Afi Tekple is a young seamstress whose life is narrowing rapidly. She lives in a small town in Ghana with her widowed mother, spending much of her time in her uncle Pious’s house with his many wives and children.
Then one day she is offered a life-changing opportunity—a proposal of marriage from the wealthy family of Elikem Ganyo, a man she doesn’t truly know.
She acquiesces, but soon realizes that Elikem is not quite the catch he seemed.
He sends a stand-in to his own wedding, and only weeks after Afi is married and installed in a plush apartment in the capital city of Accra does she meet her new husband.
It turns out that he is in love with another woman, whom his family disapproves of; Afi is supposed to win him back on their behalf.
But it is Accra that eventually wins Afi’s heart and gives her a life of independence that she never could have imagined for herself.
My Review of His Only Wife by Peace Adzo Medie.
Afi, the protagonist, captured me from the first line, when she says, "Elikem married me in absentia; he did not come to our wedding."
I surged on, determined to find out everything that happened and will happen, and I was blown away.
In a bid to save their son and brother from the claws of a woman they despise with a passion, Eli's family, led by his mother 'Auntie,' marry a wife for him, against his wish.
The family pushes Afi, an ordinary seamstress living in Ho with her mum and extended family, into the unfavorable situation.
She doesn't have much of a voice to reject the offer, because auntie has been their benefactor since the demise of her father.
But even after the marriage and Afi moves to Accra to be with her husband, will Elikem leave the other woman to be happily married to Afi as his only wife?
Though Eli is drop dead wealthy and provides everything Afi needs, will that sate her thirst for a happy marriage with her being the only woman in his life?
I love the book, its simplicity, the diction, how it flows and captivates readers effortlessly.
I love how Afi is a perfect depiction of a strong woman, who wouldn't bend over to be kicked in the ass by anyone.
I admire her courage and hard work, and how she stands up for herself.
I'd like to drop my favorite quote from the book. It's a scene where Evelyn cheers Afi on. She says;
"Don't beat yourself up for not choosing that life; you did the right thing. You deserve to be happy, to be with a man who wants to be only yours."
