Two years ago, I wrote a short review of Lola Shoneyin’s Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives. It has been in my drafts. I came across it today and decided it was too good a review to remain hidden.
Synopsis
An uneducated trader Baba Segi takes an educated lady, Bolanle as wife number four, much to the surprise of his other wives and friends. Baba Segi is smitten by Bolanle’s poise and fluency in the English Language. However, trouble soon rouses, when to his chagrin, Bolanle fails to conceive. Although Baba Segi already has children from his other wives, he is gripped by typical Nigerian patriarchy and demands that Bolanle must bear him a child. They set out on a quest to “make Bolanle fruitful” and rid Baba Segi of his constant “bellyache” from worry over Bolanle’s Barrenness. This quest soon uncovers a deadly secret.
My Thoughts on The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives by Lola Shoneyin
Lola Shoneyin weaved a story of love, betrayal, societal nuances and much more in this beautiful body of art.
The book explores various societal issues, beginning with the quest of Nigerian men demanding their spouses to bear children at all costs, whilst they remain buried in their conceitedness because, in their bigoted minds, the problem can never be from them.
We also see the juxtaposition between Bolanle, the new and educated wife, versus Iya Segi, Iya Tope and Iya Femi, the first to third wives respectively. The women constantly bicker amongst themselves, they feel threatened by Bolanle’s literacy.
Another societal issue raised and perhaps the most overwhelming one was that of the subjugation of women in Nigerian society. Women are treated as “merely existing”, they are considered properties whose ownership rests on the male folks, from father to husband.
One dialogue that perfectly captures Lola Shoneyin’s portrayal of how women are relegated in Nigerian society says;
“Baba Segi, I think you should drag her to a medicine man if she doesn’t follow you. You are the husband and she is a mere wife and the fourth one at that! If you drag her by the hair, she’ll follow you anywhere, I swear it!” – ( ATANDA, The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives)
Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives by Lola Shoneyin
“I chose Bolanle, I cannot lie; I set my mind on her, the way a thirsty child sets his eyes on a cup filling from a spout. Teacher said I was right to possess her. He bought me two shots of whiskey and patted me on the shoulder. Not a fleck of jealousy, not a speck of envy. I tell you, the man is to be admired.” ( Baba Segi – The Secret Lives Of Baba Segi’s Wives)
Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives by Lola Shoneyin
Infertility is frowned upon amongst male folks. If a woman is unable to conceive, the blame falls on her- she is barren, unfruitful, she refuses to make her husband happy etc. Most don’t consider the possibility that the husband may be responsible, as was the case with Baba Segi. And in such scenarios, the Nigerian patriarchal society expects that the man’s shame is covered.
“The decision was easy and was met, as I expected, with understanding. I knew Baba Segi didn’t want me to leave but the recent revelations had left him without a viable alternative. It was more important to him, as Iya Segi had sussed, that his manhood be protected”. ( Bolanle- The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives)
Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives by Lola Shoneyin
“My lord,” she whispered. “Let us not allow the world to see our shame. Let us keep our secrets from those who may seek to mock us.”
She was good, Bolanle thought as she watched the other wives join her in her supplication. Only then did it all fall into place. Baba Segi’s big testicles were empty and without seed.
Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives by Lola Shoneyin
As Lola Shoneyin’s debut, the Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives exceeded expectations as every chapter was served with riveting stories of the Alao’s family and garnished with the sprinkles of patriarchy from the teacher and his male cohorts. This is definitely a must-read for everyone.
In 2020, Netflix announced a partnership with Ebonylife studios to adapt Lola Shoneyin’s, The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives into a feature film. I am holding on with bated breath and praying to the gods of the film world that the movie does justice to the book.
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Gift Collins is an ingenious creative. She loves to put her polished thoughts into words and pictures to create beautiful stories. She is a media girl-in and out.
An experienced Filmmaker, Scriptwriter and Blogger. She also has skills and experience in social media management.
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