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The Talk of the Party
In a family built on lies, what happens when the truth comes out?‘A highly entertaining family drama’ Rukky Brume, author of It Comes in Waves
Bukola Obanile’s 60th birthday party is the hottest ticket in town. But champagne isn’t all that is being served…
The Obaniles' picture-perfect life is the envy of all Lagos society, and everyone wants a piece. So, when renowned matriarch Bukola’s birthday approaches, there are no expenses spared. Five hundred guests are invited, and her four children are all in attendance. Everything will be perfect, just as planned.
Except living the dream comes at a price and, as the party draws closer, each of the Obanile children find themselves embroiled in scandals that could shatter the flawless reputation their mother has carefully built.
As the music builds and chandeliers glitter, this one perfect night could be all it takes to destroy a family built on deception…
Bukola Obanile’s 60th birthday party is the hottest ticket in town. But champagne isn’t all that is being served…
The Obaniles' picture-perfect life is the envy of all Lagos society, and everyone wants a piece. So, when renowned matriarch Bukola’s birthday approaches, there are no expenses spared. Five hundred guests are invited, and her four children are all in attendance. Everything will be perfect, just as planned.
Except living the dream comes at a price and, as the party draws closer, each of the Obanile children find themselves embroiled in scandals that could shatter the flawless reputation their mother has carefully built.
As the music builds and chandeliers glitter, this one perfect night could be all it takes to destroy a family built on deception…
376 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 21, 2026
About the author
Foluso Agbaje
5 books43 followersFoluso 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.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
In this story, The secrets that hold a family together are the same ones that devastate it. We follow the Obanile on the journey of a devastation they don't know is coming as what is supposed to be a celebration becomes a day where decades long dirty secrets are revealed.
This book was such a delicious read! I pretty much devoured it. It had me on the edge of my seat wondering what was next. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters and understanding their motivations. As someone who grew up in Lagos, I also enjoyed the familiarity that came with reading this.
I enjoyed this author's debut, enjoyed this too and can't wait for her next book!
Thanks to the publishers for the ARC. I got it at the Black British Book Festival and I'm glad I snagged a copy.
This book was such a delicious read! I pretty much devoured it. It had me on the edge of my seat wondering what was next. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters and understanding their motivations. As someone who grew up in Lagos, I also enjoyed the familiarity that came with reading this.
I enjoyed this author's debut, enjoyed this too and can't wait for her next book!
Thanks to the publishers for the ARC. I got it at the Black British Book Festival and I'm glad I snagged a copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
First. this book is better than Big Little Lies and White Lotus in my humble opinion. The story centers around the 60th birthday party being thrown for Bukola Obanile's 60th birthday in Lagos, Nigeria. Her family is one of the wealthiest, most popular, most social families in the city.
But with that status comes inevitable responsibilities. Expectations. Reputations to be upheld no matter what the cost. Each family member is going through major issues in order to continue to l8ve a life that they think will live up to the standard their mother, and thus "society " will approve of and envy. A lot of work/tears/angst/?????
The eloquent author, Foluso Agbaje has beautifully described each character in a way that we see their beauty, but also their fear: of failure, of public judgement and perception, of social narratives that define success.
This book's genre is social thriller reflective (?). But an excellent read. And I think this lesson is one that definitely spans cultures.
I especially loved the beginning where the author included a dictionary of Nigerian Pidgen English and also a reference of how the characters were related to each other.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a fabulous read of an ARC for an objective review. To be published 5/26.
A TBR for sure!
Sandy 📖
But with that status comes inevitable responsibilities. Expectations. Reputations to be upheld no matter what the cost. Each family member is going through major issues in order to continue to l8ve a life that they think will live up to the standard their mother, and thus "society " will approve of and envy. A lot of work/tears/angst/?????
The eloquent author, Foluso Agbaje has beautifully described each character in a way that we see their beauty, but also their fear: of failure, of public judgement and perception, of social narratives that define success.
This book's genre is social thriller reflective (?). But an excellent read. And I think this lesson is one that definitely spans cultures.
I especially loved the beginning where the author included a dictionary of Nigerian Pidgen English and also a reference of how the characters were related to each other.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a fabulous read of an ARC for an objective review. To be published 5/26.
A TBR for sure!
Sandy 📖
January 15, 2026
Firstly the book starts with all the characters and their relation to one another and a glossary of Nigerian Pidgin English. This is so helpful when reading the book. I hope more writers follow this example!
I don’t think I have ever read a novel with this many narrators. Which makes it hard to be very distinct and different in tone. While nearly every character is interesting, the book could have done with less POVs.
The book had a good pace and interesting twists and look into the lives of the wealthy in Lagos.
I enjoyed reading it and going along for the ride. I think it would make an excellent limited series for tv.
The book is really not like “Big Little Lies” or “the White Lotus. It’s different and in ways better. But I think it’s not helpful to compare this original work to those works.
I don’t think I have ever read a novel with this many narrators. Which makes it hard to be very distinct and different in tone. While nearly every character is interesting, the book could have done with less POVs.
The book had a good pace and interesting twists and look into the lives of the wealthy in Lagos.
I enjoyed reading it and going along for the ride. I think it would make an excellent limited series for tv.
