His Only Wife

Don't you just hate it when book reviews are misleading?

Wayetu Moore, author of The Dragons, the Giant, the Women, said His Only Wife by Peace Adzo Medie is "A hilarious, page-turning, sharply realized portrait of modern womanhood in the most infuriating of circumstances." Kirkus Reviews claimed that it is "A Crazy Rich Asians for West Africa." These are glowing reviews, which guided me towards Ghana to experience the unique marriage of Afi and Eli. Although reading their story was a unique experience, I felt like something was missing...

Afi's Husband

Young Afi Tekple agrees to marry Elikem Ganyo in absentia: While she is pledging to love him forever, his brother is making the same promise on his behalf. Even when she moves to Accra, Eli is not there. The reason behind his absence is another woman, one his family despises and the very reason the marriage between Afi and Eli was arranged. Afi is the only hope the Ganyo family has of upholding the image they like to project, but will she be able to see this marriage through?

I was drawn to this story because I thought the plot was unique and intriguing, and it definitely was! I found that Afi was a truly interesting character, and the family dynamics within the marriage were baffling and sometimes relatable, but I could not see the humour. I waited for the promised "hilarity" to hit me in the face and lighten my mood before I delve into the deep depressing topics that fill university education, but I could not find such moments. While the novel was well written and the story was gripping, I thought the promise of laughter was a bit misguiding.

I loved the story, but I felt like it was missing something to give it that 4-5 star glow, so only 3 stars from this Bookworm! If you have any comments or recommendations, please comment below, email me (theopinionatedbookworm@gmail.com) or follow me on Instagram (@theopinionatedbookworm1).

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