The Parlour Wife
by Foluso Agbaje
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Pub Date 6 Sep 2024 | Archive Date Not set
HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter | One More Chapter
Description
Kehinde must put everything on the line to find herself during a time of war.
Lagos, 1939
With the announcement of World War Two and a change that sends shockwaves through her family, Kehinde is forced to put aside her dreams of writing and become the third wife of Mr Ogunjobi.
Kehinde makes her peace by selling snacks at a small market. When she gets the chance to assist the leader of the Lagos Women’s Market Association, fighting for the rights the British are trying to take away, Kehinde finally feels useful again.
But if her husband finds out he’ll abandon her.
Can Kehinde find the courage to fight for herself and the other women of Lagos? Or will she remain a caged bird, a parlour wife, forever.
A poignant story of a young Nigerian woman, living with the consequences of a war her country didn’t choose.
Praise for The Parlour Wife:'1940's Nigeria as you've rarely seen it … Kehinde's journey to discovering her own voice, and ultimately her own autonomy, will resonate with many. A delightful debut!’
Chioma Okereke, author of Water Baby
'A delightful and evocative journey that starts in the heart of a young woman in Lagos whose destiny is threatened when the clouds of family and societal expectations, thesecond World War and the new wave of change sweeping West Africa make their impact on her life and choices'
Ola Awonubi, author of A Nurse’s Tale
'We all studied WW2, but Nigeria’s role, as a British colony, doesn’t feature in many books. Agbage corrects this in her poignant debut. I rooted for feisty Kehinde from the get-go. It’s not easy to be a feminist when you’re a third wife and destined for the parlour – her courage was wonderfully written'
Nikki May, author of Wahala and This Motherless Land
'Written in a warm, compassionate voice, Foluso Agbaje’s The Parlour Wife is a harmonious marriage of historical events and memorable characters'
Sefi Atta, author of The Bad Immigrant
Available Editions
EDITION | Ebook |
ISBN | 9780008654702 |
PRICE | £2.99 (GBP) |
PAGES | 384 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
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Like so many others, I had no idea what the impact of WW2 was on Nigerian people or even much idea of life there at the time. Kehinde is such a strong character, hitting her head against the customs and thoughts of her times. I loved her political activism and that of the market women. I had never heard of the term parlour wife and wondered what that must be like for all concerned. This is my favourite sort of book, learning something new about life and times and enjoying the journey with lively and likeable characters. I was sad when the book ended, because I wanted to know what happened to everyone post war. Thanks to NetGalley and One More Chapter for a chance to read and review this book.