The book is really not like “Big Little Lies” or “the White Lotus. It’s different and in ways better. But I think it’s not helpful to compare this original work to those works.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
In Foluso Agbaje’s debut novel, The Parlour Wife, she announced herself as a writer attentive to women’s desires. With Talk of the Party, her preoccupation with women remains. She however turns her attention to a more contemporary setting. Here, we see the portrait of a family, and their individual lives over the course of a few days surrounding a matriarch’s 60th birthday celebration.
Bukola, the matriarch, is perfect on paper. She has a successful business, a wonderful husband, and four accomplished children. The birthday party is however a catalyst in unravelling that narrative. Over the course of the novel, Agbaje reveals the private struggles of each member of the family: financial pressures, complicated romantic relationships, parenting anxieties, and more. Each child carries their burdens alone, understanding that their mother - parents - expect(s) excellence and composure above all else.
The novel’s strength lies in how it situates these intimate tensions in Lagos, Nigeria. The chaotic city is an animating presence - a deserving character. Agbaje captures the theatrics of Nigerian life, Nollywood style. You’ll see it in the humour, the subtle social codes that shape how people look at and understand one another, the emotional intensity.
Politically, the novel operates with restraint. Themes of class disparity, generational pressure, and gender expectations sit beneath the surface. Unlike The Parlour Wife where feminist concerns were more explicitly foregrounded, Talk of the Party approaches questions of gender equality more subtly. For example, Bukola, in many ways, is the family’s stabilising force. She sustains the family materially and emotionally while still moving within familiar expectations of womanhood, which can be a reflection of many Nigeria households where the man wears the ‘head of the house’ crown. Agbaje allows this contradiction to exist, trusting the reader to understand what she’s written between the lines.
Alongside the secret sitting at the heart of the novel, the most compelling narrative turn comes from the revelation that Bukola herself is farther away from the flawless figure her children imagine. In this way, the novel is as much about friendship and betrayal as it is about family in the way it traces how past decisions ripple forward into the present.
The book’s main weakness lies in one of the things that makes it compelling. Agbaje writes from multiple perspectives. This creates a rich social tapestry, which at times, can be disorienting - a common challenge in multi-perspective novels. Some characters are so engaging that the reader longs to remain in their interior world longer, rather than being moved on just as emotional momentum builds. The father’s character, in particular, feels more distant than the others. Though central to the family’s history, he appears largely through the perspectives of others. Whether this absence is intentional — reflecting the emotional dynamics of the household — or a narrative gap is open to interpretation, but it leaves a noticeable imbalance in an otherwise immersive portrait.
In all, with Talk of the Party, Agbaje has shown her versatility as a writer.
Bukola, the matriarch, is perfect on paper. She has a successful business, a wonderful husband, and four accomplished children. The birthday party is however a catalyst in unravelling that narrative. Over the course of the novel, Agbaje reveals the private struggles of each member of the family: financial pressures, complicated romantic relationships, parenting anxieties, and more. Each child carries their burdens alone, understanding that their mother - parents - expect(s) excellence and composure above all else.
The novel’s strength lies in how it situates these intimate tensions in Lagos, Nigeria. The chaotic city is an animating presence - a deserving character. Agbaje captures the theatrics of Nigerian life, Nollywood style. You’ll see it in the humour, the subtle social codes that shape how people look at and understand one another, the emotional intensity.
Politically, the novel operates with restraint. Themes of class disparity, generational pressure, and gender expectations sit beneath the surface. Unlike The Parlour Wife where feminist concerns were more explicitly foregrounded, Talk of the Party approaches questions of gender equality more subtly. For example, Bukola, in many ways, is the family’s stabilising force. She sustains the family materially and emotionally while still moving within familiar expectations of womanhood, which can be a reflection of many Nigeria households where the man wears the ‘head of the house’ crown. Agbaje allows this contradiction to exist, trusting the reader to understand what she’s written between the lines.
Alongside the secret sitting at the heart of the novel, the most compelling narrative turn comes from the revelation that Bukola herself is farther away from the flawless figure her children imagine. In this way, the novel is as much about friendship and betrayal as it is about family in the way it traces how past decisions ripple forward into the present.
The book’s main weakness lies in one of the things that makes it compelling. Agbaje writes from multiple perspectives. This creates a rich social tapestry, which at times, can be disorienting - a common challenge in multi-perspective novels. Some characters are so engaging that the reader longs to remain in their interior world longer, rather than being moved on just as emotional momentum builds. The father’s character, in particular, feels more distant than the others. Though central to the family’s history, he appears largely through the perspectives of others. Whether this absence is intentional — reflecting the emotional dynamics of the household — or a narrative gap is open to interpretation, but it leaves a noticeable imbalance in an otherwise immersive portrait.
In all, with Talk of the Party, Agbaje has shown her versatility as a writer.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Foluso Agbaje, Harper Collins UK, and, One More Chapter for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
There’s a particular thrill in stepping into unfamiliar literary territory and finding yourself completely at ease—and Foluso Agbaje delivers exactly that kind of electric experience. This novel is more than a family drama, with a slow-burning powder keg set against the glittering backdrop of Lagos high society. Appearances shimmer and secrets fester just beneath the surface as the reader watches.
