The Secret Lives of the Four Wives: A Novel

African-born poet Lola Shoneyin sheds a fascinating light on the little-known world of polygamy in modern-day Nigeria, in her powerful and thought-provoking debut novel, The Secret Lives of the Four Wives (previously titled The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives). Fans of The 19th Wife and HBO’s Big Love will be enthralled by this riveting tale of a prosperous African family thrown into turmoil when the patriarch adds a young, well-educated fourth wife into the mix who threatens to expose the other wives’ deepest, darkest secrets.

“Alternately funny, shocking, and sad . . . a complex depiction of family and culture in modern-day Nigeria.
Sacramento Book Review

“A magical writer. . . . [A] delicious story.”—Huffington Post


 

BUY THE BOOK

304 pages

Average rating: 7.04

46 RATINGS

|

These clubs recently read this book...

Community Reviews

Adri Adrimano
Feb 27, 2024
10/10 stars
The happenings in each of the women's lives are both hilarious and tragic, and are understandable, even relatable, despite being fictitious. One of my top 3 narrations I've ever heard.
Damaris
Mar 04, 2022
7/10 stars
The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives' is such a mature and stinking opulent work. It is told in a dramatic way by the funniest and most sincere storyteller. From the day the book is picked and till the read is completed, the reader cannot but 'murder darlings' for this new-found darling to be fully savoured.

See why thousands of readers are using Bookclubs to stay connected.