BOOKS

A Must Read: ‘The Girl With The Louding Voice’ by Abi Daré

Penguin Random House

The number one pick for the best book of 2020 by the Amazon editors’ so far is The Girl With The Louding Voice by Abi Daré.

This is Abi Daré’s debut novel and has already caught the attention of many people around the world, arriving in early February 2020. It became an instant New York Times Bestseller as well as the February #ReadWithJenna book club pick from The Today Show.

It is a fictional story about a 14-year-old Nigerian girl named Adunni who is inspired and determined to get an education and create the life she wants. Her mother always taught her to yearn for education and have a “louding voice.” However, her dream was set back for some time after her father sells her to a local man as his third wife. She then runs away to chase her dreams in Lagos, but becomes a housemaid to a wealthy family. No matter how many hardships she endures, nothing will stop her from using her voice.

The book is full of grace and hope, discusses social issues, has a strong, feminist lead character and can be emotional at times. You can see Daré talk about her book below and give her synopsis on the coming-of-age story.

Part of the story takes place in Lagos, a place where Daré grew up and knows very well. The inspiration to write the novel came to her mind after having a conversation with her 8-year-old daughter who did not want to unload the dishwasher. The idea started to kindle when she had a discussion with her daughter about how some young girls do not have a choice and become housemaids.

Daré began to do more research on young housemaids in Nigeria. The results were distressing and moved her to write a novel based around the topic, where a young girl would stand up for herself and make a difference in her life. You can hear a small excerpt of her novel below.

The Girl With The Louding Voice is available to purchase in many stores and online today. If you are looking for your next book to read, consider this inspiring story today.