By Iniobong Ikpe
“I want to speak of all the things that are buried inside my heart, all the things I never knew I could say out loud because I was taught to be silent. But now I know there is a world of louding voices out there waiting to be heard.”
The Girl with the Louding Voice” by Abi Daré is a powerful and moving debut novel that explores the themes of gender, education, and social inequality in contemporary Nigeria.
The author masterfully captures the cadences and rhythms of Nigerian English, bringing the protagonist, Adunni’s character to life in a way that is both believable and relatable.
The Plot ????????????
The Girl with the Louding Voice tells the story of a fourteen-year-old Nigerian girl named Adunni who dreams of getting an education and becoming a teacher. However, her father sells her to a local man as a third wife, and Adunni is forced to leave her village and move to the city of Lagos.
In Lagos, Adunni is treated as a servant by her new husband and his two other wives. Despite the difficulties she faces, she remains determined to get an education and escape the cycle of poverty and oppression that has affected her life and the lives of the women around her.
Throughout the novel, Adunni faces many challenges, including abuse, exploitation, and a lack of access to education. However, she refuses to give up on her dreams and continues to fight for her voice to be heard.
The novel is a powerful commentary on gender inequality, social justice, and the transformative power of education.
“I begin to realize that life is made up of many different components, and I must find a way to balance them all: the desire for knowledge, the longing for love, the need for money, and the pursuit of happiness.”
It is a story of resilience, courage, and hope, and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in social justice, gender equality, and the power of education.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
