Book Reviews
Review of The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Daré
Apr
Some books don’t just tell a story—they grab you by the heart and refuse to let go. The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Daré is one of those books. It’s powerful, heartbreaking, and deeply inspiring, all told through the unforgettable voice of Adunni, a young Nigerian girl who refuses to let the world silence her.
At just 14 years old, Adunni dreams of getting an education and becoming “a girl with a louding voice”—someone who can speak for herself and others. But life has other plans. After her mother’s death, she is sold into marriage to a much older man, Morufu, who already has multiple wives. Instead of classrooms and books, Adunni finds herself trapped in a world of expectation, hardship, and silence.
When tragedy strikes, she is forced to flee and ends up in Lagos, working as a housemaid for Big Madam, a wealthy but cruel woman. It is here that Adunni learns the harsh realities of servitude, but it’s also where she meets Ms. Tia, a kind-hearted woman who sees Adunni’s potential and helps her find a way to achieve her dreams.
Written in broken English, reflecting her limited education, but instead of feeling like a barrier, it makes her story even more real and moving. As she learns and grows, her language subtly improves, showing her progress in a way that feels natural and deeply rewarding.
Despite all the pain and injustice she endures, Adunni never loses her spirit. She’s curious, determined, and incredibly resilient. She questions the world around her in ways that make you stop and think. Why is a girl’s education not as important as a boy’s? Why do women have to suffer in silence? Why does society decide who gets a voice?
The Girl with the Louding Voice is a book about survival, but more than that, it’s about finding strength in the face of adversity. It is about the power of education, the importance of female voices, and the belief that no matter where you come from, you deserve to be heard.
Adunni’s story will break your heart, but it will also fill you with hope. If you’re looking for a book that is both deeply emotional and incredibly inspiring, this one is a must-read.
About the Writer: Manuella Owukio is a storyteller at heart, whether she’s deep in a novel or helping others shape their own. With a sharp editorial eye and a love for all things literary, she loves books filled with uncertainties and information that leave your mind blown for days on end. When she’s not knee deep in books, she dabbles in social media management helping brands maintain top notch images online and offline.
The Girl with the Louding Voice
