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A review by mezzarella
The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Daré
challenging
emotional
inspiring
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
It's hard to believe that The Girl with the Louding Voice is Abi Dare's debut novel. Dare creates a deeply emotional and heart wrenching tale in the story of Adunni, a 14 year old girl who dreams of receiving a formal education. When her mother passes away and her father sells her off to a much older man, Adunni escapes to the city only to find herself in another powerless situation. Despite the injustices brought against her and the hardship she endures, Adunni finds a way to use her voice to fight for what she believes in.
What makes Adunni such a strong character is her resilience, positivity, and heart. From the very first pages, it is easy to root for Adunni even in her broken English. Despite everything, Adunni spends her free time developing her understanding of the English language so that her voice can finally be heard. It's heart-warming to see after so much tragedy, that there were still plenty of people willing to help this child find a way out of her hardships. Adunni works hard to improve her life, and is always grateful for those who help her. While Adunni is naïve and trusting by nature, she is also hard-working and determined to create a better life for herself. Her optimism never wavers: Adunni will get an education at whatever cost is required.
For it's moments of heart, this story is also horrifying. Adunni endures human trafficking, rape from an older man, domestic violence, and slavery. The story is told in the first person in Broken English, so that all of Adunni's thoughts are clearly laid out to the reader. Those who are sensitive to these subject matters should be warned that some depictions in the novel are graphic and troubling. This story is also empowering, hopeful, and undeniably a feminist piece of literature. Written by a Nigerian woman who tells the story of a Nigerian girl enduring the worst human rights issues in her country, Dare is able to discuss the challenges women face in making decisions about their futures.
What makes Adunni such a strong character is her resilience, positivity, and heart. From the very first pages, it is easy to root for Adunni even in her broken English. Despite everything, Adunni spends her free time developing her understanding of the English language so that her voice can finally be heard. It's heart-warming to see after so much tragedy, that there were still plenty of people willing to help this child find a way out of her hardships. Adunni works hard to improve her life, and is always grateful for those who help her. While Adunni is naïve and trusting by nature, she is also hard-working and determined to create a better life for herself. Her optimism never wavers: Adunni will get an education at whatever cost is required.
For it's moments of heart, this story is also horrifying. Adunni endures human trafficking, rape from an older man, domestic violence, and slavery. The story is told in the first person in Broken English, so that all of Adunni's thoughts are clearly laid out to the reader. Those who are sensitive to these subject matters should be warned that some depictions in the novel are graphic and troubling. This story is also empowering, hopeful, and undeniably a feminist piece of literature. Written by a Nigerian woman who tells the story of a Nigerian girl enduring the worst human rights issues in her country, Dare is able to discuss the challenges women face in making decisions about their futures.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual violence, Domestic abuse, Slavery, Sexism, Adult/minor relationship, Pedophilia, Misogyny, and Trafficking
Moderate: Miscarriage, Grief, Death, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Excrement, Alcoholism, and Infertility