I want to start out by saying that I absolutely loved the main character, Afi, in this book. She grew so much, and was such a strong character. Reading about the Ghana/Accra culture, the social pressure, how women are treated and what was expected of them as a girlfriend/wife, just everything was very interesting. I feel like even though Afi went into the relationship knowing there was another woman, I can really appreciate how she felt later on and how it all unfolded. I especially liked Evelyn in this book as well. I feel like she helped bring Afi up. I thought about this book often as I was reading it, and it still sits with me now.

Bottom Line: Read it!

**I received a copy of His Only Wife from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are of my own.**

Afi Tekple has grown up with a widowed mother who is “beholden,” as we used to say, to wealthy woman in the community for her home, her job, her daughter’s education. When “Auntie” [as the lady is known] needs a wife for her well-off, son to tempt him away from the “foreign” woman who is the mother of his child, her gaze falls on Afi. No matter that the son cannot show up for the [traditional] wedding–it goes on with a brother as his proxy.

Afi is then parked in a luxury apartment in Ghana’s capital city, Accra, a modern city with all the normal upper-class diversions. Only one problem–Elikem or “Elie” as he is known, rarely visits the apartment in the same luxury development expatriates and his own brother’s current girlfriend live. How can Afi be a wife without a husband?

I did not like Afi. That is not to say I like Elie, either. Afi was no naive American marrying a Ghanaian hotshot. She knew the score. She knew the men of her area and ethnic group. Elie just did what men do there. I found her whining to be about as tone deaf as Meghan Markle’s. I thought she was very spoiled and tried to hard to feel put-out over everything.

As for Elie, if Afi had bothered to listen, he was as upfront as most men would ever be about his situation. Malawi, where I lived, is a world away from Ghana in most ways, but traditional culture is very much the same in many places on the African continent. One successful person supports several villages worth of relatives. Men have their ways. Women accept them–or not.

Afi’s friend was basically right. By all that he knew, Elie WAS a good man. And, yes, many women would have–and willingly. So what was up with precious little Afi? She no longer lived in the dreary shack of a house her mother rented from Auntie. She had the career she wanted in the city to have it in and her son would grow up with almost unlimited privileged. It wasn’t enough.


I’m sure I’m supposed to side with Afi and see her as a champion for women. And, she was a champion for women. But, again, like Meghan Markle, she’d have nothing without the guy having provided it! It’s not that no other Ghanaian women think like Afi–I’m sure there are millions who do. To be the only wife is every woman’s dream. In no culture is plural marriage or the “bit on the side” taken without insult. It was just the WAY Afi whined about it. I did not hear maturity in it. I heard only “I want, I want, I deserve,” yet never a reason for it. Why was she worthy? Why did she and not the other woman deserve this commitment? That is what was truly lacking in this story.

In spite of my feelings for Afi, the story was well-told. I did not like having an American voice read the book. When a book is set elsewhere, I want to hear the accent of that country in the audio book.

THIS WAS SO GOOD! I loved this domestic drama set in Ghana. The kind of book that gives you a glimpse into another culture and makes you want to know more more more. I was so fascinated and cheered for Afi at every turn. Good for her for leaving. And shame on his mother for being so manipulative.

Afia is a strong, independent, and stubborn protagonist who fights against the patriarchal society of Ghana. When she’s married to a man who doesn’t even show up to the wedding, Afia understands the job before her – turn her new husband back towards his family and away from his girlfriend. Become the only wife, woman of her husband’s heart.

But as Afia settles in her new (fancy) home, her husband, Eli, is as distracted as ever. He tells her he is on business trips, but is he really just visiting his other family?

Life as Eli’s wife is good – she has lots of money at her disposal, she is studying to be a designer, and Eli has promised to help her set up her own shop when she finishes school. But is the money and the lifestyle enough for Afia?

This book reminded me of Stay With Me…another book that opened up the Ghanaian culture to me. I loved that this was a contemporary fiction; the modern-day setting made it relatable. I was impressed with the author’s simplistic, but impressionable, writing and look forward to her future books!

