Book Club Discussion: The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives (conclusion)

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Good morning and welcome to the last discussion about Baba Segi and his wives.

Everyone’s secret is out. The biggest of which is that none of Baba Segi’s chiildren are his own. After Iya Segi confesses at the hospital, we hear about Taju (the driver) who is the father of Iya Segi’s children – tsk tsk. It is my guess that the meat seller is the father of Iya Tope’s children and Grandma’s son is the father of Iya Femi’s children. What a horrible day for Baba Segi. I must admit, I feel a little bad for him. Am I alone? What about Taju…can you blame him for taking the extra money and leaving?

Segi dies – yet more bad news. Before her untimely death however, she finds out the truth behind the poisoning and who did it. Iya Segi is clearly broken after her daughter’s death but is she a changed person? Will this be the last time she ever thinks to do something like that again? I hope so but with Iya Segi, you never really know. Iya Femi either. Both women are cruel and I can only hope they learned their lessons.

In the end, Baba Segi agrees to let the women stay in his house with the “bastard” children if the wives agree. The wives all beg for mercy and ask to stay in Baba Segi’s house, except Bolanle. She decides to go back to her parent’s house and is anyone surprised? I’m not. Bolanle was the only wife Baba Segi chose. She was the only one who didn’t need Baba Segi. Bolanle knows she is somewhat stronger than the other women and says “I will remember [the wives] as inmates, because what really separates us is that I have rejoined my life’s path; they are going nowhere.”

So, what are your reactions to the end of the book? Did every character “win” in the end? Did everyone have what was coming to them? Did the house need Bolanle to open up all the cans of worms she did? Now that all the secrets are out, is everyone better off? As we say bye to Baba Segi and his wives bookclubbers, we want you to tell us your final thoughts!

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N'jelle
N'jelle

Hey guys! I was out of town for a few days but I'm glad to be back and on this book. I really like this book! As for Babba, that's what he get for being foolish. But that's how men are. They don't pay attention to things and in the end get screwed. I don't feel sorry for him. He should have listened to the elder and get rid of the three wives, their kids, keep Bolanle and start over. But he did not want the embarrassment. Pathetic if you ask me. Now on to the other wives. Iya Segi, Femi and Tope are all devil wives. They should have just told Babba he was the problem and not them from the get up; but they wanted an escape from the harsh life they each lived. I'm sorry readers. I can't live like that because eventually the truth will come out. My conscience would kill me! Bolanle, did the right thing by leaving. It made no sense to stay when you have a loving family that misses you and will need you as well. Remember the stroke her mom had that left her deformed, the baby on the way for the sister and the connection she has with the father. Oh...and lets not forget her studies. I'm pretty sure she plans on pursuing more degrees. Ahh..what a lovely book. I'm definitely a fan.