The Parlour Wife

by Foluso Agbaje

Kehinde must put everything on the line to find herself during a time of war.

Lagos, 1939

With the announcement of World War Two and a change that sends shockwaves through her family, Kehinde is forced to put aside her dreams of writing and become the third wife of Mr Ogunjobi.

Kehinde makes her peace by selling snacks at a small market. When she gets the chance to assist the leader of the Lagos Women’s Market Association, fighting for the rights the British are trying to take away, Kehinde finally feels useful again.

But if her husband finds out he’ll abandon her.

Can Kehinde find the courage to fight for herself and the other women of Lagos? Or will she remain a caged bird, a parlour wife, forever.

A poignant story of a young Nigerian woman, living with the consequences of a war her country didn’t choose.

Genres: Historical Fiction, African Literature, Fiction, Nigeria, Historical, Africa, Feminism

380 pages, Paperback

Published September 12, 2024

About the author

Foluso Agbaje is a British-Nigerian writer exploring how choices and connections shape who we are. After studying at the Faber Academy, she completed her debut novel, The Parlour Wife. When she’s not writing, Foluso enjoys visiting bookshops and museums, watching period dramas, and seeking inspiration in new places.

Reviews

[Lara | A reader in transit]

This was an interesting read, it gave me baba segi + the girl with the louding voice vibes!

The story was told from the POV of kehinde, a young girl who dreamed of being a writer but her social class doesn’t call for such luxury. Born to a fisherman father, her future lies in the hands of marrying a much older and influential man to be his trophy wife.

The plot called attention to the women of those colonial times and how they gained power by doing more outside the home. Even in today’s political society, the market women are instrumental to the ruling government.

It also explored family dynamics, friendship, and siblings relationships. The power of choice; choosing something vs being thrust into it.

The historical bits were well done and the plot moved at a good pace. This is an uncommon angle that doesn’t often get explored in new Nigerian fiction.

Looking forward to more from the author!

[Lyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like so many others, I had no idea what the impact of WW2 was on Nigerian people or even much idea of life there at the time. Kehinde is such a strong character, hitting her head against the customs and thoughts of her times. I loved her political activism and that of the market women. I had never heard of the term parlour wife and wondered what that must be like for all concerned. This is my favourite sort of book, learning something new about life and times and enjoying the journey with lively and likeable characters. I was sad when the book ended, because I wanted to know what happened to everyone post war. Thanks to NetGalley and One More Chapter for a chance to read and review this book.

[Iniye · Rating 4 out of 5]

“What was the point of reducing the whole world to rubble? Would the victor pick up the pieces afterwards?”

Foluso Agbaje takes us back to 1939 Lagos, moments before the war escalated in Europe. Living with her parents and twin brother under colonial rule, Kehinde’s life is about to take a turn after just turning 18. Unable to continue her secondary education, she is persuaded by her parents to get married to Gboyega Ogunjobi and become his third wife, leaving her dreams of becoming a writer almost shattered.

Thrown into a whole new world of polygamy, Kehinde navigates through her new life. Forced to give up an opportunity to work at The West African Pilot, she becomes a snack vendor in the market at the insistence of her husband. Trying to add substance to her life, she secretly joins the Lagos Market Women's Association as a secretary and joins them in fighting the colonial leaders who are about to make the market women pay taxes to fund their war in Europe. Trying to balance her snack business and secret LMWA career, she faces challenges, builds friendships, a community and tries as much as she can to keep what she has been up to hidden from her husband in order not to wake his wrath.

History talks less about the involvement of Africans during WWII, being shipped off to Burma to fight for the Empire after being convinced that the war was theirs too. I listened to a podcast where the soldiers narrated post-war life and how they were sort of abandoned by the Brits after being promised to be rewarded handsomely for their efforts.

