mssutania 's review for:

5.0

I absolutely loved The Girl with the Louding Voice. I read it in 2 days and gave it 5 stars for its powerful storytelling and the emotional journey it takes you on. The novel follows Adunni, a young Nigerian girl who is determined to find her voice and fight for a better life despite the many obstacles stacked against her. What stood out to me most was how the author, Abi Daré, seamlessly weaves in the colloquialisms and local dialects of Adunni and the other characters. This not only made the narrative feel authentic, but it also created a deeper, more intimate connection to the characters. Adunni’s voice—her “louding voice” as she calls it—becomes a beautiful and meaningful symbol of resilience.

Adunni’s journey from her rural village to Lagos is one of both literal and figurative escape. She is faced with horrific circumstances, but her unbreakable spirit and desire for a better life shine through at every turn. Her quest for education, independence, and self-determination is both inspiring and heartbreaking. The way she fights to escape the fate that society has imposed on her feels both raw and empowering, and her growth as a character is incredibly moving.

The book also explores themes of power, privilege, and the resilience of the human spirit. It’s a striking portrayal of the difficulties many women, especially in underprivileged communities, face in their fight for autonomy. Adunni’s determination to not let her circumstances define her left a lasting impression on me.

Overall, The Girl with the Louding Voice is a beautifully written and deeply emotional novel. Daré has crafted a story that is not just a narrative of hardship, but also of strength, hope, and the fierce desire to be heard. I found myself rooting for Adunni at every step, and the impact of her story will stay with me for a long time. This is definitely a book worth reading.