I don’t believe in perfect books. There’s always a flaw that ruins everything. Maybe pacing. Maybe resolution, or maybe the storyline itself. I said I wasn’t going back to Nigerian books for a while after the last one I read that left me incredibly down and nearly bitter. But on a whim, I picked up this book, and I think it is as close to perfection as a book could possibly get. Without further ado, I present to you...
The Girl With the Louding Voice by Abi Daré
Released in 2020, this is a coming of age novel that tells the story of Adunni, a fourteen year old girl from the village of Ikati, who wishes more than anything to go to school so that she can become a teacher. After neglecting his wife’s dying wish to let Adunni complete her education, Adunni’s father marries her off to Morufu, a man old enough to be her father, and who already has two wives, because he is helping him with the rent.
Adunni goes through hell on earth in the hands of Morufu and his first wife, Labake. Khadija, the second wife, is the only person who help Adunni alleviate the sorrow that constantly eats deep within her. But one unfortunate event sends Adunni running away from Ikati and never to return, or so. Does she have a chance at a better life, or is her past a paradise compared to the hell that awaits her? We can only wait.
My Thoughts and Rating
I have a love-hate relationship with Nigerian books. So, although, I hate that it sometimes reminds me of my reality or that of millions of other Nigerians, it is this same reason that makes me love it, and I appreciate it more when the author doesn’t let us view this reality from rose-tinted glasses.
We see the beautiful, we see the raw, and we the ugly. Each of these parts hit hard to the soul. The good is amazingly sweet, and the bad, so menacing, you would nearly double backwards in agony. This book did that for me, and yet it wasn’t overwhelming. It was a hard read at some points, but it didn’t leave me unsatisfied.
The themes portrayed in this book are deep. Themes of illiteracy, neglectful/deadbeat dads, death, compassion, infidelity, political aspirations, love, opulence, hope, and so on. I felt each of these themes to my core because they were explored in ways that leaves you invested and thoroughly enlightened on all they have to offer.
Most of all, Adunni was such a likeable character. I loved her good-naturedness. I loved her courage. I loved her wit and sense of humour. She made me giggle with her innocent ways of asking questions. Journeying with her was wholesome and true, and even though I merely read this book, for some reason, I read it in her voice and accent.
It’s uncanny just how much you can relate to a person even though your stories and realities are polar opposites. I thought that Adunni's terrible English would be switched to polish English at some point but I knew that would take away the realistic nature of the book. Instead, we get steady improvements in Adunni’s speaking. I felt privileged to witness it.
Through and through, this was a pleasant book. A 4.8/5 stars from me. Flawless in my eyes, and a balm to my heart. I would say I’m back to Nigerian literature, but we all know that I never left, lol. Have a lovely week, everyone.
Jhymi🖤
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