At the heart of it all is Bukola Obanile’s lavish 60th birthday celebration—a guest list capped at 500, Champagne flowing freely, and a city eager to witness every curated moment. Yet Agbaje makes it clear early on that while the bubbles may sparkle, it’s the fractures within the Obanile family that will truly erupt. What unfolds is a masterclass in tension where every toast feels loaded and every smile masks something sharper.
Agbaje’s pacing is razor-precise. Chapters move with intention, tightening the narrative screws until the pressure becomes almost unbearable. Twists land with confidence and the story escalates with a sense of inevitability that makes the final act hit all the harder. There’s a structural assurance here that many veteran writers would envy.
What truly elevates the novel, however, is its character work. This is not a story driven by a single protagonist but rather a web of fully realised individuals, each carrying their own burdens of loyalty, grief, and quiet (or not-so-quiet) vendettas. The Obanile family is as compelling as it is combustible, and the surrounding cast—particularly those revealed through carefully placed flashbacks—adds depth without ever slowing the momentum. No one feels incidental in a piece where everyone matters.
Equally striking is the cultural richness woven throughout. Agbaje immerses the reader in Nigerian life with a confident, unshowy authenticity—through language, food, fashion, and social nuance. The use of pidgin English adds texture and immediacy, making the setting feel lived-in rather than simply described. You don’t just read about the party—you feel like you’re there, glass in hand, watching the evening unravel in real time.
This is a novel that balances intrigue with emotional weight, spectacle with substance. It’s as much about the cost of maintaining appearances as it is about the consequences of long-buried truths. By the final pages, the glamour has been stripped away, leaving something far more raw and resonant in its wake.
A stunning, assured work that announces Foluso Agbaje as a voice to watch—this is one party you won’t want to miss, even if it all ends in ruin.
Kudos, Madam Agbaje, for a refreshing look at Lagos life!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
There’s a particular thrill in stepping into unfamiliar literary territory and finding yourself completely at ease—and Foluso Agbaje delivers exactly that kind of electric experience. This novel is more than a family drama, with a slow-burning powder keg set against the glittering backdrop of Lagos high society. Appearances shimmer and secrets fester just beneath the surface as the reader watches.
At the heart of it all is Bukola Obanile’s lavish 60th birthday celebration—a guest list capped at 500, Champagne flowing freely, and a city eager to witness every curated moment. Yet Agbaje makes it clear early on that while the bubbles may sparkle, it’s the fractures within the Obanile family that will truly erupt. What unfolds is a masterclass in tension where every toast feels loaded and every smile masks something sharper.
Agbaje’s pacing is razor-precise. Chapters move with intention, tightening the narrative screws until the pressure becomes almost unbearable. Twists land with confidence and the story escalates with a sense of inevitability that makes the final act hit all the harder. There’s a structural assurance here that many veteran writers would envy.
What truly elevates the novel, however, is its character work. This is not a story driven by a single protagonist but rather a web of fully realised individuals, each carrying their own burdens of loyalty, grief, and quiet (or not-so-quiet) vendettas. The Obanile family is as compelling as it is combustible, and the surrounding cast—particularly those revealed through carefully placed flashbacks—adds depth without ever slowing the momentum. No one feels incidental in a piece where everyone matters.
Equally striking is the cultural richness woven throughout. Agbaje immerses the reader in Nigerian life with a confident, unshowy authenticity—through language, food, fashion, and social nuance. The use of pidgin English adds texture and immediacy, making the setting feel lived-in rather than simply described. You don’t just read about the party—you feel like you’re there, glass in hand, watching the evening unravel in real time.
This is a novel that balances intrigue with emotional weight, spectacle with substance. It’s as much about the cost of maintaining appearances as it is about the consequences of long-buried truths. By the final pages, the glamour has been stripped away, leaving something far more raw and resonant in its wake.
A stunning, assured work that announces Foluso Agbaje as a voice to watch—this is one party you won’t want to miss, even if it all ends in ruin.
Kudos, Madam Agbaje, for a refreshing look at Lagos life!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
April 12, 2026
I really enjoyed this book! The drama, oh the drama!
So the book centres around an ultra wealthy family in Nigeria, but particularly around the family matriarch, Mrs Bukola Obanile. Her grand 60th birthday party is coming up and with a family with lots of secrets (even hidden from each other) you know it will be a day to remember!
One thing about Nigerians is we have a sense of pride and maintaining a good reputation. However the Obanile family takes it to a whole new level. Each family member, as well as their close friends, and even their employees have their secrets but all individually feel the pressure to uphold the family reputation, but even more, to live up to Bukola’s high standards.
The story is told from each of the character’s perspective, so for most of them, you get to see exactly what their secret or turmoil is from the outset. You’re let in on their secrets and waiting for how the truth will unfold! The author does a great job of making you feel different emotions for each of them. I think largely because most of them are good people, but you see where all the pressure has led them or where they’ve allowed theirselves to be. We witness the impact of generational trauma passed down as well as the beauty of strong family relationships.
