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March Group Read: The Girl With The Louding Voice
message 51:
by
Trudy
(new)
Mar 12, 2020 07:52AM
I keep waiting for the bomb to drop, even though I wish it wouldn’t. I know it must. SIGH!
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Trudy wrote: "Dosha (Bluestocking7) wrote: "Bernie wrote: "Only 1/3 of the month has gone by, so you’re good."I'm up to chapter 25 now. This book is perfect for whispersync. The part where Adunni is singing in..."
I'm almost afraid to keep reading; and I thought Morufo was bad, OMG Big Daddy is nasty. This is worse than being married and dealing with Labaka. I just wish that Kadijha had not had such a bad ending. It would have been good if she returned home with a baby - regardless of gender. I wonder how she found the time to get herself pregnant by another man. Now look at where poor Adunni is - stuck with Big Mama and Big Daddy. Big Daddy scares me more than Big Mama. She was sold into slavery, smh. Jungle justice is probably better, unless they kill her, than living in this house and hiding from both the Bigs. I am up to chapter 28 and yeah, a ball is surely getting ready to drop. I dread what is coming next even though I cannot put my finger on it. I was listening to the audio version when Big Daddy stopped Big Mama from kicking and slapping Adunni around. When he hugged her it felt like I was listening to porn. I'm going back to Beverly Jenkins for a little while.
Dosha (Bluestocking7) wrote: "Trudy wrote: "Dosha (Bluestocking7) wrote: "Bernie wrote: "Only 1/3 of the month has gone by, so you’re good."I'm up to chapter 25 now. This book is perfect for whispersync. The part where Adunni..."
Dosha , I know! I am so invested in Adunni that I sometimes need a rest from this book, too. This author does such a fabulous job in making me love Adunni and feel all of her pain. And yes, The Bigs are disgusting monsters!
BTW, did I say “drop the bomb “ instead up “drop the ball”? Senior moment, I think. LOL!
I honestly don’t know if it was ball or bomb, but I caught your inference, LOL.
I’m up to chapter 32, and have found the need for more and more emotional sanity breaks. It’s wonderful that along the way, Atunni has found good people to look out for her. At the same time, it is disturbing that she has quite a few, really hateful people in her life, that mean her no good.
Okay ladies, I have an issue and it is confusing me a lot. I was in college back in the 1970's. I know, I know. I'm an old lady, but I do remember some of those good ole days. One of the highlights and a pivotal point in my naive self learning to be more worldly was when one of my fellow Nigerian students, Kehinde, asked me to marry him. No we were not intimate, but he cooked for me and had me over to his house on occasions and yes, we were "seeing each other". I was the only one in class that could say his name; everyone else called him Candy. Oh please! We were the only two Black folks in that class. He made rice with peanut sauce on it just for me. No, I wasn't crazy about it but the sentiment was nice. Then the bomb fell: he said we needed to travel to England to ask his first wife for her permission. FIRST WIFE? Huh? I don't share, especially if I know I'm sharing! WTF? I was highly insulted!! Naturally I turned him down. Flat. I couldn't believe it. This was way before 2000. So why do I keep come upon references to polygamy beginning in 2000 in Nigeria. Was it happening and just illegal up till then? I'd always heard, after Kehinde's proposal, that a man could have as many wives as he could afford. So the references in Facts collums etc. are making me wonder if I'm losing my mind!! I cannot have not dreamed this up. Kehinde was fine too, smh.
The Nigerian book of facts is cracking me up.
Dosha (Bluestocking7) wrote: "Okay ladies, I have an issue and it is confusing me a lot. I was in college back in the 1970's. I know, I know. I'm an old lady, but I do remember some of those good ole days. One of the highlights..."I guess Kehinde could not wait until the laws of the land, caught up with his agenda. You’re right I always heard that African’s could have as many wives, as they could afford to take care of. But I guess it was their own made up law, instead of a government sanctioned one.
Wow, you missed out on your opportunity to be a second wife 😜😜😜😜🤪🤪🤪
Adunni is very smart and she is a survivor but there are times that her age shows and I say to myself she sure is stupid. I knew she would not be seeing any money from Iya’s brother, if that is her brother. Also, the girl really don’t know how to keep her mouth shut. I have to remember she is only a 14 year old sheltered child from a small village. Poor thing. My heart goes out to her.
Yeah, too bad huh? I could have died by the river.
Trudy wrote: "Dosha (Bluestocking7) wrote: "Bernie wrote: "Only 1/3 of the month has gone by, so you’re good."I'm up to chapter 25 now. This book is perfect for whispersync. The part where Adunni is singing in..."
Trudy wrote: "Dosha (Bluestocking7) wrote: "Bernie wrote: "Only 1/3 of the month has gone by, so you’re good."
I'm up to chapter 25 now. This book is perfect for whispersync. The part where Adunni is singing in..."
