This month we recommend a compelling story of betrayal and loss
Words Sarah Shaffi
Camera operator Jeffrey Louis Reed
Video Editor Altin Musa
Photography Eniola Alakija
In her debut novel, Ayobami Adebayo explores the life of a Nigerian couple desperate to have children, breaking your heart (and repairing it) along the way. Adebayo’s book, which has been shortlisted for the Wellcome Book Prize 2018, follows Yejide, who has tried everything from pilgrimages to medical consultations in her bid to become a mother. As a last resort, her husband’s family insist he takes a second wife, which leads to betrayal and loss. In the background of the book is a Nigeria that is facing social and political upheaval. Stay With Me is devastating, but also full of hope and love, and a book that deserves time and contemplation, even long after you’ve finished reading it.

Stay With Me, Ayobami Adebayo
Published by Canongate Books Ltd, £14.99

SARAH SHAFFI
Books Editor
Sarah Shaffi is a freelance books journalist. She is editor-at-large for independent children’s books publisher Little Tiger Group, reviews for Stylist, is co-founder of BAME in Publishing and was previously online editor and producer for The Bookseller. She regularly acts as an interviewer at author events, and has chaired at Cheltenham Literature Festival and Southbank Centre, among others.