Whilst the book was predictable with some story lines, I still felt entertained and on the hook waiting for all the drama to be exposed and excited to see how it would all unfold and the fall out from it.
The only challenging thing I originally found with this book was that there were so many characters and so many perspectives. However, quite helpfully the author starts with a description of each core character so you can flip to it if needed. I will say though, as someone who struggles generally with character names, as I got into the book more, I instantly remembered each person. Also whilst I didn’t need it, there is a glossary of Nigerian Pidgin English also at the start, which some may find helpful.
After recently also reading The Parlour Wife, I’m excited to see what Folusho Agbaje has in store for us next!
4.5 stars!
Thanks to NetGalley, Folusho Agbaje and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for this advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
So the book centres around an ultra wealthy family in Nigeria, but particularly around the family matriarch, Mrs Bukola Obanile. Her grand 60th birthday party is coming up and with a family with lots of secrets (even hidden from each other) you know it will be a day to remember!
One thing about Nigerians is we have a sense of pride and maintaining a good reputation. However the Obanile family takes it to a whole new level. Each family member, as well as their close friends, and even their employees have their secrets but all individually feel the pressure to uphold the family reputation, but even more, to live up to Bukola’s high standards.
The story is told from each of the character’s perspective, so for most of them, you get to see exactly what their secret or turmoil is from the outset. You’re let in on their secrets and waiting for how the truth will unfold! The author does a great job of making you feel different emotions for each of them. I think largely because most of them are good people, but you see where all the pressure has led them or where they’ve allowed theirselves to be. We witness the impact of generational trauma passed down as well as the beauty of strong family relationships.
Whilst the book was predictable with some story lines, I still felt entertained and on the hook waiting for all the drama to be exposed and excited to see how it would all unfold and the fall out from it.
The only challenging thing I originally found with this book was that there were so many characters and so many perspectives. However, quite helpfully the author starts with a description of each core character so you can flip to it if needed. I will say though, as someone who struggles generally with character names, as I got into the book more, I instantly remembered each person. Also whilst I didn’t need it, there is a glossary of Nigerian Pidgin English also at the start, which some may find helpful.
After recently also reading The Parlour Wife, I’m excited to see what Folusho Agbaje has in store for us next!
4.5 stars!
Thanks to NetGalley, Folusho Agbaje and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for this advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What a deliciously layered, drama-filled read this was! 4.5 ⭐️
The Talk of the Party by Foluso Agbaje serves family secrets, suspense, romance, and premium Nigerian owambe energy—and I ate it up.
On the surface, the Obaniles are the picture of perfection: wealthy, respected, scandal-free. But behind closed doors? Secrets. Heartache. Hidden histories. Quiet tensions. And by the time the family matriarch’s 60th birthday party arrives… let’s just say that was when everything spectacularly hit the fan.
One of my favorite things about this novel was the multiple perspectives. I loved getting a chapter dedicated to each character’s voice and inner musings—it made everyone feel layered and alive, and every revelation hit harder. The movement between past and present was also so well done and kept unfolding the story in such an addictive way.
And the twists?! Whew. I was genuinely shocked several times. Every time I thought I knew where the story was going, Foluso Agbaje pulled another surprise out of the bag. The suspense was suspense-ing.
But beyond the drama and jaw-dropping secrets, there was so much heart here too. I absolutely loved Bukola and Wale—the tenderness of their love, even in old age, was beautiful to witness… though there’s a certain something about their story I’ll keep to myself because readers deserve to discover that magic firsthand. 🤫
I also appreciated how the novel explored parenting and loving children intentionally, even through difficulty. And the portrayal of Nigerian family life? So vivid, nuanced and authentic. The owambe scenes sparkled. You could almost hear the music and see the aso-ebi.
Bonus points for the rich vocabulary—I learned a few new words myself.
My only tiny hiccup was that with so many perspectives, I occasionally had to check whose account I was in, but honestly, it was a small trade-off for such an ambitious and rewarding story.
If you love unpredictable family dramas packed with secrets, emotional depth, romance, thriller elements and vibrant Nigerian flavor, please pick this up.
Foluso Agbaje really brought the drama and the heart with this one.
Thank you to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for the ARC. This is my honest and delighted review.
The Talk of the Party by Foluso Agbaje serves family secrets, suspense, romance, and premium Nigerian owambe energy—and I ate it up.
On the surface, the Obaniles are the picture of perfection: wealthy, respected, scandal-free. But behind closed doors? Secrets. Heartache. Hidden histories. Quiet tensions. And by the time the family matriarch’s 60th birthday party arrives… let’s just say that was when everything spectacularly hit the fan.
One of my favorite things about this novel was the multiple perspectives. I loved getting a chapter dedicated to each character’s voice and inner musings—it made everyone feel layered and alive, and every revelation hit harder. The movement between past and present was also so well done and kept unfolding the story in such an addictive way.
And the twists?! Whew. I was genuinely shocked several times. Every time I thought I knew where the story was going, Foluso Agbaje pulled another surprise out of the bag. The suspense was suspense-ing.
