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Book Review of His Only Wife

His Only Wife
His Only Wife
Author: Peace Adzo Medie
Genre: Literature & Fiction
Book Type: Hardcover
virgosun avatar reviewed on + 888 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1


As a fan of historical romance, marriages of convenience, by arrangement, or by proxy are familiar fare. However, this is the first time I've read it modern romance set in traditional Ghana culture. It's an eye-opener into West African societal roles and gender clashes.

At first, I was getting lost in the myriad of family members, but likable Afi kept me focused on her unusual circumstance; marrying an unknown man by proxy for her mother's sake. She goes into marriage incredibly naive and comes out forged by fire; stronger, wiser, and unwilling to settle for second best. Family doesn't always know best and people aren't always what they appear. It's a story of girlish hopes, dashed dreams, and personal triumphs.

His Only Wife reads like a cautionary tale for every woman who believes or hopes she can change her man. While I didn't always agree with Afi's choices, I understood where she was coming from and I could appreciate her journey. I cheered her on, was outraged on her behalf, and cried along beside her. She deserved much more than a man like Eli. I read this one all through the night; it's a very enjoyable read. 4 stars.