Akin and Yejide are a young professional couple in Nigeria who after four years in remain childless. Akin is pressured by his mother Moomi, to take a second wife who can give them a child. She even has the woman in mind, her name in Funmi. Akin and his wife do not believe in polygamy but after trying fertility specialists, healers as well as some bizarre folklore beliefs still no pregnancy. Of course, it is assumed Yejide is to blame. When Yejide learns about the second wife she feels desperate to get pregnant and, this is where the story gets interesting. I can't say too much more about the storyline without giving spoilers but, this story was decent and had plenty of discussion points.The story covers the periods 1985 - 2008 with a backdrop of political turmoil. The story is told in alternating POVs from the two main characters who were well-developed yet unlikeable in their own ways. The story is heavy in dialogue with a blend of extremely sad moments and laugh out loud scenes as well which was nice as this book could have been a real downer. I liked learning about the Nigerian culture and the value placed on offspring above all else. My book group met to discuss this one this month and most thought it was an interesting read but no one really loved it. Readers who like learning about other cultures should try this one.
I originally tried the audio download from the library but, I found the Nigerian accent a bit too difficult at times so, I switched to the library print copy instead.
Rating - 4/5 stars
Sounds a bit challenging but we do like learning about other cultures.
ReplyDeleteIt wasn't challenging but, parts were just hard to understand why the characters did the things they did.
DeleteThat's an interesting premise and I must say I'm curious now where that story went.
ReplyDeleteIt's a story that was both fascinating and annoying at times as well.
DeleteI've loved the few books I've read that have been set in Nigeria. It's such a fascinating culture to read about. Fingers crossed my library has this book! :)
ReplyDeleteI would definitely like to read more books that take place in different parts of Africa.
DeleteThis does sound like a bit of a slog, but seems to have a lot to offer. Nigeria is one of those country's whose culture and people get a bum rap because most of us know them best via all the scam "Nigerian prince" emails they send around the world trying to fish banking details from gullible folks. I would read this one to learn more about the culture alone...fiction is really good at that.
ReplyDeleteOMG - so true. The culture is rather fascinating. I have a couple more books that take place there that I hope to read down the road.
DeleteThis sounds like an interesting story. I remember enjoying the Nigerian accent when I listened to My Sister the Serial Killer... it reminded me of my friend from Nigeria. Just listened to a sample of Stay wth Me and it sounds completely different. Hmm...
ReplyDeleteI never listened to that one but I remember several reviews that were positive. There are a few crazy things that happen in this story that threw me off on audio. Print worked better for this one.
DeleteYes, for this one print worked better.
ReplyDeleteThere are so many excellent Nigerian writers at work now. I've read a number of their books and I can't recall one single bad one among them. This sounds like another one I should add to that list.
ReplyDeleteI noticed that -- especially over the last 2-3 years. I have a few more on my TBR list.
DeleteI love learning about other countries/cultures through fiction so this one sounds good.
ReplyDeleteYes, I do love when a story is deep enough to teach me something.
DeleteLearning about other cultures and their problems is one of the best things about reading. Not every book satisfies, but they all contribute to our understanding.
ReplyDeleteWell stated Jen. I do love when I can learn something new, especially when I'm not expecting much.
DeleteSounds like there is a lot of inner conflict in this one.
ReplyDeleteThis was a perfect discussion book although more than a few were lukewarm on the emphasis for women to produce offspring. How was your discussion of Piranesi?
DeleteOh well now I want to know what happens next! This sounds like a great story.
ReplyDeleteIt was pretty good although the emphasis on producing off spring didn't sit well with many of us.
DeleteYeah I thought it had some interesting issues to it. If only the man & wife were able to communicate better with each other, right? Maybe some of their problems could have been nipped in the bud. Here's some of my thoughts: https://www.thecuecard.com/books/stay-glass-castle-movie/
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