But beyond the drama and jaw-dropping secrets, there was so much heart here too. I absolutely loved Bukola and Wale—the tenderness of their love, even in old age, was beautiful to witness… though there’s a certain something about their story I’ll keep to myself because readers deserve to discover that magic firsthand. 🤫
I also appreciated how the novel explored parenting and loving children intentionally, even through difficulty. And the portrayal of Nigerian family life? So vivid, nuanced and authentic. The owambe scenes sparkled. You could almost hear the music and see the aso-ebi.
Bonus points for the rich vocabulary—I learned a few new words myself.
My only tiny hiccup was that with so many perspectives, I occasionally had to check whose account I was in, but honestly, it was a small trade-off for such an ambitious and rewarding story.
If you love unpredictable family dramas packed with secrets, emotional depth, romance, thriller elements and vibrant Nigerian flavor, please pick this up.
Foluso Agbaje really brought the drama and the heart with this one.
Thank you to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for the ARC. This is my honest and delighted review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
🤭The Obaniles glitter but they’re not gold. Everybody is hiding something.
📢 May the day of your celebration not be the day of your shame. Can I get an Amen??
The Obaniles are a wealthy, elite family in Lagos and everyone wants to be associated with them. But beneath the curated perfection and glamour are cracks, lies and secrets.
On the morning of her 60th birthday party, Bukola (the matriarch) is shaken when her driver hints at a confession. It’s not just what she suspects he wants to say that unsettles her, but the terrifying possibility that a long-buried secret of hers could come to light. However, she isn’t the only one burdened with secrets, her children are also battling with theirs.
What should’ve been the party of the year turns into the day the Obaniles’ dirty laundry is aired for public consumption.
💌I liked how the book highlighted the (in)visible struggles of motherhood and how women sometimes sustain the family financially while men take the glory.
💌 The exploration of perfectionism stood out, especially how it shapes children’s perceptions of their parents and influences their lives (sub)consciously.
💌The character cast and Nigerian Pidgin glossary at the start of the book was a nice addition.
💌 Although told through multiple PoVs and timelines, the author was able to weave a plot that was engaging. Even with a 3rd person narrative style, I still felt close to the characters. Being privy to their sometimes shocking thoughts, private struggles and motives added depth to the story.
💌 IMO, certain POVs could’ve been removed because they affected the suspense. Some parts became predictable around the 40% mark, which slightly reduced the emotional impact of certain revelations. I wasn’t exactly shocked. However, this didn’t dampen my curiosity, I was still invested in seeing how everything would unfold.
Overall, this was an engaging and entertaining read. I’d watch this as a movie or limited series.
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️| Drama: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Release Date: May 21st
📢 May the day of your celebration not be the day of your shame. Can I get an Amen??
The Obaniles are a wealthy, elite family in Lagos and everyone wants to be associated with them. But beneath the curated perfection and glamour are cracks, lies and secrets.
On the morning of her 60th birthday party, Bukola (the matriarch) is shaken when her driver hints at a confession. It’s not just what she suspects he wants to say that unsettles her, but the terrifying possibility that a long-buried secret of hers could come to light. However, she isn’t the only one burdened with secrets, her children are also battling with theirs.
What should’ve been the party of the year turns into the day the Obaniles’ dirty laundry is aired for public consumption.
💌I liked how the book highlighted the (in)visible struggles of motherhood and how women sometimes sustain the family financially while men take the glory.
💌 The exploration of perfectionism stood out, especially how it shapes children’s perceptions of their parents and influences their lives (sub)consciously.
💌The character cast and Nigerian Pidgin glossary at the start of the book was a nice addition.
💌 Although told through multiple PoVs and timelines, the author was able to weave a plot that was engaging. Even with a 3rd person narrative style, I still felt close to the characters. Being privy to their sometimes shocking thoughts, private struggles and motives added depth to the story.
💌 IMO, certain POVs could’ve been removed because they affected the suspense. Some parts became predictable around the 40% mark, which slightly reduced the emotional impact of certain revelations. I wasn’t exactly shocked. However, this didn’t dampen my curiosity, I was still invested in seeing how everything would unfold.
Overall, this was an engaging and entertaining read. I’d watch this as a movie or limited series.
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️| Drama: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Release Date: May 21st
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an advanced copy of The Talk of the Party from NetGalley, and this was my first read by Foluso Agbaje. What a wild ride. From the very first chapter, this author drops you into the glittering, highstakes world of Lagos society where appearances are everything, secrets are currency, and the Obanile family sits right at the center of it all. Also, I am a big fan of Nollywood movies, so I knew that I would love this book so hopefully this this book will be made into a movie! The setup is irresistible. Bukola Obanile’s 60th birthday party is the event of the year, with five hundred guests, an endless amount of champagne, and a reputation to uphold at all costs. Bukola has spent decades crafting the perfect image for her family, and this celebration is meant to be the crown jewel of her legacy. But as the big night approaches, each of her four children finds themselves entangled in scandals that threaten to blow everything apart. The tension builds beautifully, chandeliers glittering overhead while the cracks beneath the surface widen with every passing hour. What I loved most is how the author balances the glamour with the stench underneath. The Obaniles’ life looks perfect from the outside, but the story makes it clear that perfection comes at a price. Each sibling’s storyline adds a different shade of chaos, and watching their carefully curated world start to unravel is both entertaining and surprisingly emotional. There’s a twist in how the scandals collide that I didn’t even see coming, and it gives the final act a sharp, satisfying punch. By the time the party reaches its peak, the truth is impossible to contain and the fallout is exactly the kind of messy, dramatic payoff I was hoping for. This book was fun, sharp, and a compulsively readable family drama with plenty of sparkle and bite. A fantastic introduction to Foluso Agbaje’s writing, and I’ll definitely be picking up more from her. #NETGALLEY #THETALKOFTHEPARTY
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Talk of the Party by Foluso Agbaje is packed with lies, deception, family secrets, and nonstop drama and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it.
