I liked this, but I wasn't blown away. The author creates very vivid characters and used the foreign vernacular successfully enough that it planted me right into the setting. Although that vernacular was awkward to read at first, and I did wonder whether I could read an entire book of it, there was a rhythm I was able to pick up on. I think the author has a very strong message that wasn't necessarily successfully communicated through what was written. While I did get an understanding of the plight of Nigeria, and especially the women, I think I created a lot of the emotion that went with that myself as I read along, I didn't think it came through the writing. I also enjoyed the first half of the book much more than the second. There felt like so much more emotion was put into the beginning and the second half was maybe rushed. Overall though, this was an interesting read and with all the really great reviews I would recommend it.

[4,5/5 stars]

THE GIRL WITH THE LOUDING VOICE centers around the life of Adunni - a fourteen-year-old Nigerian girl who doesn't want to follow the destiny of all the Nigerian girls and desires to choose her own future.

The first chapter already had me infuriated! I found myself helpless in front of the cultural imposition - Abi Dare does a fantastic job tackling issues of sexism, marriage, parenting, futility, negativity of a patriarchal society and women's inequality. Having read a great amount of stories in which women are culturally less worthy, I still found it unbelievable how women are regarded as meaningless, when they don't have voice for marriage or anything that we consider fundamental. I was totally invested in the story and the slangs made it even more authentic.

The characters were developed in complexity and I felt connected with them. I personally loved Adunni - she was an image of a girl with dreams, being innocent and at the same time, having a good notion of the "dangers" surrounding her. Her curious nature had me thinking of the fact that people shouldn't just accept their realities and live with it. I enjoyed how the characters were down-to-earth and sympathized with the sisterhood between Adunni and Khadija. Also, how inspiring and impactful was the figure of Tia and Kofi in Adunni's life.

The facts about Nigeria in each chapter were utterly interesting - it shows that Nigeria is a wealthy country while having so much poverty and inequality. I devoured this book yet I didn't want it to end. I only wished there was more about the characters' future in the end.

Through stunning writing, THE GIRL WITH THE LOUDING VOICE is a powerful and eye-opening debut that I can't recommend enough! It reminded me a bit of "A thousand splendid suns" which I loved.

Stunning debut novel.I truly hope it wins an award.
This is the story of Adunni a young Nigerian girl.Her life is full of hardships starting with her mother dying and her father selling her off to be a third wife to a man who is desperate to have a son.
She runs away and ends up as a maid in a wealthy Nigerian home.The hardships she endures and the way she overcame obstacles is the bulk of this book.You cry with her and laugh with her in a few brief funny moments.
Very well written,this book sucks you in and suddenly you realize you have tears in your eyes!
Thankyou Netgalley for this ARC