A Bold and Unforgettable Debut: A Review of ‘The Girl with the Louding Voice’ by Abi Daré

The Girl with the Louding Voice is Abi Daré’s debut novel, and it is truly a remarkable story. Set in Nigeria and told from the perspective of the main character, Adunni, it is a powerful tale of resilience and strength in the face of adversity. Adunni’s journey is one that will stay with readers long after they finish the book.

The Girl with the Louding Voice follows Adunni, a fourteen-year-old girl living in a small Nigerian village. Adunni’s father sells her in marriage to an older man in exchange for money, and Adunni is forced to leave her village for her new home. In her new home, Adunni is treated as a slave, and is denied her basic rights and freedoms. Despite this, Adunni remains determined to find a way to escape and gain an education. Along the way, Adunni finds strength in the relationships she builds with her friends and family, and discovers her own inner power.

The Girl with the Louding Voice is set in Nigeria, a country in West Africa. It is a country with a complex history, and the novel does an excellent job of depicting the nuances of life in Nigeria. From the bustling cities to the small villages, Adunni’s journey takes readers on a vivid tour of the country.

Adunni is the main character of the novel. She is a 14-year-old girl who is determined to get an education and find a way to escape her oppressive situation.

Maman is Adunni’s mother. She is a strong-willed woman who is determined to protect her daughter.

Daddy is Adunni’s father. He is a man of few words, but his actions speak volumes.

Daddy’s other wives are Adunni’s stepmothers. They are not kind to Adunni, but she finds solace in their friendship.

Chief is Adunni’s father-in-law. He is a powerful man who is determined to keep Adunni in her place.

Big Madam is the head of the household where Adunni is sent to live. She is a cruel woman who views Adunni as a slave.

Auntie is Adunni’s aunt. She is a kind and loving woman who supports Adunni’s dreams.

There are numerous other secondary characters in the novel, each with their own unique personalities and motivations.

The Girl with the Louding Voice explores numerous themes, including education, girlhood, power dynamics, love, and hope. Adunni’s story is a testament to the importance of education, and her journey is an inspiration to young girls everywhere. The novel also highlights the power dynamics that exist in Nigerian society, and how they can be used to oppress and control. Finally, the novel celebrates the power of love and hope, and Adunni’s determination to find a better life for herself.

Abi Daré’s writing style is captivating and powerful. The narrative voice is intimate and conversational, and it draws readers into Adunni’s story. The tone of the novel is hopeful and uplifting, and it allows readers to experience Adunni’s journey with her. Daré’s characterization is superb, and the secondary characters feel just as real as the main characters.

The Girl with the Louding Voice is an impressive novel that is sure to stay with readers long after they finish reading. Adunni’s strength and resilience is inspiring, and her story will resonate with many. Daré’s use of Nigerian culture is masterful, and she does an excellent job of depicting the nuances of life in Nigeria. Finally, the emotional impact of the novel is undeniable, and readers will be moved by Adunni’s journey.

The Girl with the Louding Voice is a powerful and unforgettable debut from Abi Daré. The novel explores themes of education, girlhood, power dynamics, love, and hope, and Adunni’s story will stay with readers for a long time. The writing style is captivating, and the emotional impact of the novel is undeniable.

Abi Daré is a Nigerian author and educator. She holds a master’s degree in Creative Writing from the University of East Anglia, and her work has been published in numerous outlets, including The Guardian and Wasafiri. She is the author of two books, The Girl with the Louding Voice and The Beadmaker.

The Girl with the Louding Voice is a bold and unforgettable debut from Abi Daré. It is a powerful story of resilience and strength, and it is sure to leave a lasting impression on its readers. I highly recommend this novel to anyone looking for an inspiring and thought-provoking read.

References:

Daré, A. (2020). The Girl with the Louding Voice. New York, NY: Delacorte Press.

Daré, A. (2020). The Beadmaker. New York, NY: Delacorte Press.

Questions and Answers

Did the darling girl with the louding voice win any awards?

You bet she did! Each year thousands of members vote for our Book of the Year award, and this year it’s The Girl with the Louding Voice! We’re so proud to support debut authors, so a huge congratulations to Abi Daré for her first book!

Does the gal with the louding voice get her happy ever after?

Why yes! Adunni’s story ends on a happy and inspiring note – with her courage and hard work, she was able to overcome all the obstacles life threw her way and find her way to a fulfilling future. The message of her story is one of hope, and it’s sure to leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside.

How old is that sweet young lady with the loudest voice?

She’s the ripe old age of fourteen!

What’s the main idea behind The Girl with the Louding Voice?

At its core, this story is all about empowering women—from women’s rights, to equal access to education, to finding your voice, to overcoming oppression, to having hope for the future, to having women as mentors and role models, and to the importance of friendship. It’s a beautiful and inspiring story that’ll stay with you for a long time!