One thing I really appreciated was how the author opened the book with a detailed list of the main characters and how they were connected. With such a large cast of characters, this made following the story so much easier and allowed me to fully immerse myself in the Obanile family dynamics from the very beginning.
I’ve been reading more books by Nigerian authors lately, and I’m truly enjoying being exposed to the culture, family structures, social expectations, and atmosphere woven throughout these stories. The glamorous Lagos setting mixed with scandal and dysfunction made this such an addictive read.
As Bukola Obanile’s extravagant 60th birthday party approaches, the family’s carefully crafted image begins to crack. Every chapter seemed to reveal another secret, betrayal, or scandal waiting to explode. The tension steadily builds until everything feels ready to unravel at any moment.
If you enjoy family dramas filled with messy relationships, secrets, wealth, reputation, and emotional tension, this one is definitely worth picking up. I highly recommend adding it to your TBR. And the fact that it will be available on Kindle Unlimited makes it even better.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
One thing I really appreciated was how the author opened the book with a detailed list of the main characters and how they were connected. With such a large cast of characters, this made following the story so much easier and allowed me to fully immerse myself in the Obanile family dynamics from the very beginning.
I’ve been reading more books by Nigerian authors lately, and I’m truly enjoying being exposed to the culture, family structures, social expectations, and atmosphere woven throughout these stories. The glamorous Lagos setting mixed with scandal and dysfunction made this such an addictive read.
As Bukola Obanile’s extravagant 60th birthday party approaches, the family’s carefully crafted image begins to crack. Every chapter seemed to reveal another secret, betrayal, or scandal waiting to explode. The tension steadily builds until everything feels ready to unravel at any moment.
If you enjoy family dramas filled with messy relationships, secrets, wealth, reputation, and emotional tension, this one is definitely worth picking up. I highly recommend adding it to your TBR. And the fact that it will be available on Kindle Unlimited makes it even better.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
When the matriarch of the wealthy Obanile family celebrates her 60th birthday with a lavish event that has all of Lagos gasping, guests glory in the opportunity to attend the party of a lifetime. They are expecting luxury and excitement, and the celebrations do not disappoint. Indeed, given what is revealed at the event, it could be said that the entertainment provided exceeds the attendees' wildest dreams!
Because Bukola Obanile’s quartet of children have been up to all kinds of things, and their sins are now coming home to roost. Their mother will definitely not be celebrating once she finds out how all this has the potential to torpedo the reputation that she has spent decades painstakingly building...
An enjoyable and engaging story that allows readers in an insight into the world of the wealthy in a very different culture, which is nevertheless oddly familiar, because in some ways the rich are the same the world over.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Because Bukola Obanile’s quartet of children have been up to all kinds of things, and their sins are now coming home to roost. Their mother will definitely not be celebrating once she finds out how all this has the potential to torpedo the reputation that she has spent decades painstakingly building...
An enjoyable and engaging story that allows readers in an insight into the world of the wealthy in a very different culture, which is nevertheless oddly familiar, because in some ways the rich are the same the world over.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really enjoyed this book! I was immediately transported to Lagos, Nigeria. The author had a way to describe the surroundings to make us feel like we were there too. This book has a lot of POV so the glossary at the beginning was very appreciated. I really liked getting into all of the family drama. It did take a little while to start, as the story starts a few days before the party. But in that time, we got to know the characters and their dynamic with the family. All of them are hiding secrets from each other. These secrets won’t be revealed until the end. I really enjoyed the author’s writing and how she was able to characterize so well all of the many characters. The story was very engaging and intriguing. There were many plot twists that I did not expect. I really liked the ending. I felt like it tied well the story.
Overall, it’s a very good book that explores family dynamics and drama of a wealthy family in Nigeria. I definitely recommend this book!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an arc of this book. Opinions are my own.
Overall, it’s a very good book that explores family dynamics and drama of a wealthy family in Nigeria. I definitely recommend this book!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an arc of this book. Opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
SO. MANY. SECRETS.
This family needs a group chat moderator, a therapist, and probably several NDAs.
As Bukola Obanile’s extravagant 60th birthday party approaches, the family’s perfectly curated image starts falling apart one scandal at a time. Every chapter delivered a new betrayal, revelation, or “WAIT… EXCUSE ME?!” moment, and honestly, I started reading this book like I was watching reality TV with popcorn in hand.
I absolutely devoured this story. The glamorous Lagos setting, the outrageous wealth, the family drama, the tension, the gossip — it was addictive. This was also my first novel by a Nigerian author, and I loved being immersed in the culture, family dynamics, and social expectations woven throughout the story.
