i could hug her. (Am aware its fiction).
15 Sep 2022
Love love this book π! Use google to see the cover
03 Jul 2025
Easy to read, easy to follow the storyline. Well done to the Author for keeping me entertained. How I love African Authors
16 Oct 2024
Great book, couldnβt keel it down finished it within 3/4 days , loved everything about it. Took a bit of time to get here but it came in such a great condition!
13 Jun 2025
Oh I enjoyed this story line. It was a bit difficult reading it - had to look up some words. But a good read
07 Jul 2026
This book is wonderful. It is giving The polygamist in another universe
24 Feb 2026
I couldn't put this book down. the plot thickens with every chapter and then the twist?? 5 stars!
04 Jun 2025
An interesting read! Definitely worth the purchase