I am a bit of a debut novel junkie. There is just something so tantalizing and hopeful about discovering a new author to read with their first book, so when I am browsing titles, debut is an easy hook. Another easy hook is a novel set in Ghana. I don’t have a special connection other than I find the story telling superb. (Hello Homegoing, The Missing American)
His Only Wife by Peace Adzo Medie is a gorgeous debut novel, full of feeling and courage in a Ghana where modern life and relationships with husbands are nothing but complex. Afi is a seamstress in Ghana, about to enter into an arranged marriage with a wealthy businessman. Eli is that wealthy businessman, and he is completely besotted with another woman and their child. This marriage to Afi is supposed to pull him away, but he doesn’t even show for the wedding. Because the wedding is a “traditional” rather than church wedding, Eli can send a proxy. This all seems like a classically bad set of choices…but Eli appears to fall for Afi, and he is generous in his financial support. He also helps her get into a good seamstress school.
I really liked this book. I was waiting for something horrific to happen, and just when I thought it was really just a romance, I was on the edge of my seat. Near the end of the book, that happened again. This is a Reese’s Book Club pick, and those are usually books I am glad I read, but even without her endorsement, His Only Wife is one for the TBR stack.

I adored this book, possibly because it reminded me of Stay With Me. A strong story about the impact of polygamous marriages on the women who must deal with them.

A real peek into life in Ghana. Arranged plural marriage is something very different than I am familiar with but the day to day struggles of Afi were easy to relate to. We really felt for her when she dealt with being married to a man who sent a stand in to their wedding.

This marvelously written, captivating story is a whirlwind—just when you think you have caught your breath Peace Adzo Medie launches into another scenario and speedbump for our protagonist Afi to confront. And yet every part of the narrative feels like it is in exactly the right place. Through startling twists and building conflict, this debut novel delivers a story about self-awareness and deciding when to follow your head or your heart while you are constrained by obligations and expectations.

Afi and her relationships are the driving forces of this novel, and while the plot notably transforms to keep the reader turning each page, the characters make an unforgettable impression. From the start, we learn that Afi’s life is not quite her own, and she is expected to abide by and maintain the situation she is thrust into (arranged marriage to a man in a relationship with a woman his family does not approve of) because while it is not necessarily her choice, she will live comfortably and have everything she could ever dream of. What is satisfying about this is that she does indeed acquire the luxuries and opportunities she did not have access to before her marriage to Elikem, and it is not hard to believe that she is content with her life. But ultimate happiness is what she strives for, and while it is easy to hope that she gets to that place, Peace Medie poetically keeps the reader in suspense as to how or if Afi will get there.

Family and community pressures and power struggles are significant factors in Afi’s every day life, and it is refreshing that she ultimately thinks about herself when nearly everyone she is close to (including those who could negatively affect her future if she is defiant) is thinking about public impressions and control. Our heroine doesn’t dramatically develop throughout the novel, only because through Peace Medie’s writing it feels like Afi is naturally a practical, self-aware woman. She is aware of her responsibilities and accepts the roles expected of her, because as she’s frequently reminded, how could she not be happy when everything is provided for her? She does fall in love with Elikem (she calls him Eli), and follows her heart even through discomfort and tears, until the time comes to lead with her head in order to prevent self-destruction. Afi has doubts, insecurities, and seeks advice, but she follows through on the things she says and learns to be consistent in standing up for herself, even on shaky ground.

And this type of strength is needed through every twist and turn Afi encounters. She does communicate her problems and desires (a refreshing characteristic for a fictional heroine), and when she’s had enough of the charades played by her mother-in-law or by Eli, she learns to explicitly makes it known. As she becomes increasingly less content with her relationship with Eli and more knowledgeable about how to maneuver the family politics, she considers all of her options for moving forward and ultimately trusts herself to make the best decision for the sake of her happiness.

It’s difficult not to dramatically gush about this debut novel (a tone I don’t like to employ in my reviews), but Afi is a timelessly inspiring heroine. It is possible that some readers may disagree with her acceptance of her situation and certain events she takes part in, but there is little argument to be had about her consistent honesty, sharpness, and realization that only she can determine what’s best for her.

