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Cover of The First Wife: A Tale of Polygamy
Literary Fiction· Mozambique

The First Wife: A Tale of Polygamy

by Paulina Chiziane
Aggregate Editorial Score31/100
Published 2002Portuguese
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About This Book

The First Wife: A Tale of Polygamy by Paulina Chiziane is a landmark work of literary fiction, first published in 2002. Paulina Chiziane's 'The First Wife' is a groundbreaking novel that explores the complexities of polygamy in Mozambique. Through the story of Rami, the first wife of a polygamous husband, the book delves into themes of love, betrayal, and female solidarity. Chiziane's candid and insightful narrative sheds light on the societal norms and personal struggles faced by women in a patriarchal society. Themes of polygamy, female solidarity, betrayal run through the work. The book has received recognition from José Craveirinha Prize 2003.

Book Details

AuthorPaulina Chiziane
Published2002
Country of Origin🇲🇿 Mozambique
LanguagePortuguese
Category📖 Literary Fiction
ISBN9781846592057
Editorial Score31/100
About the Category

📖 Literary Fiction

Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

Explore all Literary Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇲🇿 Mozambique

This book is part of Mozambique's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from Mozambique →

Editorial Assessment

First published in 2002, Paulina Chiziane's The First Wife: A Tale of Polygamy is a work of literary fiction that has drawn sustained interest from critics and prize committees alike. Its engagement with polygamy, female solidarity, betrayal, love gives the book a depth that extends well beyond its genre. Critics and institutions have consistently placed The First Wife: A Tale of Polygamy among the notable works of its period. Among its recognitions: José Craveirinha Prize 2003. Our aggregate score of 31/100 is compiled from 1 editorial sources that range from Nobel and Booker committees to leading literary journals. What distinguishes The First Wife: A Tale of Polygamy is how it handles its central concerns — polygamy, female solidarity, betrayal, love — without reducing them to neat conclusions. The book invites close reading and holds up well to it. Within Mozambique's literary landscape, Paulina Chiziane occupies a significant position. The First Wife: A Tale of Polygamy is both a personal artistic statement and a contribution to a tradition shaped by the country's history and cultural concerns.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

Guardian 100 Best Novels
list · global
20150
✍️
About the Author
Paulina Chiziane
Mozambique
View Author →

Paulina Chiziane is a Mozambique author whose work in literary fiction has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The First Wife: A Tale of Polygamy about?

Paulina Chiziane's 'The First Wife' is a groundbreaking novel that explores the complexities of polygamy in Mozambique. Through the story of Rami, the first wife of a polygamous husband, the book delves into themes of love, betrayal, and female solidarity. Chiziane's candid and insightful narrative sheds light on the societal norms and personal struggles faced by women in a patriarchal society.

Who wrote The First Wife: A Tale of Polygamy?

The First Wife: A Tale of Polygamy was written by Paulina Chiziane, from Mozambique. First published in 2002.

What awards has The First Wife: A Tale of Polygamy won?

The First Wife: A Tale of Polygamy has received the following recognition: José Craveirinha Prize 2003.

Is The First Wife: A Tale of Polygamy worth reading?

The First Wife: A Tale of Polygamy is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 31/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in polygamy, female solidarity, betrayal.

Where can I buy The First Wife: A Tale of Polygamy?

You can buy The First Wife: A Tale of Polygamy on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is The First Wife: A Tale of Polygamy?

The First Wife: A Tale of Polygamy is classified as Literary Fiction. Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

What country is The First Wife: A Tale of Polygamy from?

The First Wife: A Tale of Polygamy originates from Mozambique's literary tradition. Explore more books from Mozambique on our country page.

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