[Nelly Nwose · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a very easy to read book with an enjoyable plot and I’m not sure if this is just me but,,,,,, the writing style reads very modern , I couldn’t relate it to the timeline the book was set in.
The plot also developed in a way that felt repetitive but in all it’s an okay book hence the 2.5 stars !

[Deeks · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay. Whoever compared it to the secret lives of Baba Segi’s wives lieddddd.

[Poppy || Monster Lover · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ll be honest, I don’t love historical fiction because a lot of my personal triggers, like purity culture, come up in it frequently. However, I can still recognize and appreciate a well written book, which this was.
Kehinde was a complex MC, with a drive to make a difference in the world competing with her upbringing to be an obedient woman. She was put in so many impossible situations, having life happen to her instead of making choices for herself. She had to fight, even though it was often quietly, for a life that she could be proud of. My heart broke for her time and again, as she faced the difficulties of WW2 in colonial Nigeria on top of being the 3rd wife of a rotten man. She made many mistakes on her journey, but grew as time went on.
I enjoyed the immersion in a world different from my own and the rich history infused into the story from foods eaten, societal norms, political movements, and markets. It was fascinating and obviously well researched — the author even providing a list of sources at the end of the book.

Spice: 1/5

Triggers: sexual violence, emotional abuse, physical assault, cheating, sexism, racism, threat of poverty, death of family member, pregnancy, child birth, war (off page, frequently mentioned), murder (low detail)

[Bukola Akinyemi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so glad I read this book! It was incredibly interesting and informative. This historical fiction is set in Lagos, Nigeria, beginning in 1939 with the announcement of World War II.

Our protagonist, Kehinde, has just turned 18 alongside her twin brother. She lives with her loving parents, who share a deep bond. Kehinde dreams of becoming a journalist, as she has a passion for writing, and she also desires a loving relationship like her parents'.

However, her parents have different plans for her. She is to marry Mr. Ogunjobi, a successful businessman who already has three wives and is older than Kehinde’s own father.

Despite the numerous challenges she faces, Kehinde remains resilient and hopeful.

Although the book tackles heavy themes, it radiates hope and even includes a beautiful love story.

Some characters in this book reminded me of The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives by Lola Shoneyin and The Parlour Wide was equally enjoyable.

[Amaka Azie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Thank goodness I didn’t DNF.

Once the story started with the typical plot of a naive young African girl forced to abandon her dreams and go into a marriage she didn’t want, I rolled my eyes and was about to stop reading.
Came to Goodreads to check the reviews and saw it was really a story about the effect of world war 2 on Nigeria, so I continued.
I’m grateful I did.
It not only kept my interest but fuelled my knowledge about that history of Nigeria.
I was half expecting the typical miserable ending of Nigerian fiction but I was pleasantly surprised. A happy ending! Alas!
I enjoyed this book—especially the second half of the story where Kehinde developed a backbone and fought against patriarchy. I loved her love story with Emeka. That was so well done!!!
I recommend

[mawusi. · Rating 3 out of 5]

i enjoyed this book a lot, took me a while to get into but i am fan of historical fiction and it was enlightening to learn more about what was happening in lagos during world war 2. i am a sucker for brilliantly written female friendships and honestly i think that is what i enjoyed reading the most.

[Keeping.Volumes.Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was not what I expected—and honestly? It blew my expectations out the water. I was side-eyeing it hard in the beginning, wondering if it was even my vibe, but once it got over that first hump? Baby, it took off running.
There were moments I was ready to pull my hair out because why would you do that?! 😩 But that’s how you know it had me hooked. It gave all the feels, frustration included. Don’t sit there debating—just read it.

[BookishWule · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 🌟 read!

Part history lesson, part activism, part romance, Foluso Agbaje wrote a beautiful story!
I was left speechless after the last page of this book!
A brilliantly written book with a great use of language.
Undoubtedly and unapologetically Nigerian!
Loved how there wasn't any explanation for the Yoruba too👏🏾

I don't think there's any story that has been told about how heavily involved Africans were in WWII. This book does a great job of telling that story.
This book explores some heavy themes unapologetically. I wished more boundaries were pushed when it spoke about colonialism.
I wished choice and social conditioning were explored. Cause to me that seems to be the governing factor of most of the actions of our characters, including the MC.