By the end, I felt like I had personally attended this birthday party, standing in the corner sipping champagne and silently thinking, “There is absolutely no way this evening ends well.”
This family needs a group chat moderator, a therapist, and probably several NDAs.
As Bukola Obanile’s extravagant 60th birthday party approaches, the family’s perfectly curated image starts falling apart one scandal at a time. Every chapter delivered a new betrayal, revelation, or “WAIT… EXCUSE ME?!” moment, and honestly, I started reading this book like I was watching reality TV with popcorn in hand.
I absolutely devoured this story. The glamorous Lagos setting, the outrageous wealth, the family drama, the tension, the gossip — it was addictive. This was also my first novel by a Nigerian author, and I loved being immersed in the culture, family dynamics, and social expectations woven throughout the story.
By the end, I felt like I had personally attended this birthday party, standing in the corner sipping champagne and silently thinking, “There is absolutely no way this evening ends well.”
Read
May 27, 2026Bukola Obanile is matriarch of a wealthy and prominent Lagos family. Her sixtieth birthday party must be perfect and – more importantly – be seen to be perfect. Appearances are everything to maintain status in high society. Five hundred guests are invited to the lavish event. But her four children have their secrets, and the risk of any one of several scandals breaking on the big day is mounting. Told from several viewpoints in the weeks and days before the party, the novel creates rounded, interesting characters.
The story reminded me of Maeve Binchy’s Silver Wedding, which featured a family with secrets, planning an anniversary party for the parents. Just as Binchy richly evoked her Irish setting, Agbaje does the same for Lagos with sumptuous descriptions of food, clothing and customs.
This is an independent review of an early copy. With thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity.
The story reminded me of Maeve Binchy’s Silver Wedding, which featured a family with secrets, planning an anniversary party for the parents. Just as Binchy richly evoked her Irish setting, Agbaje does the same for Lagos with sumptuous descriptions of food, clothing and customs.
This is an independent review of an early copy. With thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley for an earc of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own
3.75, I think? It is not like I was blown away by the book but I enjoyed it in some very strange way. If it makes any sense. The story was so well crafted and even though it progressed in quite a calm manner (despite the huge revelations), it was still very fast paced and easy to read.
The novel is a portrait of a rich Nigerian family, follows several characters and it's centered around a birthday party of family's matriarch. As the story progresses, we're getting to know the characters and their secrets and the story feels like pieces of puzzle you're putting together.
There's a list of characters and their relations in the beginning of the book which was definitely a huge help at the beginning and I also appreciated Nigerian Pidgin glossary.
3.75, I think? It is not like I was blown away by the book but I enjoyed it in some very strange way. If it makes any sense. The story was so well crafted and even though it progressed in quite a calm manner (despite the huge revelations), it was still very fast paced and easy to read.
The novel is a portrait of a rich Nigerian family, follows several characters and it's centered around a birthday party of family's matriarch. As the story progresses, we're getting to know the characters and their secrets and the story feels like pieces of puzzle you're putting together.
There's a list of characters and their relations in the beginning of the book which was definitely a huge help at the beginning and I also appreciated Nigerian Pidgin glossary.
Read
January 14, 2026This novel explores identity, belonging, and the quiet tensions that arise within families and communities. Through its characters, Foluso Agbaje examines how expectations, reputation, and unspoken truths shape personal choices and relationships.
The strength of the book lies in its observational quality. Rather than relying on dramatic twists, it focuses on the subtle ways people navigate social spaces how they are seen, judged, and remembered. The writing is clear and accessible, allowing the themes to emerge naturally.
The Talk of the Party is best read as a reflective social novel. It invites consideration of how private lives intersect with public perception, and how easily a single narrative can define a person within a community.
The strength of the book lies in its observational quality. Rather than relying on dramatic twists, it focuses on the subtle ways people navigate social spaces how they are seen, judged, and remembered. The writing is clear and accessible, allowing the themes to emerge naturally.
The Talk of the Party is best read as a reflective social novel. It invites consideration of how private lives intersect with public perception, and how easily a single narrative can define a person within a community.
April 14, 2026
I haven’t used Goodreads since 2018, but I had to reactivate my account just to leave a review for this book because it is exceptional.
The Talk of the Party is a great book that kept me guessing, throughout the book, I was taking notes, and without spoiling the book, trying to decipher, who did what, and who was who.
As a Nigerian, I especially enjoyed the storytelling, and explanations of the culture of Nigeria.
I loved the author’s debut novel, the Parlour Wife, but I think The Talk of the Party now ranks number 1 for me.
Well done Foluso Agbaje on another book that will surely be a bestseller.
The Talk of the Party is a great book that kept me guessing, throughout the book, I was taking notes, and without spoiling the book, trying to decipher, who did what, and who was who.
As a Nigerian, I especially enjoyed the storytelling, and explanations of the culture of Nigeria.
I loved the author’s debut novel, the Parlour Wife, but I think The Talk of the Party now ranks number 1 for me.
