The Importance of (Self-) Representation: Adunni’s Herstory in Abi Daré’s The Girl with the Louding Voice (2020)

Abstract

This article underscores the significance of herstories—narratives by and about women—in challenging patriarchal interpretations of history and giving voice to women’s diverse experiences. Contemporary Nigerian female writers advance this endeavor by engaging with the nation’s history, politics, and identity from a gendered perspective. Their works critically examine traditional female roles centered on motherhood and marriage while portraying protagonists who defy patriarchal structures. The analysis focuses on The Girl with the Louding Voice (2020) by Abi Daré, which follows a teenage Nigerian girl from a poor background as she strives to escape societal expectations of marriage and submission. Her unwavering pursuit of education and “louding voice” redefine traditional representations of African womanhood. Therefore, the novel is a powerful example of how the alluded Nigerian authors reshape female identity and agency in literature, offering alternative and empowering narratives that counter stereotypical portrayals of African women, particularly those in rural communities.