His Only Wife

His Only Wife cover
Good Books rating 3.83

Technical:
  • ID: 2047
  • Added: 2025-10-11
  • Updated: 2025-10-11
  • ISBN: 9781643751115
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2020-09-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3
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Afi Tekple, a smart and pretty seamstress from a small town in Ghana, agrees to an arranged marriage with a wealthy businessman named Elikem. Moved to the bustling capital of Accra, Afi finds herself in a world far removed from her humble beginnings, where she must navigate the expectations of her new family and society. The novel explores themes of love, identity, and the search for independence, as Afi grapples with the compromises she must make and the rules she may choose to break. His Only Wife is a captivating debut that has been praised for its seamless prose and relatable heroine. The story delves into the cultural and societal pressures faced by women, particularly in matters of marriage and personal fulfillment. With its blend of humor, wit, and emotional depth, the novel offers a compelling narrative that resonates with readers seeking stories of empowerment and self-discovery.

Reviews
Bookish Beck · Becky · 2023-03-06
mixed 3.00

The first half of the novel was slow-paced, with characters stuck in opulent settings. The story picks up pace and offers a compelling narrative about a woman navigating societal expectations.

Becky found the initial part of the novel quite slow, with Afi and her mother waiting around in an opulent flat in Accra. This slow start, however, sets the stage for a deeper exploration of Afi's character and her journey. The reviewer appreciates the way the story evolves, highlighting Afi's resilience and the societal pressures she faces. Becky's review is a mix of initial frustration with the pacing and eventual appreciation for the character development and thematic depth.


Quick quotes

    The first half of the novel was agonizingly slow.

    Afi and her mother do little but sit in an opulent Accra flat, waiting for Eli to grace them with his presence.

    The story picks up pace and offers a compelling narrative about a woman navigating societal expectations.

BookerTalk · 2021-06-30
positive 4.00

The book appeals to readers who enjoy rags-to-riches stories with a feminist twist. It is light-hearted and engaging, making it an easy read.

This reviewer enjoys the rags-to-riches narrative with a feminist twist, making it accessible and engaging. The light-hearted approach to serious themes makes it an easy and enjoyable read. They appreciate the balance between entertainment and deeper social commentary, making it a book that appeals to a wide audience. The reviewer finds the story compelling and the characters relatable, adding to the overall enjoyment.


Quick quotes

    It will definitely appeal to readers who enjoy a rags to riches story with a feminist twist but don't want anything too heavy.

    That lack of heaviness makes it a book that is easy to read and enjoy.

    The story is engaging and the characters are relatable.

Book Club Chat · 2020-10-11
positive 4.50

The novel is witty, smart, and moving, featuring a brave protagonist navigating modern life's taboos and injustices. The story is both humorous and thought-provoking.

The reviewer praises the novel for its wit and intelligence, highlighting the protagonist's bravery in facing societal injustices. They appreciate the humorous elements that balance the more serious themes, making the book both entertaining and thought-provoking. The reviewer finds the character of Afi particularly compelling, as she navigates the complexities of modern life with courage and resilience. Overall, they see the book as a powerful exploration of women's experiences in a changing world.


Quick quotes

    His Only Wife is a witty, smart, and moving debut novel about a brave young woman traversing the minefield of modern life with its taboos and injustices.

    Medie masterfully weaves together otherwise bleak themes in a hilarious, plot-driven story.

    The events unfold at a pace not only easy to follow but also engaging and thought-provoking.