'So refreshing...A memorable debut' Louise Hare, Bestselling Author of This Lovely City

Kehinde must put everything on the line to find herself during a time of war.

Lagos, 1939

With the announcement of World War Two and a change that sends shockwaves through her family, Kehinde is forced to put aside her dreams of writing and become the third wife of Mr Ogunjobi.

Kehinde makes her peace by selling snacks at a small market. When she gets the chance to assist the leader of the Lagos Market Women's Association, fighting for the rights the British are trying to take away, Kehinde finally feels useful again.

But if her husband finds out he'll abandon her.

Can Kehinde find the courage to fight for herself and the other women of Lagos? Or will she remain a caged bird, a parlour wife, forever.

A poignant story of a young Nigerian woman, living with the consequences of a war her country didn't choose.

Praise for The Parlour Wife:

'1940's Nigeria as you've rarely seen it ... Kehinde's journey to discovering her own voice, and ultimately her own autonomy, will resonate with many. A delightful debut!'

Chioma Okereke, author of Water Baby

'A delightful and evocative journey that starts in the heart of a young woman in Lagos whose destiny is threatened when the clouds of family and societal expectations, thesecond World War and the new wave of change sweeping West Africa make their impact on her life and choices'

Ola Awonubi, author of A Nurse's Tale

'We all studied WW2, but Nigeria's role, as a British colony, doesn't feature in many books. Agbage corrects this in her poignant debut. I rooted for feisty Kehinde from the get-go. It's not easy to be a feminist when you're a third wife and destined for the parlour - her courage was wonderfully written'

Nikki May, author of Wahala and This Motherless Land

'Written in a warm, compassionate voice, Foluso Agbaje's The Parlour Wife is a harmonious marriage of historical events and memorable characters'

Sefi Atta, author of The Bad Immigrant

The most poignant historical fiction book you'll read this year

About the Author

Foluso Agbaje has been writing stories since she first learned to write. She loves London, but calls Lagos home, and her stories are shaped by these two cities that have captured her heart. When not curled up with her Kindle and a pack of chocolate biscuits, you'll likely find her in a bookshop, museum or restaurant. She is a big fan of period dramas, and has watched every episode of Downton Abbey more times than she's willing to admit. She also enjoys singing in her church choir, walking and swimming.

After graduating from the Faber Academy in 2022, Foluso completed her debut novel, The Parlour Wife. She has a Masters degree in Management and Human Resources from the London School of Economics and a Bachelor's degree in Accounting from Loughborough University.

Foluso lives in Lagos with her husband and two children, balancing her passion for writing with a full-time career in financial services.

Reviews

Praise for The Parlour Wife:

'1940's Nigeria as you've rarely seen it ... Kehinde's journey to discovering her own voice, and ultimately her own autonomy, will resonate with many. A delightful debut!'

Chioma Okereke, author of Water Baby

'A delightful and evocative journey that starts in the heart of a young woman in Lagos whose destiny is threatened when the clouds of family and societal expectations, thesecond World War and the new wave of change sweeping West Africa make their impact on her life and choices'

Ola Awonubi, author of A Nurse's Tale

'We all studied WW2, but Nigeria's role, as a British colony, doesn't feature in many books. Agbage corrects this in her poignant debut. I rooted for feisty Kehinde from the get-go. It's not easy to be a feminist when you're a third wife and destined for the parlour - her courage was wonderfully written'

Nikki May, author of Wahala and This Motherless Land

'Written in a warm, compassionate voice, Foluso Agbaje's The Parlour Wife is a harmonious marriage of historical events and memorable characters'

Sefi Atta, author of The Bad Immigrant

'I fell in love with Kehinde, a young woman who never gives up on what she believes in, while remaining true to her time. It was so refreshing to see WW2 through her eyes and to appreciate how the war affected Nigeria and her people. A memorable debut'

Louise Hare, author of This Lovely City

Book Information
ISBN 9780008654719
Author Foluso Agbaje
Format Paperback
Page Count 384
Imprint One More Chapter
Publisher HarperCollins Publishers
Weight(grams) 260g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 129mm * 27mm