HIS ONLY WIFE
by Peace Adzo Medie
It has been a while since I read or reviewed a book by an African author, but Medie’s captivating novel has reminded me that some of the best contemporary writers seem to be coming from Ghana and Nigeria. And for a debut novel, His Only Wife is a knockout.
Afi Tekple is a young seamstress living with her mother in a small Ghanaian village when she is offered a life-changing opportunity to marry one of the wealthiest young men in town. But there’s a catch, one that Afi only begins to fully understand in the weeks after she is married. Elikem, her husband, is in a long-term relationship with another woman and together they have a young, sickly daughter. Eli’s family doesn’t approve of “The Woman,” and she doesn’t care much for them either. Afi is stuck in the middle trying to please everyone.
Over the course of this intricately psychological book, Afi discovers her power, first by exploiting the fears of those around her and later by standing up for her own freedom. I love His Only Wife and highly recommend it. I will be watching carefully for Medie’s next release! (Lily)
