The Parlour Wife
English
By (author): Foluso Agbaje
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 Market Women's Association, fighting for the rights the British are trying to take away, Kehinde finally feels useful again.
But if her husband finds out hell 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 didnt 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 Nurses Tale
'We all studied WW2, but Nigerias role, as a British colony, doesnt feature in many books. Agbage corrects this in her poignant debut. I rooted for feisty Kehinde from the get-go. Its not easy to be a feminist when youre 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 Agbajes The Parlour Wife is a harmonious marriage of historical events and memorable characters'
Sefi Atta, author of The Bad Immigrant
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