Read advance reader review of The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives by Lola Shoneyin, page 4 of 4

The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives

A Novel

by Lola Shoneyin

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Page 4 of 4

There are currently 24 member reviews
for The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives

Nikki M. (Fort Wayne, IN)

Desperate Housewives of Nigeria
Although enjoyable, this book didn't provide enough depth of the characters--it left me feeling rather unattached. It was a quick read which left me wishing that I had gotten more emotionally invested in the story. Some book clubs may enjoy it for a light summer read, but I prefer a little more to chew on!

Kathryn K. (Oceanside, CA)

The Real Housewives of Nigeria
The women who tell the story in The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives seem vaguely familiar! They demonstrate some of the worst traits that women can have – not unlike the TV reality series that some enjoy. As a huge fan of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her unforgettable novels (Purple Hibiscus and Half a Yellow Sun), I looked forward to discovering another great African writer and learning more about Nigeria. What disappointed me about this book, although at times amusing, was how very little I learned. I also found it a tad difficult to identify the various ‘voices’ telling the story. Although not a bad read, to me it bordered on being ‘pulp’fiction. It’s not a book I would chose for the book discussion groups I lead.

Ann L. (Arnold, MD)

The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives
The author presents the story of Baba Segi and his four wives by having each chapter narrated from the point of view of the different characters. It was interesting the way all the different narratives wove into an over all story. The author writes in a very descriptive, lyrical style. I especially liked her description of Baba Segi as a “flatulent pig”. It fitted him perfectly. However, there was way too much other detailed description of the workings of the characters’ digestive systems and bodily fluids. I think this book would have been better condensed into a short story form.

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