BOOK OF THE MONTH
Stay with Me: A novel
A New York Times Notable Book • “A thoroughly contemporary—and deeply moving—portrait of a marriage.... In the lineage of great works by Chinua Achebe and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.” —The New York Times Book Review
Ilesa, Nigeria. Ever since they first met and fell in love at university, Yejide and Akin have agreed: polygamy is not for them. But four years into their marriage—after consulting fertility doctors and healers, and trying strange teas and unlikely cures—Yejide is still not pregnant. She assumes she still has time—until her in-laws arrive on her doorstep with a young woman they introduce as Akin’s second wife. Furious, shocked, and livid with jealousy, Yejide knows the only way to save her marriage is to get pregnant. Which, finally, she does—but at a cost far greater than she could have dared to imagine.
The unforgettable story of a marriage as seen through the eyes of both husband and wife, Stay With Me asks how much we can sacrifice for the sake of family.
Ilesa, Nigeria. Ever since they first met and fell in love at university, Yejide and Akin have agreed: polygamy is not for them. But four years into their marriage—after consulting fertility doctors and healers, and trying strange teas and unlikely cures—Yejide is still not pregnant. She assumes she still has time—until her in-laws arrive on her doorstep with a young woman they introduce as Akin’s second wife. Furious, shocked, and livid with jealousy, Yejide knows the only way to save her marriage is to get pregnant. Which, finally, she does—but at a cost far greater than she could have dared to imagine.
The unforgettable story of a marriage as seen through the eyes of both husband and wife, Stay With Me asks how much we can sacrifice for the sake of family.
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Readers say *Stay with Me* is a deeply emotional, beautifully written novel that insightfully portrays love, infertility, and Nigerian culture against...
“Stay with Me” by Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀ is a beautiful journey through the concepts of death and rebirth in a post-colonial Nigerian setting. The writing, pace, character development, and tension are exemplary and underscore why Adébáyọ̀ is such a celebrated young author. For me, this was a deeply emotional ride.
Set during the Obansanjo era of political strife in Nigeria, it gave me a front-row seat to the trials and tribulations my parents endured. Through our main characters, it also gave me a narrow vignette into what their dreams and hopes were comprised of. Struggling and striving in the face of all of the change and heartbreak around them.
Adébáyọ̀ was particularly adept at illustrating the growing divide between the religious/mystical views and the modernist ideals on every topic. Creating a sense of tension on every page. Adébáyọ̀ finishes it all off with an ending that will leave you in a swirl of emotions and reflections on your own regrets. A must-read.
Really loved hearing this modern story set in Nigeria. Heartbreaking way that our lives unfold sometimes.
Disturbingly sad at parts but beautifully written. Reminds me that all family is messy, but full of love nonetheless.
It was a cute read. I appreciated that, for a Nigerian author, she didn't have me running to the dictionary at every second page or sentence. Loved how it was connected via past and present. Things just kept clearing up. Great story telling.
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