Kehinde, our MC is a resilient young woman.
Her character arc and growth >>>>>
I cheered when she decided that enough was enough and done being pushed around.
Taiwo, I really hope your a§§ isn't dead cause you were mean to your sister. His lack of compassion for Kehinde's plight was quite jarring. He made it seem as if they were seen as equals and she could make the same choices he did. He did my head in.
I wish that Kehinde didn't think she owed him an apology either, he was equally responsible for the breakdown of their relationship.

The sisterhood in the book is everything to me, shout out to Ayo! And even Mama Tope, even though she was disgusting to Keks, she pulled through when it mattered the most! But it's still fvck you hoe.

Mr Ogunjobi, Baba Tope is gonna rot in the deepest pits of həll, what a despicable, disgusting piece of shįt. Rot in prison b****

Emeka, was a good love interest. But how could Kehinde make that man come to London and become an instant father, lmao 🤣

Kehinde's mom, I have so many choice words for her but I'm choosing to rise.
Every character here was a lovely addition

I had a lovely time.
This doesn't even feel like a review but a yap session.
Okay, bye!

If there are typos, I was sleepy 😴 🥱
Bye

[Ice Angel · Rating 4 out of 5]

What drew me to this book from the start was the name and the cover. It enthralled me and I can say that the story matches the beauty. I really loved Kehindes resilience in this book and the happy ending kind of soothed me.
I felt it was a bit rushed, and so many parts left out to really tell the story. It seemed to open with clues that were never found. However, I really enjoyed it and reminded me of how much I love historical fiction.

[The Book Fairy · Rating 4 out of 5]

he parlor wife by Foluso Agbage is the captivating story of a young woman, living with the consequences of a war her country did not choose. Kehinde has always been told what to do all her life. She takes matters into her hands and break off the chains of bondage she was bound to, while embarking on a promising journey to freedom. When she gets the chance to be. a secretary to Madam Titi, the Women Market Leader for the Lagos Women Market Association ( LWMA) and meet Emeka, a young man who sees her for who she is, an enigma with more to give and a higher purpose to fulfill. Kehinde finally feels useful again. The story is set in 1939 Lagos where colonial masters, their laws and patriarchy was the order of the day


Themes present in the novel; Loss, friendship, family and societal expectations, Love, political power, Gender bias .

Kehinde and Taiwo's differing lives are introduced in the first scene, showcasing societal pressures that strain their relationship. Kehinde's reluctance to defy her parents clashes with Taiwo's choice to pursue his naval ambitions over his father’s aspirations.

Foluso Agbage's "The Parlor Wife" illuminates a pervasive African societal issue: gender-based expectations. Female children are often groomed for domesticity, while males enjoy greater autonomy. This dynamic creates tension between siblings, as seen in Kehinde's resentment toward Taiwo. His pursuit of a naval career, facilitated by their parents exacerbates Kehinde's feelings of injustice. Kehinde's bitterness toward Taiwo stems from perceived injustices: her sacrificed education and wasted potential, contrasted with his freely pursued ambitions.



- I love how history was represented in this book, women took to the frontline. I don’t know if the author inserted women politics into this plot or if a protest actually happened in 1939. I have heard about the Aba women riot in history, but I love that some women protested about the high tax rate at the Governor Bourdillon’s house in. It is interesting how the author painted Madam Titi who was the Market women leader, an uneducated woman who is confident, charismatic and fluent, very daring too. Her outspoken nature reminds me of my late aunt, Maama, she was always the rally leader, we’d sit in the car among the long procession of cars and she would adjust her Iro and buba while her gele is sitting pretty atop her head and sweat trickling down her chin. She always looked so courageous and had the stance of a female warrior, ready to face anything. Anyway, I admire Madam Titi and the role she played in this novel.

