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50 pages 1 hour read

His Only Wife

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2020

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Book Brief

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Peace Adzo Medie

His Only Wife

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2020
Book Details
Pages

304

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Ghana • Contemporary

Publication Year

2020

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

His Only Wife by Peace Adzo Medie follows Afi Tekple, a young woman from Ho, Ghana, who enters a lavish but complicated life after an arranged marriage to Elikem Ganyo. Despite falling in love with Eli, Afi struggles with his continuing relationship with another woman, Muna. Seeking autonomy and fulfillment, Afi ultimately builds her career and chooses independence over her unfulfilling marriage.

Romantic

Contemplative

Emotional

Challenging

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

4.0

36,060 ratings

65%

Loved it

29%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

His Only Wife by Peace Adzo Medie is praised for its vibrant portrayal of contemporary Ghanaian life and its strong, relatable protagonist. Critics highlight the novel's exploration of cultural expectations and personal independence. However, some readers find the plot predictable and the supporting characters underdeveloped. Overall, it’s an engaging read with meaningful themes.

Who should read this

Who Should Read His Only Wife?

Readers who enjoy culturally rich narratives, strong female protagonists, and intricate family dynamics would be captivated by Peace Adzo Medie’s His Only Wife. Fans of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Americanah and Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀’s Stay with Me will appreciate its exploration of modern romance in a Ghanaian context.

4.0

36,060 ratings

65%

Loved it

29%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Character List

Afi Tekple

A young woman from Ho who enters into an arranged marriage and navigates the challenges and expectations placed on her in her traditional Ghanaian society. She is determined to pursue her dream of becoming a clothing designer while managing her new life in Accra.

A wealthy Ghanaian man involved in an arranged marriage orchestrated by his mother, Aunty Faustina Ganyo. Though he is often absent and invested in his own desires, his reputation in the community remains positive.

The authoritative mother of Eli who orchestrates his marriage to Afi to bring him back from his relationship with another woman. She wields significant influence in the community and over her family.

Afi’s mother, who is indebted to Aunty Faustina Ganyo after losing everything when her husband died. She values tradition and motivates her daughter's marriage to repay debts and secure her standing in the community.

A single-minded woman with an established career who becomes a close friend and confidante to Afi. She plays a key role in encouraging Afi to follow her dreams and question her circumstances.

Book Details
Pages

304

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Ghana • Contemporary

Publication Year

2020

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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