International bestselling author Abi Daré shares the journey behind her standout novel, The Girl with the Louding Voice, revealing how her work is empowering Nigerian women and reshaping contemporary literature.
Celebrated Nigerian contemporary author and New York Times bestseller Abi Daré has captured global attention with The Girl with the Louding Voice. Her powerful narrative shines a light on the resilience and determination of Nigerian women.
In this Guardian Life spotlight, Abi Daré discusses her inspiration, creative processes, and the recognition her work has garnered. Her unique voice not only challenges stereotypes but also inspires future generations to embrace their power and tell their own stories.
With accolades from across the literary world, Abi Dare’s journey is a prime example of the transformative power of storytelling in advancing gender equity and social change.
What inspired you to write this book, and what message or experience do you hope readers take away from it?
The inspiration for The Girl with the Louding Voice came from a conversation I had with my daughter about how easily we take education for granted. That got me thinking about the millions of girls around the world, especially in Nigeria, who don’t have the same opportunities.
I wanted to write a story that would not only highlight the challenges these girls face but also show their strength, resilience, and the power of their voices. My hope is that readers walk away feeling inspired by Adunni and understanding how important it is to uplift and support those who are fighting for their right to learn and dream.
Can you walk us through your creative process for this book? How did you go from the initial idea to the final draft?
I started writing The Girl with the Louding Voice as part of my master’s degree in creative writing. Initially, it was meant to be a short dissertation, but Adunni’s voice wouldn’t leave me. I knew I had to tell her full story.
Research was a big part of the process. I read reports, watched documentaries, and spoke to people who had experienced similar challenges. Writing in Adunni’s voice, with her unique way of speaking English, was an intentional choice to make her story feel as raw and real as possible. The book went through many drafts and revisions before it finally became the novel it is today.
Is there a particular character, scene, or theme in the book that’s especially close to your heart?
Why? Adunni is very close to my heart. Her courage, hope, and determination remind me of so many young girls I have met and read about. The theme of using one’s voice, even in the face of adversity, is something I strongly believe in. There’s also a scene in the book where Adunni hears her own voice recorded for the first time. That moment is powerful for me because it symbolises her growing awareness of her own strength.
Were there any challenges or surprising moments during the writing or publishing process?
Writing in Adunni’s voice was both a challenge and a risk. I worried that readers might struggle with her way of speaking, but I also knew that staying true to her voice was essential. I was pleasantly surprised by how much readers connected with it. The publishing journey itself was a learning curve. From navigating edits to waiting for feedback, it required patience and trust in the process. Seeing the book finally come to life was an incredible feeling.
How do you think this book differs from your previous works, if applicable? What did you want to explore or do differently?
Writing this book pushed me to be bolder with my storytelling. I wanted to explore the realities of gender inequality and education in a way that felt personal and immersive. It was important to me that readers not just understand Adunni’s world but feel like they were living it with her.
What motivated you to become a writer, and how has your journey as an author evolved over the years?
I have always loved telling stories. Growing up in Lagos, I wrote letters, kept journals, and created little stories for fun. But I never really believed I could be a traditionally and successfully published author until much later. Winning the Bath Novel Award was a huge turning point. It gave me the push I needed to put my work out into the world.
What does a typical writing day look like for you? Do you have any habits, rituals, or routines that help spark creativity?
I write as often as I can, usually early in the morning or late at night when things are quiet. Reading books, listening to music, and sometimes just sitting in silence help me get into a creative headspace. I also find that taking long walks clears my mind and helps me think through story ideas.
Who are the authors or books that have influenced you the most, either personally or professionally?
As a child, I devoured Enid Blyton’s adventure stories. They made me fall in love with reading. As I got older, books like A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini deeply influenced me and showed me how storytelling can be both powerful and profoundly moving.
How do you see the role of literature in today’s world, especially with the rapid rise of digital media?
Literature remains as important as ever. It allows us to step into different worlds, experience different lives, and build empathy. Digital media has changed the way we consume stories, but the essence of storytelling remains the same. Books offer depth and reflection that quick online content often doesn’t. They remind us to slow down and truly engage with ideas and emotions.
What book(s) are you currently reading, and what would you recommend to our readers?
I’m currently reading Lola Akinmade’s Bitter Honey, which is a beautiful read. I would always recommend Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi. It’s a beautifully written book that spans generations and explores themes of identity, heritage, and history. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a story that stays with you long after you’ve finished reading.
Take us back to the excitement of publishing The Girl with the Louding Voice. What has been the most exciting or surprising part of that experience?
The most exciting part was seeing how much Adunni’s story resonated with people worldwide. I received messages from readers who connected with her journey in ways I never imagined. It is also surreal to see the book taught in schools. The entire experience has been beyond anything I could have dreamed and I thank God for everything.
Looking back on your career, what’s one piece of advice you’d give your younger self as a writer?
I would tell my younger self to write boldly and trust her voice and her God. For a long time, I doubted whether my stories were worth telling. I would remind her that every story has a place in the world and that persistence is key.
With the widespread success of The Girl with the Louding Voice and And So I Roar, we are so stoked that you’re keen to make a bigger impact with The Louding Voice Foundation. Please share with us some of your plans and ambitions for the foundation.
If someone had told me a few years ago that writing a novel would lead to starting a foundation, I would have laughed and changed the subject. But here I am, and I couldn’t be more committed to it.
The Louding Voice Educational and Empowerment Foundation is focused on helping young girls in rural Nigeria get access to education. We provide scholarships, mentorship, and support to help them stay in school and build a better future.
The vision is to grow the foundation to reach more girls and create a real, lasting impact. It’s not always easy. There are challenges, but every time I hear about a girl whose life has changed because of education, it reminds me why this work matters so much.
I’m incredibly grateful for everyone who has supported this journey so far, and I’m excited about what’s to come.
Abi Dare’s recommendations
Bitter Honey by Lola Akinmade
Bitter Honey spans four decades and three continents, following Nancy and her daughter Tina as they navigate secrets and identity. In 1978, Nancy’s move from Gambia to Sweden and a dangerous romance set her on an unexpected path, while 2006 sees Tina struggling to uncover her true self and family secrets.
Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
Homegoing follows two half-sisters on the Gold Coast of Ghana whose divergent destinies—one married to a British governor involved in the slave trade, the other captured and enslaved—shape seven generations of a family split between Africa and America, forever linked by a curse made on the day Effia was born.
Books by Abi Dare
The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Daré
A 2020 coming-of-age novel and Daré’s debut novel, The Girl with the Louding Voice tells the story of a teenage Nigerian girl called Adunni who becomes a maid and struggles with many things growing up, including her limited education, poverty, and her inability to speak up for herself.
And So I Roar by Abi Daré
Plucky fourteen-year-old Adunni is in Lagos, excited to finally enrol in school. Having escaped her rural village in a desperate bid to seek a better future, she’s found refuge with Tia, a kind and brilliant woman on her own troubled journey of self-discovery.
Get a copy of The Girl with the Louding Voice at Roving Heights bookstores nationwide.
