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The Talk of the Party
Not yet published
Expected 21 May 26In 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…
Kindle Edition
Expected publication May 21, 2026
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About the author
Foluso Agbaje
5 books29 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 - 7 of 7 reviews
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 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
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
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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.
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 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 :)
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews