And So I Roar: A Novel BY Abi Dare

In Abi Daré’s compelling new novel, The Louding Voice, a web of secrets and the fight for a better future intertwine in Nigeria. Tia, grappling with her mother’s terminal illness in Port Harcourt, accidentally overhears a conversation revealing a long-hidden family secret. This discovery propels her into a quest for the truth, complicating her already troubled life.

Back in Lagos, Adunni, a fourteen-year-old runaway from the rural village of Ikati, finds refuge with Tia. Having fled her village in search of a better life, Adunni is thrilled to finally attend school, a long-held dream of hers. Her excitement, however, is cut short when a distressing incident at Tia’s home marks the beginning of a harrowing ordeal.

Tia faces an agonizing decision: protect Adunni, who represents hope and change, or uncover the truth about her mother’s secret. As the situation intensifies, Adunni’s determination and her “louding voice” become crucial. She must advocate not only for herself but for the young women of Ikati, striving to transform their village into a place where girls can claim their futures and have their voices heard.

In a narrative filled with tension and heart, The Louding Voice explores themes of sacrifice, courage, and the power of education. Adunni’s journey symbolizes the struggle for empowerment and the relentless pursuit of dreams amidst adversity. Her success could reshape Ikati, offering a beacon of hope and change for future generations.