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In ‘The Girl With The Louding Voice’, the book ends with Adunni winning the scholarship and her dream of school seems close to fruition. 

In this triumphant book that breaks the curse of the sophomore novel, Adunni and Ms Tia are back. This story unfolds over the course of 24 hours, with Adunni being forced to return to her home village just hours before the new school year commences. 

As Adunni returns to Ikati, she meets other young women and girls who are similarly forced to account for the crimes: essentially being women and so forced to bear the brunt of society’s blame and anger. 

In a testament to the power of female friendship, we see the relationship between Adunni and Tia evolve, from saviour-rescuee to friends. Despite their differences, these two forge a friendship which sustains the other, providing comfort during some of the most difficult moments in their lives. 

In this novel, Tia is forced to confront her history and the estrangement from her family as a result. Adunni’s own complicated family relationships are brought to the fore. 

An additional layer is the climate crisis and the disproportionate ways in which women are affected.  This book offers a searing commentary on climate change and social injustices which arise. 

Abi Daré won the inaugural Climate fiction prize for her novel And So I Roar. 

Tackling themes of patriarchy, tragedy and justice, Abi Dare is at her best in this sophomore novel. 

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