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Stay with Me cover art

Stay with Me

By: Ayobami Adebayo
Narrated by: Adjoa Andoh
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Summary

Winner of the 9 Mobile Prize for Literature

Shortlisted for the 2017 Baileys Women's Prize for Fiction

Shortlisted for the 2018 Wellcome Book Prize

Longlisted for the 2018 International Dylan Thomas Prize

This Nigerian debut is the heartbreaking tale of what wanting a child can do to a person, a marriage and a family.

Yejide is hoping for a miracle, for a child. It is all her husband wants, all her mother-in-law wants, and she has tried everything. But when her relatives insist upon a new wife, it is too much for Yejide to bear. 

Unravelling against the social and political turbulence of 1980s Nigeria, Stay with Me is a story of the fragility of married love, the undoing of family, the power of grief, and the all-consuming bonds of motherhood. It is a tale about the desperate attempts we make to save ourselves, and those we love, from heartbreak.

©2017 Ayobami Adebayo (P)2017 Canongate Books

Critic reviews

"Scorching, gripping, ultimately lovely." (Margaret Atwood)
"This terrific first novel (shortlisted for the Baileys women's prize for fiction) deals with the daily stresses of living with the political upheavals of the time but the real drama is happening in Yejide's womb. Adebayo unfolds the many layers of truth with insight and skill." (The Times)
"A thoroughly contemporary style that is all her own...clever and funny...despite the intense sadness of her subject matter, she has produced a bright, big-hearted demonstration of female spirit, as well as the damage done by the boundlessness of male pride." (Guardian)

What listeners say about Stay with Me

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Brilliantly Intriguing

It was brilliantly intriguing. I felt all emotions listening to the book. As I'm Nigerian and Yoruba I could relate to the culture and history well. A controversial story line with a lot of lessons to take away. A must read! Looooooooooooved it. Although a Yoruba reader would have completed the story perfectly.

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Brilliant book

This is one of the best books I’ve listened to. Excellent narrator who tells the story with passion, sincerity and humour.

I would highly recommend this book !

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Beautifully Exhilarating

The story line and writing is so beautiful, the performance was captivating. Thank you!

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Powerful story

Powerful story filled with unpredictable twists and turns. I couldn’t stop listening. One of the best novels I’ve read this year.

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Brilliant book

I thoroughly enjoyed listening go this book including the fabulous narration. Very moving, enthralling and well-written.

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Amazing

Well written, emotive,, full of drama. Worth reading over and over again. Loved the way it was read out and how adjoa managed to capture every characters words and emotions. Best story I have heard in a long time. Have bought copies for my friends and family to read as it's an amazing story

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A beautifully written and performed story

Voices of the main characters masterfully intertwined in time and space. So much empathy to and understanding of the characters. Without dwelling on any it touches upon so many issues and dilemmas. The is softly spoken, it penetrates and stays with you.

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Brilliant,evocative and life affirming

A great book which evokes time, place and culture beautifully whilst at the same time weaving a brilliant narrative of timeless themes.

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Sensitive and interesting novel exploring marital issues

What a wonderful read. It resonates with me as I have a daughter (in UK) who experienced very similar issues within her family unit, but even without this it explores painful family issues in an entertaining yet sensitive manner - and even has a happy ending.

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Incredible storytelling

I want to experience this book all over again, amazing story and such heart from all the characters.

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