I predict The Girl with the Louding Voice will be one of my top 5 reads in 2020! I’ve been thinking about the book for days, for me this signifies a fantastic read. Thank you and congratulations Abi Dare for writing this gem!
Adunni is a 14 year old girl in Nigeria who wants more than anything to go to school. Her mama instilled this desire in her before she became ill and died. There’s not enough money for Audunni to go to school. Her father doesn’t see the value of education either. When the family is struggling with expenses, he decides upon a dreadful solution. In exchange for money, Adunni will become an old man’s third wife for the purpose of birthing a male child for him.
As you can imagine, this situation doesn’t end well, and eventually she is sold secretly as a household slave to a wealthy woman, but under the guise of a housekeeper. She’s abused physically, verbally, emotionally, with near sexual abuse as well. Throughout her ghastly struggle in this role, she stays focused on education and learning English. She longs to become a teacher in order to make the world a better place. She keeps this goal in the forefront of her thoughts almost continually.
I enjoyed reading how Adunni used the dictionary and The Book of Nigerian Facts she found in the library of the house where she was working. The dictionary becomes a valuable tool as she begins to learn and understand English. Later in the story, she finds an amazing woman who helps her learn proper verb tenses and write an important essay. I particularly loved that many of the chapters began with a fact about Nigeria. Did you know that Nigerians are known for their love of parties and events, and in 2012 they spent over $59 million on champagne?
Will Adunni triumph by using her “louding voice” to help women in the world who are hurting? You’ll need to read the book to find out!
Favorite quote: “Your schooling is your voice, child. It will be speaking for you even if you didn’t open your mouth to talk. It will be speaking till the day God is calling you come.”
NUGGET GAINED: Education is a gift that parts of our world don’t receive. Never stop learning!
Do you have any 5 star reads for 2020? If so, what are they…I’d like to know so I can check them out!
Careyloves 