Play Book Tag discussion

Stay with Me, by Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀ (2017)

This novel takes place in Nigeria, mostly in the 1980s, against the political upheaval in the country. Yejide and Akin were university students when they met and fell in love. In a country where it was not uncommon for men to have multiple marriages, Yejide agreed to marry Akin only if he would not take other wives. Yejide’ mother had died when she was born and was raised by her father’s several other wives, none of whom were especially kind to her. In her marriage to Akin, she initially bonds with her mother-in-law.

After four years of marriage, the couple have not been able to have a baby. They seek out fertility doctors and healers, all to no avail. Akin’s family pressures him into taking another wife. Finally, Akin is forced to give into family demands. Yejide was furious when she learned after the fact that her beloved husband took another wife. Under mutual agreement, the new wife has an apartment on the other side of town and Akin only spends weekends with her.

Yejide believes that the only way to save her marriage and have life return to the early days of their marriage is to become pregnant. She will do whatever it takes to become a mother, despite the cost.

I loved this book.

5 Stars

I really enjoyed this one as well.