Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this eARC of 'And So I Roar' by Abi Daré.

I feel like I missed something when I started this book. And I did. This is a unspoken about continuation of Abi Daré's famous 'The Girl With The Louding Voice' and although you definitely can read it without reading that book because I did, I definitely wish I had read the book first because I felt like I had missed something the whole way through. However, Daré's writing style is so beautiful and confident and outspoken that it was worth the large mass of confusion.

You can still appreciate this book even if you have not read The Girl with The Louding Voice, but I highly recommend reading it first to have a more impactful experience. Dare’s writing is distinct and authentic, and I enjoyed getting immersed in the lives of women in Nigeria and how the characters learn to fight for themselves.

This novel can be read as a stand alone story or as the "Further Adventures of Adunni" who featured in "The GIrl With the Louding Voice." In this continuation of the the story Adunni has runaway from the village, is enrolled in school and has found refuge in the home of a woman called Tia, in Lagos. Tia, has overheard a whispered conversation between her dying mother and her aunt and wants to find out what dark secrets her mother has with held from her. Tia finds herself conflicted when her own quest comes into conflict with her protection of Adunni as trouble from the village follows and threatens Adunni's new life. Adunni will need to make her voice not just loud but a roar this time.

This story kept me turning the pages, hoping that Tia and Adunni would have happy endings. It was interesting to read about life in Nigeria both in the city and contrastingly in villages for girls and learn how much misogyny, abuse and the horror of modern slavery still exists. Girls lives mean nothing. The women and girls are so resilient and courageous. Intersting, educational and heart wrenching.

I loved The Girl With The Louding Voice so I was really excited to read this book and see Tia's journey as she discovers family secrets and the danger / chance of redemption that lies ahead

This is a really interesting story about the African women who choose NOT to stay in their lane - for very good and often harrowing reasons.

In a follow up to her smash hit novel The Girl with the Louding Voice, Abi Dare gives us another memorable tale of family secrets, the lies we are told, and the principles we choose to stand up for. We also catch up with Adunni again.

Set in Nigeria, the book tells the story of an unforgettable set of characters. This one is worth your time.

I picked this up, based on the fact I'd really enjoyed the girl with the louding voice.
I hadn't realised that this, was in fact the further adventures of Adunni.
If you liked the last book, we've more of the same.
Absolute charm from Adunni, absolute horror at the situation she, and most of the young village girls find themselves in.
It's dark stuff.
Abi Darè has given this character an incredible voice, and she really does roar.