His Only Wife — Peace Adzo Medie

HIS ONLY WIFE

A New York Times Editors' Choice

A New York Times Notable Book of 2020

A Time Magazine Best Book of 2020

“Elikem married me in absentia; he did not come to our wedding.”

Afi Tekple is a young seamstress whose life is narrowing rapidly. She lives in a small town in Ghana with her widowed mother, spending much of her time in her uncle Pious’s house with his many wives and children. Then one day she is offered a life-changing opportunity—a proposal of marriage from the wealthy family of Elikem Ganyo, a man she doesn’t truly know. She acquiesces, but soon realizes that Elikem is not quite the catch he seemed. He sends a stand-in to his own wedding, and only weeks after Afi is married and installed in a plush apartment in the capital city of Accra does she meet her new husband. It turns out that he is in love with another woman, whom his family disapproves of; Afi is supposed to win him back on their behalf. But it is Accra that eventually wins Afi’s heart and gives her a life of independence that she never could have imagined for herself.

Translations: Pelckmans (Netherlands) | Sonatina (Croatia) | Eksmo (Russia) | Francesco Brioschi Editore (Italy) | Editions de l’Aube (France)

A Most-Anticipated/Must-Read Book: The New York Times Book Review * Time Magazine * Financial Times * Cosmopolitan UK * BuzzFeed * Christian Science Monitor * Cosmopolitan * People * Parade * Travel + Leisure * The Millions * Book Riot * Bustle * Paperback Paris * Everygirl * She Reads * HelloGiggles * Frolic * Betches * Net-A-Porter

“Peace Adzo Medie’s mesmerizing debut novel lives up to both the power of its first sentence and the promise of its author’s first name. This is not a book to read with one eye on a beach volleyball tournament; it’s a story to soak up in silence, on a long, cloudy afternoon when you have time to think . . . At a time when adventure is scarce, Medie gives you a lot to look forward to, think about and be grateful for.” — Elisabeth Egan, New York Times

“I love this book so much I turned the pages so fast . . . It’s all about the search for independence and being true to yourself and who you really are."— Reese Witherspoon

“A fierce and funny debut novel . . . A deeply engrossing chronicle of contemporary Ghanaian womanhood.” — Shannon Gibney, Minneapolis Star Tribune

"A Cinderella story set in Ghana . . . A Crazy Rich Asians for West Africa, with a healthy splash of feminism.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"A hilarious, page-turning, sharply realized portrait of modern womanhood in the most infuriating of circumstances. A gem of a debut.” — Wayétu Moore, author of The Dragons, the Giant, the Women

“A unique and unapologetic marriage story that shines with honesty, humanity, power, and grace: once you pick this book up, you won’t be able to put it down.” — Mathangi Subramanian, author of A People’s History of Heaven

"I couldn't put down His Only Wife, which made me nostalgic for the food, frills, and folly of Ghana. Peace Adzo Medie's sentences are packed with muscle, beauty, and hilarity. Even though I was rooting for Afi's happiness in her arranged marriage, I didn't see that beauty of a twist coming at the end."— Ayesha Harruna Attah, author of The Deep Blue Between

“[An] arresting first novel . . . Medie gives Afi a voice that winningly combines insecurity, wisdom and dignity . . . The dramas of Afi's marriage and various family conflicts offer an entertaining plot rich with humor, but it is the story of the strong woman in a challenging and changing world that will capture readers' hearts. His Only Wife is a memorable novel of personal growth and choosing one's own destiny . . . [A] winning debut”— Shelf Awareness (starred review)

“[A] vibrant and inspiring debut novel… Afi’s slow awakening to her own autonomy is one of the most believable and heart-stirring that I have read in quite some time… Combining heart and humor with a hearty dose of feminism, Peace Adzo Medie’s debut is an illuminating and empowering read with a heroine you will remember for a long time. Perfect for readers of Candice Carty-Williams and Oyinkan Braithwaite, HIS ONLY WIFE ushers in a stunning new talent and an unforgettable story about what it means to be a woman, wife and daughter.” — BookReporter

“With spot-on characterizations of deeply involved extended families and realistic depictions of how money can change everything, Peace Adzo Medie conjures a Cinderella story just right for 2020.” — Time Magazine

"A fierce and funny first novel...[that] cleverly upends a Cinderella story into a tale of feminism."— People

"If you are looking to escape to another country, take a trip to Ghana with His Only Wife by Peace Adzo Medie… Throughout the novel there are mouthwatering descriptions of yam stews, bustling markets and beautiful homes and apartments in Accra, but best of all it’s all underpinned by a warm coming-of-age-tale mixed in with a subtle takedown of the patriarchy. If that doesn’t convince you, it’s also a Reese Witherspoon pick for her book club."— The Sunday Times (South Africa)

"A story that kept me tied to the page, told in masterful, seamless prose... Medie depicts a vivid and dazzling Accra, and it's impossible not to root for Afi as she finds her footing within it."— BuzzFeed

"[An] engaging début novel." — New Yorker

"With characters making questionable decisions and a rather brilliant ending, this is a good old-fashion book club read that’ll leave you arguing about character motivations and morals."— Stylist

"Afi’s charm makes her an empowering example of modern womanhood . . . Its message bold and its viewpoint appealing, His Only Wife is an inspiring novel.” — Foreward Reviews

“[An] addictive melodrama reminiscent of a soap opera… A propulsive novel that flips between easy-read escapism and meaningful social commentary with impressive ease.” — BookBrowse

“This stirring tale sings when Afi learns to flex her limited power.” — Publishers Weekly

"In her debut novel, Medie writes with a precise rhythm that builds the reader’s anticipation. Themes like deception, ambition, love, and values drench the pages with conflict that evolves into an emotional rollercoaster.” — Booklist

"Peace Adzo Medie puts a wonderfully contemporary spin on a fairytale trope."— Christian Science Monitor

"Bursting with warmth, humour and richly drawn characters you can’t help but root for."— Cosmopolitan UK

"A fierce and funny study of modern womanhood within Ghanaian culture." — Cosmopolitan

“A brilliant scholar and a fierce advocate for women’s rights, author Peace Adzo Medie infuses her debut novel with intelligence and humor.” — Frolic Media

“An engaging, empowering domestic drama about finding your way, finding your voice, and finding your value.”— HelloGiggles

“His Only Wife challenges you to understand the lives women live across the world. Afi’s story is common yet special as it is clothed in the fabric of Ghanaian culture.” — SheReads

“A heartwarming novel . . . This lighthearted, engrossing debut explores family, love and fairy-tale endings that aren’t always what they seem.” — Sisters from AARP

“A much-needed contemporary Ghanaian love story.” — Marie Claire

“A witty Cinderella portrait of modern live and love."— Parade

"[A] sparkling debut novel." — Ms. Magazine

“[A] poignant, timely debut novel.”— GMA.com

“A smart, poignant, and engaging debut.” — Largehearted Boy

"A witty and dynamic debut novel." — Popsugar

PRAISE FOR HIS ONLY WIFE

A New York Times Editors' Choice

Marie Claire's October Book Club Pick

A New York Times Notable Book of 2020

A Time Magazine Must-Read Book of 2020

An Observer Best Book of the Year

Reese's Book Club October Pick

Finalist for the 2020 Aidoo-Snyder Book Prize

A Chicago Public Library Best Book of 2020

A Library Journal Best Book of 2020

A Marie Claire's Best Book of 2020

One of BuzzFeed's "29 Books We Couldn’t Put Down This Year"

A SheReads Best International Fiction and Best African & Diaspora Book of 2020

Finalist for the 2022 Diverse Books Awards