The Girl with the Louding Voice

Flawlessly setting the stage for Abi Dar�'s award-winning novel, British narrator Adjoa Andoh presents 14-year-old Adunni, who is from Nigeria, with submissive and sad tones. Still grieving the loss of her mother, Adunni longs to complete her education and decide her own future, though countless obstacles impede her. Throughout the story, Andoh smoothly switches between distinctive characters as some unexpected friends help Adunni pursue her dream. Whether voicing Adunni's neglectful father, who marries her off for rent money, or Miss Tia, a caring woman who takes an interest in Adunni's education, Andoh imbues each character with distinct vocal traits. Audiobook listeners are sure to be drawn in by Andoh's expert narration as they journey alongside Adunni to find her "louding voice." V.T. � AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine

September 1, 2020

If reading various dialects on the page is at all challenging, allow Adjoa Andoh to immediately immerse you in the mellifluous Nigerian English patois Dar� infuses into her empowering debut novel. At 14, Adunni is denied the education she so longs for, and is sold by her father to become an abusive older man's third wife. Adunni survives because of the protective friendship of the second wife, but a horrific tragedy sends Adunni running to Lagos. She's tricked into indentured servitude in a wealthy home, where she literally steps into the left-behind shoes and uniform of her predecessor, who seemingly disappeared without warning. Despite her new mistress's relentless violence and the master's vulgar advances, Adunni finds unexpected friendships and, eventually, the "louding voice" she so desires. Chameleonic British actor Andoh prodigiously voices--sings, cries, chuckles--a myriad cast with convincing distinction. Adunni often can't get her thoughts out fast enough, her husband remains an ugly threat, the wealthy Lagos couple bounce between shrieking competition and wheedling sideshow, Miss Tia's posh British voice encourages. VERDICT Discerning readers should grab this fresh and exhilarating book in whichever medium proves most accessible.--Terry Hong, Smithsonian BookDragon, Washington, DC

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