Stay With Me

I read this remarkable debut novel, which was shortlisted for three major literary prizes, over a weekend – I was so deeply invested in the experience of the main character that I could not put the book down. It is a story of motherhood: the loss of mothers and children, the multiple mothers in a polygamous clan, and mothers-in-law. A terrible secret and error of judgement sets off devastating consequences that ripple through a family, and all these events are set against a backdrop of Nigerian culture, patriarchy and political instability. Adébáyò’s voice is courageous and clear as she looks at the underbelly of love with a steely eye and deep compassion for human folly.