I enjoyed this novel, the story of Afi, a Ghanaian woman with a rags to riches tale. Afi is marrying Eli Ganyos, even though he is in love with another woman, and has a child with her. Eli cannot marry the other woman since his family doesn’t approve, so the family convinces Afi to marry Eli in a traditional ceremony. Afi is a seamstress, who wants to attend fashion school, and her mother is indebted to Eli’s mother. The details of Ghanaian life in Accra, the largest city in Ghana, and the culture allowing more than one wife, is fascinating. I highly recommend this book, and thank NetGalley for the ARC.

Afi Tekple is plucked from her life as a poor young seamstress in Ghana to become the wife of a rich businessman in an arranged marriage. But the marriage is off to a strange start when the groom does not attend the ceremony nor even meet his wife for weeks. Though she has everything money can buy, Afi still wants to be "his only wife" and therein begins the contest of wills.

I found the writing fun and engaging, and I liked learning about life in Africa, but I was not as enamored by the characters. I appreciated the way Afi started to stand up for herself, but in some ways she was such a spoiled brat and did not appreciate all of things she was given, and the whole career thing seemed to come way too easily for it to be believable.The book didn't seem to have a strong enough conflict. I liked the author's 'voice' though and hope to read more from her.

I absolutely devoured this book, from the opening line “Elikem married me in absentia” I was sold. Afi and Eli definitely had their work cut out for them. What I really loved about this book was learning about the culture, about Afi’s strength and to feel her pain in the times she was broken. She was a force to be reckoned with. This book was also an insight into family and friendship. It is not always a happy combination and families can show their true colours when trying to get what they want. This was a great insight into the marriage and I highly recommend it.

Throughout the novel, we follow Afi's journey of acceptance and rebellion. We watch her both push back against the expectations of her family and community and fight to live within them. There are plenty of unlikable characters in this book, but I respected the fact that almost all of them are complex and likable at times. If not likable, the reader is able to at least understand their actions. This novel was a nice escape into another world. I'd certainly recommend as COVID escapist reading.

A fabulous coming-of-age story that is unlike any other!

Afi, a young seamstress from a small town in Ghana, is married to a wealthy man whose family arranges the nuptials in an effort to distance him from his "unacceptable" Liberian lover and the mother of his daughter.

Our young protagonist has to adapt to life in the capital, to being a wife to a man she never sees, to modern life and to wealth. As Afi grows stronger, more confident, and more independent, she defies cultural conventions, winning some smaller battles but ultimately loses the war she fights for her husband's love and single devotion.

I felt compassion for Afi throughout and loved seeing Ghana as it, too, changes from a traditional to a modern society.

I highly recommend this quick, engaging read.

Afi is a young seamstress in a small town in Ghana when her family arranges her marriage (with her consent) to Eli, a wealthy businessman. After moving into his life of luxury in Accra, the capital, Afi discovers that her husband is in love with another woman and married life is not the fairy tale that she dreamed it would be. While she does fall in love with him, she falls in love even more with the city and the opportunities that her new life affords her.

As a reader, it was wonderful to follow Afi's journey as she transformed from a meek, obedient daughter to a powerful, independent woman who is not afraid to fight for what she wants and needs. There were a few times when I felt like the pacing was a bit off - we rushed through a few aspects that I would have liked to savor more - but overall it was a true pleasure to spend this time with Afi and learn about Ghanaian culture. You'll root for Afi but at the same time understand the complexities of women's lives and won't be able to hate "the other woman," either. It's clear that the author is a professor and scholar of gender, the way she expertly presents this narrative.

I was also immensely grateful for the ending. It was very satisfying (at least to me!). I can't believe this is a debut - I can't wait to see what Medie writes next!

Who loves strong female characters?! I do. I was blown away by Peace Addo Medie’s debut! The synopsis is complicated - Afi lives in a small town in Ghana with her mother. She is married off to a wealthy man, who has a girlfriend that his family despises. The family wants Afi to win him over, so he leaves this other woman, but it’s not as simple as it seems. Even though Afi and her husband learn to love one another, he still has no desire to leave his other life and only be with her.

