45 pages • 1 hour read
Stay With Me
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Book Brief
272
Novel • Fiction
Nigeria • 1980s
2017
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Stay With Me by Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀ intricately weaves the story of Akin and Yejide, a married couple navigating the trials of infertility and societal pressures in 1980s and 1990s Nigeria. Set against a backdrop of political instability, the nonlinear narrative delves into their past traumas and deceptions to uncover the reasons behind their 15-year estrangement, culminating in a chance for reconciliation. The book includes themes of infertility, miscarriage, child death, and military violence.
Emotional
Bittersweet
Dark
Melancholic
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
67,997 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Ayobami Adebayo's novel, Stay With Me, has been praised for its compelling narrative and emotional depth, weaving Nigerian culture and personal tragedy seamlessly. The portrayal of marriage under societal pressures has been lauded, though some found the plot twists contrived. The author's vivid prose and authentic character voices earned significant acclaim.
Who Should Read Stay With Me?
Readers who enjoy emotionally charged narratives and complex character studies would appreciate Stay With Me by Ayobami Adebayo. Fans of literary fiction like Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Everything Good Will Come by Sefi Atta will find this book compelling for its exploration of marriage and family in Nigeria.
67,997 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Akinyele/Akin
Akinyele/Akin
Akin is a protagonist whose personal and marital conflicts stem from societal and familial expectations, as well as his struggle with personal secrets.
Moomi
Moomi
Akin's mother, whose high expectations for her son and desire for grandchildren significantly impact his and Yejide's marriage.
Funmilayo/Funmi
Funmilayo/Funmi
Akin's second wife, who unintentionally becomes a source of tension within Akin and Yejide's marriage, reflecting broader themes of rivalry and tradition.
Dotun
Dotun
Akin's brother and Yejide's brother-in-law, whose actions and relationship with Akin play a crucial role in the unfolding of family dynamics and tension.
Olamide, Sesan, and Rotimi
Olamide, Sesan, and Rotimi
Yejide's children, each of whom plays a vital role in the development of Yejide and Akin's character arcs and the broader narrative themes.
272
Novel • Fiction
Nigeria • 1980s
2017
Adult
18+ years
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