And So I Roar is the sequel to The Girl with the Louding Voice and continues the story of Adunni, a young woman from a remote African village, as she navigates the challenges of patriarchal oppression and fights to be heard.
The story begins with Adunni being saved by Tia, who works in the house of the woman who is making Adunni work for nothing, treating her like a slave. Tia pulls Adunni out of this arrangement. Luckily Adunni secures a scholarship with an essay she wrote, to attend Ocean Oil Academy for Girls. As they shop for Adunni’s uniform, buying her books and getting her ready to start her education, we get to see small snippets of a book that Adunni is writing. She warms the reader’s heart when she mentions her love of books
When two men from Ikati accuse Adunni of killing her friend, Khadija, she decides that she must return to her home village to clear her name before she starts her education in Lagos.
And So I Roar is told in much the same style as the TV show, 24, which inspired Daré when writing this book. She creates tension well, including chapter headings like ‘18 hours till Midnight’, ‘17 hours till Midnight’ and eventually ‘Midnight’, before which the story culminates into a cascade of events.
This is a compelling and thought-provoking sequel that successfully amplifies the voice of a young woman fighting against the odds. Abi Daré’s skilful writing and deep empathy for her characters make this a must-read for anyone interested in powerful, socially relevant storytelling.
Reviewed by Irveen Kaur
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
I am living proof that dreams come true, and my journey from a frustrated aspiring novelist to becoming an international bestselling author and sought-after speaker has been nothing short of miraculous.
Translated into over 20 languages, and being taught in schools and institutions, this story continues to spark discussions and empower minds all over the world. But there’s more to me than writing books: I also find immense fulfilment in coaching busy professionals, in teaching and in giving back.
In 2023, I established the Louding Voice Educational and Empowerment Foundation in Nigeria, a nonprofit dedicated to providing scholarships to young girls in rural Nigeria.
You are welcome to my world of storytelling, empowerment, and transformation…whether you are an individual or organisation finding Louding Voiceⓡ, or seeking a compassionate but firm book coach, please feel free to reach out.
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