“Sweet Mother” by Babatunde Oladele is a heart-wrenching tale about Denike, a resilient woman facing the trials and tribulations of marriage and motherhood. From the beginning, the story captivates with its vivid portrayal of Denike’s life in a village, where she captures the attention of the charming Fred Oyekanmi, the dream man of every young lady. Their whirlwind romance subsequently leads Fred to propose marriage to her.

Upon disclosing the news to Denike’s parents, they are not satisfied with her choice of spouse claiming that Fred is not capable of taking care of her. Their disapproval makes Denike more insistent that she would marry the man of her dreams. At the end of the day, her parents are forced to approve of him. After their marriage, the couple grapples with the problem of childlessness for several years. However, this particular issue did not diminish their love for each other as they supported themselves through it.

Six years after their marriage, Denike eventually gives birth to twin girls which excites her. However, this delivery does not entirely please her husband as he wishes for a male child. His great desire to have a boy makes him impregnate his wife barely two years after Tayewo and Kehinde is born. As they anticipate Denike’s delivery, Fred cannot stop inferring to the child in her womb as a boy. Even when Denike’s desire is to have another girl, he shut her up, insisting that he would be a boy. Fearfully, she succumbs to his desire and prays for a boy.

By the time Denike delivers, she gives birth to another set of twin girls and Fred’s hope is dashed. Denike’s fears are confirmed when he suddenly changes his attitude towards her and neglects his own children. Shortly after, Denike begins to deal with his infidelity problems as he goes outside his home to satisfy his sexual pleasures.

Denike while struggling with her own marital problems is told about the sudden demise of her parents. Fred displays some form of empathy to her as he gives her money to bury her parents. He even offers to take care of the children while she is away, but she refuses to let them be with him alone. While Denike and her kids are away, Fred invites his concubine to their home.

Upon her return, Fred has already impregnated his concubine which annoys Denike. In his attempt to soothe his wife’s anger, he impregnates his wife once again. Denike gets more anxious than ever as she desperately hopes for a boy child. She also hopes that it would enable her to regain her husband’s love.

Meanwhile, Fred’s concubine delivers a baby boy which makes him feel fulfilled. He subsequently leaves his legitimate family and lives for a month with his concubine and son. He returns home on the day Denike is to deliver her child.

As soon as Denike’s delivery time came, Fred rushes her to the hospital praying that she would give birth to a boy.  While in the hospital, Denike is told that she has given birth to yet another girl child. This increases her worries as she is certain her husband would have no reason to be with her again. Upon discovery, Fred leaves her in the hospital room, goes home and takes all his belongings, never to return.

With five little girls to cater for, how will Denike navigate the challenges of raising them into adults? Will she find the courage to confront Fred for his rash behavior? Would her children survive the tumult of a broken home?

You will find these answers and many more in the book “Sweet Mother” by Babatunde Oladele. The book is a story of love, sacrifice, and the power of the human spirit. So, if you’re ready to embark on an emotional rollercoaster filled with twists and turns, pick up a copy of “Sweet Mother” today.

And remember, reading Sweet Mother isn’t just about entertainment. It’s about finding answers to life’s toughest questions. So dive in, and prepare to be swept away by the power of love and resilience. Denike’s journey may be filled with challenges, but with courage and determination, anything is possible.