Printable Book Club Questions for His Only Wife by Peace Adzo Medie

Let’s first talk about the beginning of the novel at Afi’s wedding where the groom is a no-show. What did that say about Eli’s interest in this marriage?
Afi is in an impossible situation. Eli’s mother, Aunty, helped her family when they were struggling. And by her marrying Eli, it will help Afi’s mother financially. But she’s still forced to marry a man she hardly knows. What would you have done if you were Afi?
Afi moves into one of Eli’s many places and is now experiencing a life of luxury. But her focus is still on making Eli happy. What did you think about their first in-person interaction as husband and wife?
Eli’s family pushed this marriage because they disapproved of Eli’s girlfriend, who he has a child with. They tell Afi all these lies about the woman that turn out not to be true. Why do you think the family was so against the other woman? Do you think they assumed Afi was easy to manipulate?
Eventually, Afi and Eli get closer— but mainly through a physical connection. Afi is convinced she’s in love with Eli but do you think Eli ever truly loved her?
How did having a child change the entire dynamic between the two?
What did you think about the setting in Ghana?
Afi wants to move into Eli’s main house but that’s where his girlfriend stays. She demands to move in but Eli refuses, so she packs up and moves back home with her mom, which upsets everyone. Let’s talk about this key decision by Afi.
When did it become apparent to Afi that Aunty had ulterior motives the entire time?
Afi does eventually move into the house but the relationship goes through ups and downs. However, they eventually get into a routine—until she is face to face with the other woman. What are some of the key ways that Eli showed he was more committed to other woman?
Were you happy to see Afi leave Eli?
What did you think about the ending? What happens next for Afi? Do you think she did fall in love with Eli?
Let’s talk about the dynamics of the men and women in this novel and how many of the men seemed to expect they can control women.
When Afi confronts Eli about the other woman at the end of the novel, she says to him that he wouldn’t like it if she also saw another man while with Eli. Let’s talk about this double standard that men like Eli try to hold on women.