Afi is a strong, inspirational woman. She doesn’t take no for an answer, but she also doesn’t show her weaknesses. She remains strong in an impossible situation. When the women in her life tell her to devote herself to her husband, leave her ambitions of being a designer behind, she ignores them. Why can’t she have both? Afi falls in love with her husband, a man who gives her and her family everything that they could possibly need, however, there is one thing he refuses to give to her - himself. He plays with her emotions, saying that his situation with the other woman is “complicated”, that he’ll eventually leave her. How long can Afi wait until she realizes that she’s being made a fool and that her independence is slowly slipping away from her?

This was a quick read, done in a matter of hours. It was easy to get behind Afi and root for her. In addition, I also enjoyed immersing myself in the culture, sights, sounds and smells of Ghana.

I was first attracted to this book because it sounded like a funnier, more lighthearted STAY WITH ME (by Ayobami Adebayo, which I adored a few years ago). I think that comparison still stands! Through HIS ONLY WIFE, I learned so much about Ghanaian culture, especially as pertaining to marriage and relationships, and those cultural tidbits were my favorite part of the book (just like learning about Nigerian customs and traditions was a favorite aspect of STAY WITH ME). A very fast, entertaining read.

A dry, almost emotionless recounting of a woman’s journey from a young bride in the country to a woman empowered to love herself. The narrator did provided little commentary on the events regarding her thoughts or emotions, allowing the events themselves to reveal her stance. At first I hungered for her commentary because the customs were so outside of my experience I was seeking validation of my disbelief at some of the events. The absence of the narrator’s guidance allowed me to vacillate between widely different reactions as a reader, traveling from the mindset of an American white woman to empathizing with all of the character’s perspectives, even Aunty’s. It was not only an excellent book; it was an experience and journey as a reader.

The characters, setting, and premise were interesting, but the plot had a simple, slow arc. There were no twists or even much drama, considering the plot setup. I kept waiting for more to happen than slight character development... and then the book ended. However, I did enjoy the main character's internal journey and the described tension between self-fulfilment and family responsibilities in the book.

This novel provides a glimpse into family life and relationships in Ghana. Set in contemporary times, it follows the transition Afi experiences when she is bound to marry wealthy Eli because her family is beholden to his powerful mother, Auntie. Although Afi barely knows Eli, she is willing to give the marriage a chance, even though he doesn't even attend the wedding. It becomes increasingly clear that he is living and in love with another woman, of whom is family doesn't approve. Her move from a tiny impoverished village to the city, and her newfound wealth from Eli's financial support, provide Afi with the means to create a new understanding of herself as she starts her own business and becomes a mother. Even as she assumes her own power, she wishes she had Eli's undivided love. His Only Wife will be memorable for me because of its portrait of a very different culture and the realistic ending.

His Only Wife is an interesting story about Afi, a young seamstress living in small town/village in Ghana. Afi is from a poor family and so her family is thrilled to have a marriage proposal from a wealthy family. But there is a catch, the eligible bachelor doesn't show up for his own wedding! Can you imagine? The nerve of this guy, but we'll give him a pass cause something very important must have happened..right? His family moves Afi to Accra, the capital of Ghana, and sets her up in a luxury apartment but she is still yet to meet her husband. Turns out he is love with another woman, who isn't his family's first choice. Afi's task is to make him fall in love with her.

His Only Wife is a rags to riches, village girl goes to the city kind of story. Afi goes from being a simple village girl to becoming the wife of a rich man. She moves to the city and is enthralled by all the glam. It started out a bit slow but then the story picked up with different twists and turns. I felt torn in a sense, upset for Afi, she deserved better but also realized that she was in a bind. Towards, the middle of the story, I felt an impending sense of doom, I kept thinking something terrible was going to happen to Afi and that kept me racing through the book wondering when does the other shoe drop. I guess I grew fond of and protective of her, although she did make me feel quite mad at times. I want to say a lot but then I don’t want to say too much either. In all, I think Afi's life would have been easier if she didn’t fall in love with Elikem.

Overall, this was a good read, it kept my attention and the suspense was great. Drama all around. I wish there were more details or footnotes and translations of the Ewe words, as that would have taught me a bit more about the culture and the nuances.

Thanks to @algonquinbooks for the review copy.