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A review by katykelly
Stay with Me by Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀
5.0
For the first chapter, I wasn’t sure, but after that I was hooked.
This story works well in the context of Nigeria (multiple wives, the honour and pride of having children, childlessness).
I liked the forays to the present and how this tied the story up at the end.
Some great male AND female characters, would appeal to all sorts of readers.
There are two narrators, but mostly the wife, with extra information sifted in from the husband as you read, giving background and helping us see the whole story and feel empathy for both.
Had some rather shocking twists – I didn’t see this as a ‘twist’ book, but loved the turns and complications.
It is very moving, and some parents reading may find it upsetting (dealing with the death of children).
Some interesting medical conditions were also brought into the story (I was on Wikipedia immediately!).
A brilliant story of the couple’s love, their marriage, attempts to have children, the consequences of their actions – very much set in Nigeria and wouldn’t easily have worked in another country/context.
The Nigerian revolution however, also part of the story felt tacked on, didn’t feature strongly . I didn’t feel interested in this aspect of the story or enjoy it – I was much more engaged in the couple’s family struggles and heartaches.
Something a little different, but absolutely compelling. A book set in another country such as Nigeria makes this refreshing and a book to talk about.
With thanks to the publisher for the advance reading copy.
This story works well in the context of Nigeria (multiple wives, the honour and pride of having children, childlessness).
I liked the forays to the present and how this tied the story up at the end.
Some great male AND female characters, would appeal to all sorts of readers.
There are two narrators, but mostly the wife, with extra information sifted in from the husband as you read, giving background and helping us see the whole story and feel empathy for both.
Had some rather shocking twists – I didn’t see this as a ‘twist’ book, but loved the turns and complications.
It is very moving, and some parents reading may find it upsetting (dealing with the death of children).
Some interesting medical conditions were also brought into the story (I was on Wikipedia immediately!).
A brilliant story of the couple’s love, their marriage, attempts to have children, the consequences of their actions – very much set in Nigeria and wouldn’t easily have worked in another country/context.
The Nigerian revolution however, also part of the story felt tacked on, didn’t feature strongly . I didn’t feel interested in this aspect of the story or enjoy it – I was much more engaged in the couple’s family struggles and heartaches.
Something a little different, but absolutely compelling. A book set in another country such as Nigeria makes this refreshing and a book to talk about.
With thanks to the publisher for the advance reading copy.