The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Daré
The protagonist of the novel is Adunni, a fourteen-year-old girl who has lost her mother, and whose father has sold her into marriage to a much older man who abuses and mistreats her. Adunni's dream is to get an education and become a teacher, but her husband and his mother refuse to allow her to leave the house or attend school.
Despite this, Adunni is determined to find a way to escape her situation and pursue her dreams. She begins to secretly teach herself to read and write, and she gains the courage to speak out against the injustices she experiences and witnesses around her. Her relentless spirit and determination are an inspiration to readers everywhere.
One of the strengths of The Girl with the Louding Voice is its vivid portrayal of life in modern-day Nigeria. Daré does an excellent job of bringing the country's landscape and culture to life, immersing readers in a world that is both beautiful and challenging. The novel depicts the harsh realities of life for many girls and women in Nigeria, who are denied basic human rights and subjected to abuse and discrimination.
Daré's writing is powerful and evocative, and she creates fully-realized characters that readers will root for throughout the novel. Adunni is a particularly compelling protagonist, a complex and multi-faceted young girl who is both vulnerable and resilient. Her voice is a force to be reckoned with, and she refuses to be silenced or diminished by the people and circumstances around her.
Another strength of the novel is its exploration of the themes of education and literacy. Daré clearly believes in the transformative power of education, and she makes a compelling case for why it is so essential for women and girls in particular. Through Adunni's journey, readers see how education can empower and inspire, and how it is a fundamental human right that should be accessible to everyone.
Overall, The Girl with the Louding Voice is a powerful and moving novel that deserves to be widely read and discussed. It is a testament to the human spirit and the power of hope, and it is a poignant reminder that every voice deserves to be heard. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in stories of resilience, empowerment, and the pursuit of dreams. So, go ahead and pick up a copy of The Girl with the Louding Voice today. It is worth it!