By Jerry Adesewo
Next Daily: December 28, 2010
The venue of the book party, which featured other side attractions, was a beehive of activities. At first glance, the gathering would have passed for one of the many diplomatic functions that the FCT is known for, as it attracted a large turnout of expatriates and the crème-de-la-crème of Abuja's literary community.
In her characteristic liveliness and engaging demeanour, Shoneyin read from different portions of her book (the UK and US editions of which have been well received), to the admiration of the audience. Enthralled by her reading, a member of the audience, an evangelist who introduced himself as Uche, said "She reads really well. I feel like sitting here to hear her read from beginning to the end. Listening to her read is like watching the story in motion." ‘The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives' is Shoneyin's first novel, after successfully churning out three collections of poetry so far - ‘So All The Time I was Sitting on an Egg,' ‘Song of a Riverbird' and ‘For the Love of Flight'. She also recently released a children book titled ‘Mayowa and the Masquarades'. ‘Baba Segi', as the novel is now popularly known, tells the story of everyday polygamous situation in Nigeria but in a very unique, humourous and engaging language.
With three wives and seven children, all is well in Baba Segi's household until he takes the university graduate Bolanle as a fourth wife, and things go awry.
In an interactive session, the author revealed that she sees herself more as a poet than a novelist. "I still feel more at home as a poet than a novelist. What is here today is a product of a very long work. A lot went into making this what it today between me and my publishers in terms of editing." She added that the story that gave birth to the novel is a true life experience which she encountered when she was fourteen years old.
The book party did not end with the reading, as visual arts were also on the menu. The beautiful ceramic arts of Lami Abubakar, the paintings of Millicent Osumuo and Tyna Adebowale, creative cards of Pat Adidu and photographs by Rita St. John - all combined to make the evening a memorable one. The raw talent exhibited by Swat, an Abuja based musician, was another major attraction.
Talking to the press, Bibi Bakare-Yusuf of Cassava Republic expressed happiness for eventually succeeding in releasing the much awaited book after a series of obstacles and disappointments that had forced the company to postpone the date of release about twice. "This is one writer Nigeria has anxiously awaited and I am sure they will not be disappointed. ‘The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives' will sure excite readers. And in line with our vision to serve you the best of African literature, we are glad to have brought to you Lola Shoneyin's book as our gift of love and appreciation to our customers and all lovers of literature, in the spirit of the season," the publisher added
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