A Book Review of ‘The Girl With The Louding Voice’ by Abi Daré

By Nnachetam Calista Chinonye

Abimbola ‘Abi’ Daré,’ a Nigerian author, was born and brought up in Lagos. She gained international recognition with her debut novel, ‘The Girl With The Louding Voice', a contemporary fiction. Written in the first-person narrative, The Girl With The Louding Voice immerses us into the life of the fourteen-year-old protagonist, Adunni, as she navigates the hurdles that life presents her. The novel has been noted for its portrayal of domestic slavery, sexism, poverty and child marriage in Nigeria, all of which are challenges the main character grapples with in her quest to get formal education.

One of the strengths of this novel is the way it sheds light on gender inequality and the lack of education for girls in Nigeria. In Ikati, where the main character hails from, girls between the ages of 13-15 are forced into marriage to men old enough to father them in exchange for money, food, and clothing. This arrangement does not favour the girls – it is mostly a way for fathers to increase their pockets. 

Female children are seen as insignificant and buyable. In one scene, Morufu tells Adunni: ‘I have already found Keke a husband. I will use her bride price to repair my car window…’ That is how cheap a girl child is viewed; a commodity for exchange.
Abi Daré does not fail to point out how women are relegated and are almost always at the receiving end of domestic violence. When Adunni’s father was handing her over to Morufu, he said: This is your wife now, from today till forever, she is your own. Do her anyhow you want. Insinuating that she can be treated anyhow he deems fit including beating her up. Big Madam also gets beaten up by her husband whenever she confronts him about being unfaithful.

Meanwhile, Adunni finds herself in a precarious situation which was all the push she needed to find a way to survive in this harsh world. Reading this book, we are left with a certain void since the author refuses to give answers to some questions at the back of our minds –What was Morufu’s reaction when he discovered he had ‘lost’ two wives in a day? Did he collect the bride price from Adunni’s father since she ran away? Was Adunni’s father killed since he could not produce his daughter? That notwithstanding, the use of broken English adds originality to the narrative, making it easy for readers to have a glimpse of how Adunni’s mind works. Daré’s ability to capture Adunni’s perspective is laudable, making her a relatable and intriguing character.

The Girl With The Louding Voice touches on the ability to speak up and drive towards achieving one’s dream. It is not only a story of adversity, but one of hope and resoluteness. Adunni’s belief in the power of education serves as a constant reminder of the transformative potential it holds. The book is available to borrow from our community library at 196, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi.

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