Well done Foluso Agbaje on another book that will surely be a bestseller.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
As preparations gear up for the 60th birthday party of Bukola, the matriarch of the prestigious Obanile family, each member of the family finds themselves embroiled in various secrets and potential scandals. I'd enjoyed The Parlor Wife and I expected to enjoy this book too, but I wasn't prepared for it to be so difficult to put down. The author was able to write several points of views, yet keep the readers actively engaged in the lives of the numerous characters. The mystery element was a little predictable but I loved the dramatic reveal. A really good read.
I got the ARC from HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter | One More Chapter. This is my honest review
I got the ARC from HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter | One More Chapter. This is my honest review
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Bukola Obanile looks to have the perfect life, husband and family, and she is turning 60, hence a big party is planned for this lady who has it all. However, each of her children is hiding a secret or a problem, as is her husband and driver. Eventually all these things come to a head, and the house of cards starts to tumble down in a rather spectacular fashion. This is a very entertaining story, as things go from bad to worse for each of the characters. Set in Lagos mainly,it provides an interesting look at the life we think we want versus the reality. A satisfying ending caps off a great story. Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for sharing this book with me.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Harper Collins UK and One More Chapter and Net Galley for an early copy of The Talk of the Party. What a breathtaking cover, and a delightful read. This was such a different type of story, it was FANTASTIC!!! I LOVED the bible references and the verses throughout the book. This had sooooooo much drama and they were all intertwined. So many characters and the stories with all of them was like I could not get enough. I never wanted it to end. I hope it becomes a movie. A Great Find.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Lagos prepares for the party to mark all parties. Unfortunately this novel did not excite or inspire. I found it a rather drab story about an extended family with their personal problems, and despite their close relationships plenty held secrets. The author has written well exploring the various characters, their live styles and the ethics of Nigerian society and traditions, but it just wasn’t for me.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Many thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollinsUK for and ARC of The Talk of the Party in exchange for an honest review of the book.
A thoughtful premise and an interesting web of connections make The Talk of the Party a compelling idea, but the reading experience landed in the middle for me. The story has an engaging structure, with threads that link characters and events in satisfying ways, yet the emotional impact didn’t fully come through.
A thoughtful premise and an interesting web of connections make The Talk of the Party a compelling idea, but the reading experience landed in the middle for me. The story has an engaging structure, with threads that link characters and events in satisfying ways, yet the emotional impact didn’t fully come through.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This exciting story brings together the lives of four siblings with their relative families and their parents all unfolding in one big party. Page after page you discover something more about them and each has such an intriguing and unique personality! I couldn’t stop reading.. it was so much fun and full of surprises! Highly recommend :)
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I received a free copy of, The Talk of the Party, by Foluso Agbaje, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Rich people and their petty problems and scandals. Cheating lies, etc, I could not get into this book.
May 21, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this read. This book was so good. I read it in two days and I could not stop reading it. It was very suspenseful. The Talk of the Party had so many twists and turns that I was just staring at the book. This is one to read for sure!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A complex tale set Lagos around a complex family and told in many POV. The glossary of names and language was very useful
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars!! Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Behind every flawless family photo is a mountain of secrets just waiting to trigger a landslide. 🤫 The Talk of the Party by Foluso Agbaje is a glittering, high-stakes domestic thriller that completely pulls back the curtain on the ultra-wealthy Lagos elite.
This was my first time reading Foluso Agbaje and I was immediately sucked into the opulent, high-pressure world of the Obanile family. To the public, matriarch Bukola Obanile and her four children represent the absolute pinnacle of Nigerian success and elegance. To celebrate her 60th birthday, no expense is spared for a 500 guest gala. But beneath the sparkling chandeliers and flowing champagne lies a fragile foundation of deception. 🥂✨
Told through multiple POVs, the story functions like a ticking clock. As the party draws closer, each sibling grapples with a looming scandal that could utterly ruin the pristine reputation their demanding mother has spent a lifetime building. Agbaje masterfully explores toxic family dynamics, the crushing weight of parental expectations, and the lengths to which people will go to preserve their privilege. The tension builds beautifully, transforming a glamorous celebration into a social minefield where the truth is the ultimate weapon. If you love rich-people drama mixed with intense psychological suspense, put this one on your radar! 📖💣
Big thanks to @onemorechapterhc and @netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. The Talk of the Party is out now!
This was my first time reading Foluso Agbaje and I was immediately sucked into the opulent, high-pressure world of the Obanile family. To the public, matriarch Bukola Obanile and her four children represent the absolute pinnacle of Nigerian success and elegance. To celebrate her 60th birthday, no expense is spared for a 500 guest gala. But beneath the sparkling chandeliers and flowing champagne lies a fragile foundation of deception. 🥂✨
Told through multiple POVs, the story functions like a ticking clock. As the party draws closer, each sibling grapples with a looming scandal that could utterly ruin the pristine reputation their demanding mother has spent a lifetime building. Agbaje masterfully explores toxic family dynamics, the crushing weight of parental expectations, and the lengths to which people will go to preserve their privilege. The tension builds beautifully, transforming a glamorous celebration into a social minefield where the truth is the ultimate weapon. If you love rich-people drama mixed with intense psychological suspense, put this one on your radar! 📖💣
Big thanks to @onemorechapterhc and @netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. The Talk of the Party is out now!
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