Review: His Only Wife

His Only Wife by Peace Adzo Medie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars 

I really enjoy reading books that explore an area that I am not familiar with and learn about the culture, traditions, and way of life. This book takes place in Ghana where it is common to have different types of marriages, traditional and legal, along with multiple wives, and sometimes even arranged. Afi finds herself in an arranged marriage. She was hand-selected by her new husband's family because they did not like his current girlfriend and they thought that if the two of them got married it would lure him away from "that woman."

The emotions that are present in this book are so strong that it is hard not to get involved in the story. When there is a stand-in for the husband at the wedding and then it takes him two weeks to actually meet his new bride, then another two months for him to come around again, that should tell you that something's not right. All the little whispers in Afi's ear along the way -- from her mother, cousin, in-laws or whoever had an opinion -- on how to act, what to say, and how to "keep her husband" are quite angering, as well as her uncle/father's hand always out wanting something from her and her new wealth. However, Afi is a very strong woman, she knows what she wants, goes for it, and stands up for herself not letting all the influence get in her way. You can't help but route for her the entire story.

This was a very informative, emotional, strong book that was written incredibly well. It was an easy read and I highly recommend it.

I received this ARC in a Goodreads Giveaway. 



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