And So I Roar: A Novel By Abi Dare

In Abi Daré’s compelling new novel, A Louding Voice, the intertwining lives of two courageous women converge in a story of secrets, sacrifice, and self-discovery.

Tia, grappling with the imminent loss of her mother who is terminally ill in a hospital in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, inadvertently overhears a conversation that hints at a long-hidden family secret. This revelation drives Tia on a quest to uncover the truth behind her mother’s silence, a journey that brings her face-to-face with choices she never imagined.

Meanwhile, in Lagos, fourteen-year-old Adunni, a determined runaway from the rural village of Ikati, finds sanctuary in Tia’s guest room. After escaping a life of hardship, Adunni is thrilled to finally attend school, a long-held dream now within her grasp. Her excitement, however, is short-lived when a terrifying knocking at the gate heralds the start of a series of challenges.

As Tia navigates her desperate search for answers, she faces an agonizing decision: protect Adunni from the imminent threat or unearth the hidden truths about her own family. Adunni, meanwhile, must harness her “louding voice” to advocate for herself and the other young women in Ikati. Her courage and determination become crucial in striving to create a future where girls can pursue their dreams and be heard.

The Louding Voice weaves a powerful narrative about the transformative power of education, the strength found in speaking out, and the impact of standing up for oneself and others in the face of overwhelming odds.