The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Daré

Rating: 4.5/5

Abi Daré's bestselling debut novel explores the life of a brave, intelligent Nigerian girl who uses her voice to fight for her freedom and her education. 

Summary:

Adunni is fourteen years old when her father informs her that he is selling her to an older man to marry. She is furious, not only because she doesn't want this, but because her mother on her deathbed made her father promise that he would let Adunni continue with school and not force her to marry. All Adunni wants is to continue learning and one day become a teacher. She wants to have a louding voice, a voice that will be heard, listened to, and respected. 

In the months that follow, Adunni experiences assault, abuse, and so much pain. But she finds allies and friends, ones that believe in her and want to see her dream of becoming a teacher come true. Watch Adunni fight against injustice and find her louding voice. 

Review:

This book made me check my privilege hard. When I first started reading, I wanted to believe that this didn't take place in the present day, that things like forced child marriage, bride prices, and unpaid exploited labor couldn't possibly still be happening. Adunni grew up in a small Nigerian village with very little modern technology aside from old televisions and radios, so it's easy to assume at first that this story could have been taking place a few decades ago, but as she moves through her journey, it becomes clear that this story is set in present day. That the harsh conditions and circumstances Adunni faces are very real problems that still exist today. 

This book is written in broken English, as it is from Adunni's perspective, and we see the language of her narrative shift throughout the book as she continues her English education. Adunni is an intelligent and driven young woman, and everyone who cares enough to get to know her sees that immediately. Adunni should not have had to fight as hard as she did for the education she deserved, she should not have had to be so strong and resilient. But she did fight, and in the end she does indeed have a louding voice.