TEHRAN-A Persian translation of Nigerian author Abi Daré’s book “The Girl with the Louding Voice” has recently been published by Anapana Publications in Tehran.

Pari Yazdi is the translator of the book first released in 2020.

"The Girl with the Louding Voice" marks the debut of Nigerian author Abi Daré. This coming-of-age novel centers around a teenage girl named Adunni, who grapples with a myriad of challenges including limited education, pervasive poverty, and a profound struggle to assert her own voice. Her journey is a poignant reflection of the struggles faced by many girls in Nigeria and beyond.

Abi Daré conceived the idea for "The Girl with the Louding Voice" after reading a news article about a young house help who suffered at the hands of her employer. Influenced by her own experiences living in rural Nigeria and inspired by her daughters, Daré spent three years crafting this powerful narrative. In her writing, she chose to employ non-standard English and incorporate elements of Pidgin English to reflect the authenticity of her characters’ voices. Daré firmly believes that proficiency in standard English does not equate to intelligence, a theme that resonates throughout the novel.

The plot follows Adunni, a 14-year-old girl from a struggling family in a small town near Lagos. Despite her dreams of pursuing an education, financial constraints hold her back. Her life takes a dark turn when her father arranges for her to marry Morufu, her third husband, to relieve the family’s financial burdens. This ill-fated union subjects her to repeated rape, forcing her to flee to Lagos. Here, she finds work with Big Madam, who exploits her labor and subjects her to further abuse. Nevertheless, Adunni's unwavering determination to receive an education fuels her resolve, as she understands that knowledge is her key to liberation from oppression.

"The Girl with the Louding Voice" tackles critical themes such as the empowerment of women, the quest for personal agency, and the pursuit of dreams despite societal and familial barriers. Adunni’s struggles highlight the harsh realities of sexism, poverty, child labor, and child marriage in Nigeria. The narrative serves as a stark reminder of the systemic challenges women face in their pursuit of education and self-advocacy.

The novel garnered widespread acclaim, quickly ascending to the New York Times Bestseller list and earning its place as a 'Read with Jenna' pick and a BBC Radio 4 Book at Bedtime selection. It has been lauded by multiple media outlets, including The New York Times and Vogue, for its compelling storytelling and heartfelt message. With positive reviews from literary critics, Book Marks rates it based on several reviews, noting a strong reception overall. Furthermore, it received a 3.89 rating from Books in the Media, based on aggregated critic assessments.

Published by Sceptre, an imprint of Hodder, "The Girl with the Louding Voice" was shortlisted for the Desmond Elliott Prize, recognizing the promise of its debut author. Kirkus Reviews awarded it a starred review, describing it as "heartbreaking and inspiring." Through Adunni’s story, Abi Daré sheds light on the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of education, making a significant contribution to contemporary literature and discourse surrounding women's rights.

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