A review by lrose02
The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives by Lola Shoneyin

emotional reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

This book explores a lot of deep things, and was not what I expected. The backdrop of it being set in Nigeria sets a certain cultural tone that shapes every characters lives. Bolanle is the newest wife and she is not treated well. Baba Segi is not necessary abusive but he is brutish, and a man who believes he owns the world due to simply being a man. The dynamics between the wives were interesting to follow, and it was hard reading how they treated Bolanle. Especially with how severe the consequences ended up. I understand why in the end they were so worried about her, and just how much her education was a threat to them. All the characters had secrets, and reading Bolanle’s backstory was really hard. It wasn’t necessarily triggering as it wasn’t a very explicit scene. It’s described from start to finish but it’s not written out if that makes sense. I think it’s an important aspect to her character. I was worried the author would make the fertility issues her fault as a result of the rape but it soon become clear the direction she was going in. And I was right. I’m glad I read this book, and it’s not one I would typically choose to read. The rating is mainly because of how indifferent I feel about it, and how I usually rate my books based on the emotional impact. It was a good book for sure but I just find it good and nothing more. 
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