Ayobami Adebayo's novel, Stay With Me, has been praised for its compelling narrative and emotional depth, weaving Nigerian culture and personal tragedy seamlessly. The portrayal of marriage under societal pressures has been lauded, though some found the plot twists contrived. The author's vivid prose and authentic character voices earned significant acclaim.

Readers who enjoy emotionally charged narratives and complex character studies would appreciate Stay With Me by Ayobami Adebayo. Fans of literary fiction like Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Everything Good Will Come by Sefi Atta will find this book compelling for its exploration of marriage and family in Nigeria.

Stay With Me by Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀ intricately weaves the story of Akin and Yejide, a married couple navigating the trials of infertility and societal pressures in 1980s and 1990s Nigeria. Set against a backdrop of political instability, the nonlinear narrative delves into their past traumas and deceptions to uncover the reasons behind their 15-year estrangement, culminating in a chance for reconciliation. The book includes themes of infertility, miscarriage, child death, and military violence.

Emotional / Bittersweet / Dark / Melancholic / Challenging

- Stay With Me was shortlisted for the 2017 Baileys Women's Prize for Fiction, drawing significant attention to Ayobami Adebayo as a promising new voice in literature.
- The novel was Ayobami Adebayo's debut work and was subsequently translated into more than a dozen languages, highlighting its international appeal and universal themes.
- Set in Nigeria, Stay With Me intricately weaves cultural specifics into its narrative structure, offering readers a vivid glimpse into Yoruba customs and society.

**Yejide**  
One of the main protagonists, Yejide navigates the complexities of marriage, tradition, and personal struggles as she faces societal pressures regarding motherhood and marriage in Nigeria.

**Akinyele/Akin**  
Akin is a protagonist whose personal and marital conflicts stem from societal and familial expectations, as well as his struggle with personal secrets.

**Moomi**  
Akin's mother, whose high expectations for her son and desire for grandchildren significantly impact his and Yejide's marriage.

**Funmilayo/Funmi**  
Akin's second wife, who unintentionally becomes a source of tension within Akin and Yejide's marriage, reflecting broader themes of rivalry and tradition.

**Dotun**  
Akin's brother and Yejide's brother-in-law, whose actions and relationship with Akin play a crucial role in the unfolding of family dynamics and tension.

**Olamide, Sesan, and Rotimi**  
Yejide's children, each of whom plays a vital role in the development of Yejide and Akin's character arcs and the broader narrative themes.

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