- I am glad that the author introduced Emeka into the story as Kehinde’s true love and happiness. It’s like a relief from all the climax Kehinde went through in this plot narration. But to be realistic, in a country like Nigeria and a city like Lagos, I don’t think Emeka and Kehinde could have gotten away with adultery, someone would have gossiped about them, the secret would have leaked a long time ago and people would have found that Kehinde was engaging in an extra marital affair. In a moral society like Nigeria, she would have faced stigmatization and be forced to succumb to flight like she did after discovering she was having a baby.

- I learnt new stuff, I had no idea that Ikoyi and VI were out of bound to Nigerian workers from the hours of 7pm during the colonial era. I love how history felt alive, if I could go back in time, I would have met characters like Nnamdi Azikwe who was the founder of West African Pilot where Keke was supposed to work. It all felt too real.



What I Disliked😒


- Foluso Agbage's book challenges the notion that parental wisdom is infallible. Kehinde's father, driven by traditional values, orchestrates her marriage to Baba Tope, unaware of the subsequent abuse and degradation. This narrative highlights parental fallibility and the devastating consequences of unchecked societal expectations. This nuanced exploration highlights the tension between generational wisdom and individual agency.

- Multiple times, I was inclined to grab my phone and contact the author because Kehinde’s laidback attitude towards urgent matters that should be handled with bold defiance was extremely infuriating and frustrating. I wanted to cry at some point. Like why would you let him hit you and still remain in that marriage? Why would you turn down the job offer at West African Pilot because you were frightened? For someone who lost the opportunity to complete her education, who lost a scholarship, who sacrificed her dream of for her twin brother who did not value it, Kehinde was too cool, it felt like she just accepted every trash that was sent her way, where is the rebellious spirit?

- Additionally, this book taught me the psychological effects of subduing and taming a person’s spirit. When you shun a child repeatedly, the child learns to shut up forever. I feel like that was what happened to Kehinde, she forgot how to fight and stand up for herself. She was not a coward, she had gotten so used to doing what everybody wants that she cannot decide what she wanted for herself. Her and Taiwo’s big fight opened her eyes to this part of herself, during the quarrel, a lot of hateful speech was exchanged between the Twin.



- I need closure. I detested how the twins had no closure too. They had fought with their father the morning before he was declared missing and even though they conducted a funeral without his body. I still have a feeling that Baba Ibeji is still outside, maybe, suffering from memory loss and cannot his find his way home yet.

Now, as if I have not been tormented enough, they bring news of Taiwo’s disappearance just immediately his letter from London was received. This author needs to fear God. I still suffer flashes of PTSD from Kainene’s disappearance in “Half of a Yellow sun” by Chimamanda Adichie. This scene has made my suppressed emotion resurface, I have been trying so hard to move on from Kainene and now two people are missing. It’s depressing and unfortunate! I hope there is a Book two coming up where I can read the rest of Kehinde’s story.



- In Wole Soyinka’s “Death and the King’s Horseman, colonialist were ignorant of the culture of the people and tried to stop the king horseman from performing his duty and passing away with the king so the king’s spirit will not roam the world restlessly. They felt it was a barbaric custom. But the villagers did not hate the colonialists as much as they hate the locals who pretended they were like the white men and adopted their ways. In this novel Mr Ogunjobi is portrayed as the local who abandons his custom to adopt the white culture. This was highlighted in the scene where Kehinde arrived at his house for the first time and realized he dressed his staff in uniform like the white people and also decorated his house to depict an English setting.


I recommend this novel for readers seeking historical fiction and cultural insights, fans of character driven narratives and those interested in exploring themes of identity, resilience and family.

[Nnenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best historical fiction novels I’ve ever read. Although I really enjoy historical fiction centered around the Nigerian Civil War/ Biafran War, it was a breath of fresh air to read about Lagos during World War 2. I was captivated from the first chapter. The novel will take you through an incredible journey of history, heartbreak, tribulation, and triumph. Highly, highly recommend.

[Tiese Etim-Inyang · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid 3.5 ⭐️.

Although TPW started slow for me, it picked up ~ 50% in and then I just wanted to keep reading. I found myself fully invested in and rooting for the protagonist all the way to the end. I really enjoy historical fiction and think the author did a good job of scene setting as I felt transported to 1930s-1940s Lagos. I also like that the author chose to focus on life in Lagos during WW2, particularly from the POV of a Nigerian woman seeking liberation in a world determined to rob her of it.

A solid debut from Foluso Agbaje. I look forward to seeing what the author puts out next. and now I want to go read some of the books that helped shape this story because I don’t think I’ve read much from that period in Nigeria.

[Lola · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

It’s a very beautiful book but it feels like i could predict the story line <3

[Youcee Anaekwe · Rating 5 out of 5]

What is one without a voice?
The absence of speech, or will to have a say in your own life.

The Parlour wife is set at the cusp of the Second World War and pre-independent Nigeria. The country is still very much a colony under the British empire and as such, both its men’s and resources were drawn into the war.
We meet 18- year old Kehinde, whose dreams are being wagered and traded like second hand items and while she tries to swim against the tide that surges and threatens to separate her from both her dreams and twin brother.
She is a sister to her twin brother Taiwo, a daughter who aims to please her parents and much as she fights against it, a very young wife.

Kehindés story although set in the 1930s is sadly one that still hasn’t really changed in current Nigeria. We still see women’s right constantly trampled upon and disregarded, violence and femicide is still the order of the day, young barely legal girls are still given out to marriage to dirty old men and whether a woman’s worth starts and ends in how well she can cook a pot of smoky jollof is a conversation that is still sadly debated on social platforms.

This was such a brilliant and beautifully written debut. It captures the essence of what being not just a woman but a Nigerian woman. It celebrates true sisterhood and briefly introduces some of Nigerian icons that fought for women’s rights and our independence.
The writing is very engaging, the characters are likable and interesting even the detestable ones and it’s a book you can’t put down till you get to the last page.

[Tiana&#x1f98b; · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Parlour Wife is a captivating exploration of love, self-discovery, WW2 and societal expectations within the context of marriage.

The story is told from the POV of Kehinde, a young girl who has dreamt of been a writer but got trapped in a marriage of polygamy forced to give up her dreams, we got to see her navigate her new life. As the story unfolds, she faces the challenge of reconciling her personal desires with the weight of tradition, also shedding light on the struggle for personal identity amidst marital expectations.

The character development is exceptional. I love her friendship with Ama and Ayo, also Tope. I love how she got her confidence back and found love also 😌😌… The ending was beautiful🥹🥹🥹.

It also explored family dynamics, siblings relationships, friendships also. Looking forward to more reads from the author


Quotes that stood out to me: (I had to many tho)

1. "Love shouldn’t make you lose yourself. It should help you find who you are."

2. "I have become so much of what everyone else wants me to be, I have forgotten who I was before this marriage."

If you see my review, go read this book 🥹

[Jenyreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

An unforgettable debut!

The Parlour Wife is everything I love about Nigerian historical fiction—rich, immersive, and emotionally resonant. Set in 1939 Lagos, the novel beautifully captures a moment in history that’s rarely explored in fiction: the impact of World War II on colonial Nigeria.

Kehinde's journey from a bright young girl with dreams of writing to a "parlour wife" forced into a polygamous marriage is heartbreaking, powerful, and deeply moving. Her voice is so clear and strong—you feel every moment of her struggle and quiet resistance. I especially loved how the novel wove in the power of sisterhood and market women's activism.

