His Only Wife

By Peace Adzo Medie

His Only Wife: Drama, Tea, and Afi’s Wild Ride to Independence

So, let’s talk about His Only Wife by Peace Adzo Medie. This book, y’all—it’s a gem! Whenever I’m stuck in a reading slump or don’t know what to pick up, I always go back to this one. It’s got all the elements I love: drama, character growth, and some serious tea. And let me tell you, this is a solid 5/5 stars for me. No matter how many times I read it, it always hits the same. Now, let’s dive into what makes this book so special!

His Only Wife was published in 2020 and, for good reason, was a Reese’s Book Club pick. The story centers around Afi, a young woman from Ghana who agrees to an arranged marriage with a man she’s never even met. That’s right—on her wedding day, the groom isn’t even there! The family sets it all up because they don’t approve of the other woman in his life, and from there, the drama unfolds. This novel is packed with rich storytelling, layered characters, and a plot that keeps you hooked from start to finish.

Key Themes

At its core, His Only Wife is about marriage, but it’s not your typical love story. Medie delves into deep themes of family obligations, societal pressures, and the complexity of being a wife in a culture that sees marriage as the ultimate goal for women. Afi finds herself torn between doing what’s best for her family and figuring out what’s best for her.

Another theme that really stands out is independence. Afi’s journey is all about self-discovery. At first, she’s willing to follow the rules and meet her family’s expectations, but as the story progresses, she starts to question what she truly wants. The theme of class also plays a huge role—Afi comes from a humble background, while her husband’s family is wealthy. This contrast drives much of the tension in the book, as Afi tries to navigate a world that’s entirely new to her.

Characters

Afi is the heart of this story, and her character development is everything. She starts off unsure of herself, marrying a man she’s never met just to please her family, but as the story progresses, she learns to stand up for herself. Her transformation is one of my favorite parts of the book, and you’ll be rooting for her all the way through.

And then there’s Eli, her husband. Oh, Eli. At first, I thought he might be okay, but nope—he’s just as indecisive as they come. His family runs the show, and he never really stands up to them. But let’s talk about Yaya, Eli’s sister, who serves serious Real Housewives of Atlanta vibes. The back-and-forth between her and Afi? Drama at its finest! There’s one scene where Yaya drags Afi, and I had to read it multiple times. It’s that good.

Writing Style

Peace Adzo Medie’s writing style is engaging and realistic, especially when it comes to dialogue. Much like Terry McMillan, Medie captures the essence of family interactions and everyday conversations that feel relatable and authentic. The banter between Afi and her mother brings both humor and frustration, adding layers to their relationship.

Additionally, Medie’s ability to balance humor with more serious themes is one of the book’s strengths. Despite the challenging topics of marriage and gender roles, there are many lighthearted moments that offer relief and help to humanize the characters. The pacing of the novel is steady, and the story unfolds in a way that keeps the reader engaged throughout.

Personal Thoughts

If you know me, you know I love good dialogue, and Peace Adzo Medie knows how to write it. The conversations in His Only Wife feel so real and relatable. They remind me of the kind of back-and-forth you’d hear between family members at a reunion. The banter between Afi and her mother? Hilarious. Her mother is constantly pushing her to make the marriage work, and Afi’s just like, “I’m trying, Mama!”

What I also love is how Medie balances serious topics with moments of humor. The book touches on marriage, class, and independence, but it’s not all heavy. There are plenty of lighthearted moments that make the story feel even more real. The pacing is spot on, and the way she brings in Ghanaian culture is done so effortlessly. You can’t help but be drawn in.

Rating & Recommendation

Y’all, I absolutely loved this book. The drama? On point. The personal growth? Inspiring. Afi’s journey to finding herself despite everything stacked against her was so relatable. Her struggle to balance her family’s expectations with her own needs is something so many women can relate to, and I found myself rooting for her every step of the way.

One thing that really hit home for me was how Medie questions the idea of marriage as the ultimate goal. Afi’s story challenges the notion that being a “good wife” is the key to happiness. By the end, Afi is standing on her own two feet, and I was cheering her on like, “Yes, girl, live your life!” This is a book that makes you think, laugh, and even want to fight a few characters. What more could you ask for?

Join the Conversation

Haven’t read His Only Wife yet? What are you waiting for? Grab a copy and dive in! Let me know your thoughts in the comments, or better yet, join the Lex Reads Book Club and let’s talk about all the drama, tea, and character growth together. You won’t want to miss this conversation!