The Girl with the Louding Voice set in Nigeria by Abi Daré

This book had me going through so many emotions I felt physically worn after finishing it.

There was wonder, anger,more anger, sheer helplessness, a caring need to help out, fear, hatred but most of all, admiration. Adunni is one fictional character here, but in reality she is so many young girls, so many lost voices across the world. I got a lump in my throat and a heavy heart when I had that in mind as I read.

Set in Nigeria, the girl Adunni whose story we follow is perhaps on of the most fascinating characters I’ve met in a long time. I felt privileged to have met her and been on this journey with her. I can’t even begin to imagine her pain and suffering yet even just going on this literary journey with her, I feel humbled.

What a book for a book club – women in Nigeria and other parts of the world have NO rights. If you think The Handmaid’s Tale is bad, then Adunni teaches you a thing or two. Adunni tells her story quietly and slowly but it sounds loud and fast. She whispers, you hear her shout. That is some powerful story and writing right there. The use of local words, local language which fits time and place was used to dramatic effect.

What a cast of characters to help Adunni gets her voice across. It’s complex, heart-breaking and heart-warming to read. Not having an idea what a louding voice was before I read this, I am so passionate about it now.

Emotional, touching, heartbreaking, poignant. There are no words really.

Highly recommended.