Foluso Agbaje paints 1930s Lagos with stunning detail—from the market stalls to the drawing rooms—and brings Kehinde’s world to life with warmth, heartbreak, and defiance. I learned so much while also being completely emotionally invested.

This is a must-read for fans of The Girl with the Louding Voice and The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives. I’ll be recommending this one for a long time!

[Tega Akati-udi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! No one ever thinks about what happened to European colonies during the Second World War. And very few people know that black and brown people also fought in the Second World War, a war that was not theirs but a war they were taught to believe was theirs - for Empire.

Agbaje built a very beautiful story around these events. Kehinde was easy to love and root for. I couldn’t stop reading, hoping hard for a happy ending for her.

To be honest, there were some times I struggled to see this as a colonial Nigeria, sometimes it read like a contemporary or post colonial society. But maybe that’s just a sign of how little societal progress has been made since then.

Apart from that, I thoroughly enjoyed this read and would highly recommend!

[Leticia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This really raced along, full of vivid characters in a fascinating historical context. I felt very involved in Kehinde's story and didn't really want to put it down (except for the times Kehinde's choices were so stressful I didn't want to go on and face the consequences, but I'm very glad I didn't let those put me off).

[Ajayi Damilola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kehinde was a writer, but even she had thoughts she kept hidden. There’s something so real about that.

I envy people that write in journals. I can’t have my real thoughts written in a journal because I’m scared of how I would be perceived if someone got to read it.

This book feels so personal, like reading someone’s diary but also seeing yourself in their words.

[Mamz · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do I even explain how good this story is!
All the emotions, every single one!
4.5/5

[Kehinde Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I may be partial with this one because the protagonist is my namesake, and what's more?
she was impressive.
I love reading about pre-colonial, colonial, and post-colonial Nigeria, and in my opinion, there is still not enough literature on it.
But I deeply appreciate everyone who has written about it, we say a big thank you, and appreciate how you have helped us to have a sneak peek into our history.
This book is a must-read, very rich.
I never knew Parlour wife was a thing, but apparently it is, I definitely recommend

[Stephanie Emenyonu · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first story I’ve heard of that captures the experience of Nigeria in WWII. It reads more YA, but the themes presented are deep and thought-provoking.

[Gracie Wandyte · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5🌟
Very nice and easy writing 😊.
The story was quite predictable in some way, but I love the end. I didn’t really care so much about the characters, and I didn’t laugh or cry or anything. I just felt stoic all through.

Maybe I expected more angst and feelings 🤷🏻‍♀️, but It was okay 👍.

[Ana-Liva · Rating 5 out of 5]

j'ai plus les mots 🥹

[Layemi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this novel. It was thoroughly engrossing from the start, and I felt like Kehinde was a sister or friend I cared so much about. I could feel her pain and loss of her dreams throughout the book.

I really appreciated the accurate history on what colonial Nigeria was like at the time of the war, I realized like the author in her acknowledgments that I know more about what life was like then in the western world than in Nigeria. It was a great idea to weave in the history with the story, and there were probably many Kehindes at the time experiencing similar things.

This book is quite similar to The Girl with the Louding Voice as they deal with a similar topic, but both are great in their own way and worth the read.

[Rasheedat · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book really banged!

It felt flat in some places but I really love how it ended.

I kept trying to picture the streets and places mentioned (as a Lagos island girlie) and I'm now intrigued to read more about WW2 impact on British colonies.

Like the author said, we know so much about the war from western pov, however, for countries like Nigeria, Dahomey etc. What was it like for them?

I found it aggravating when the British Lagos governor said Nigerian market women traders had to pay taxes to support the war. tf??

Learning about the Bengal famine during my MA was an eye opener to how terribly great Britain treated her colonies but getting the Nigerian pov made me so mad.

[Uche · Rating 3 out of 5]

The plot is okay. But this book is way longer than it needed to be and the writing style didn’t really work for me.