I only have to bind off on my knitted tee and I'll be finished. I can thank the audio version of this book for that. I had to stop and just log in to say that the end of Chapter 41, where Adunni (SPOILER ALERT) I don't knowing how to hiding the text so stop if you are not ending 41:
Tia asked her what did she want and she told her all of the wonderful things she wanted to do with her education which included going back home and teaching the other girls, for her mama not to be dead but with her education, when she grows old and dies, she will continue to live through the people she is helping. She wants to make Nigeria better for all girls.
How sweet is that. I felt like that is what her essay should be. Then when I hearding these words, I almost cried:
"I swim deep inside the river of my soul, find the key from where it is sitting, full of rust, at the bottom of the river, and open the lock. I kneel down beside my bed, close my eyes, turn myself into a cup and pour the memory out of me".
OMG, on the audio version, this tore at my heart. The beautiful way it was said made me wonder how anyone could not love such a beautifully pure hearted and sweet little girl. okay, back to my sweater. I just had to post that.
Dosha (Bluestocking7) wrote: "Trudy wrote: "Dosha (Bluestocking7) wrote: "Bernie wrote: "Only 1/3 of the month has gone by, so you’re good."I'm up to chapter 25 now. This book is perfect for whispersync. The part where Adunni..."
Dosha, here is an example of how you do the spoiler notation:
I am at 60% and I think the murderer is (view spoiler)
Dosha (Bluestocking7) wrote: "Okay ladies, I have an issue and it is confusing me a lot. I was in college back in the 1970's. I know, I know. I'm an old lady, but I do remember some of those good ole days. One of the highlights..."Your situation reminds me of an episode of Good Times, when Thelma lost her mind over this African man just to find out he was planning to make her the first of many wives. So, if it wasn’t technically legal, it was certainly acceptable and encouraged.
Dosha (Bluestocking7) wrote: "Trudy wrote: "Dosha (Bluestocking7) wrote: "Bernie wrote: "Only 1/3 of the month has gone by, so you’re good."I'm up to chapter 25 now. This book is perfect for whispersync. The part where Adunni..."
I agree, Dosha. When Adunni answered the question, “Why is it important to you?”, I reread her response several times. It was just beautiful!
I just finished chapter 45 and all I can say is WHAT THE HELL ! Break time.
Bernie wrote: "I just finished chapter 45 and all I can say is WHAT THE HELL ! Break time."
Yes, Bernie. That was unbelievable! Horrible! Shocking!
Well I guess that means I’m on my way to Chapter 45, LOL
***** QUESTIONS *****
6. Why do you think bathing is such an important symbol in Nigerian folklore and in the novel? Discuss the similarities and differences between the bath that Kadija believes will save her and her baby’s life, and the bath that Ms. Tia’s mother-in-law believes will help her get pregnant.
7. Adunni has dreamed of leaving Ikati and seeing “the big, shining city” of Lagos since she was young, though when she actually arrives it’s not under the circumstances she envisioned. How do you think her perception of the city changes once she is there? And how does her experience of Lagos relate to Big Madam’s or Ms. Tia’s? Compare and contrast the ways all three women view the city and experience the opportunities it offers.
8. Though they have dissimilar personalities, are not close in age, and have lived very different lives by the time they meet, Adunni and Ms. Tia have an instant connection that deepens over time. What do you think it is that drew each of them to the other? How do you think their friendship will evolve after the book is over? Will they continue to be friends even though their worlds seem incompatible?
9. What is the significance of the moment when Ms. Tia turns to look at Adunni right after the bath ceremony is over? Why do you think it affects Adunni so strongly?
10. After Ms. Tia’s bath, Adunni wants “to ask, to scream, why are the women in Nigeria seem to be suffering for everything more than the men?” What specific moments have brought her to this question? What do the events of the book reveal about cultural attitudes toward women?
11. Adunni remembers her mother saying, “Adunni, you must do good for other peoples, even if you are not well, even if the whole world around you is not well.” How do you think this factors into the choices she makes and her dreams for the future?
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Bernie wrote: "***** QUESTIONS *****1. What do you think Adunni’s comparison of her mother to a rose flower (“a yellow and red and purple rose with shining leafs”) symbolizes? She also remembers her mother hav..."
I get it now, she said her mother was not like a beautiful rose, but a wilted damaged one that was trampled under a man’s foot.
Yep, I’m rereading. Just started back at the beginning. LOL! I often do that with the books I really love when I’m not ready to let the characters go.Do you guys ever do that?
No I don’t really re read but I flip though it looking for favorite passages. Most easy to do with a traditional book.
Trudy wrote: "Yep, I’m rereading. Just started back at the beginning. LOL! I often do that with the books I really love when I’m not ready to let the characters go.Do you guys ever do that?"
If the book is really good, I will reread it sometime in the future or for a book club.
Dosha (Bluestocking7) wrote: "No I don’t really re read but I flip though it looking for favorite passages. Most easy to do with a traditional book."I think it’s easier with an ebook. You just go to your comments, and see everything you’ve highlighted.
Dosha (Bluestocking7) wrote: "No I don’t really re read but I flip though it looking for favorite passages. Most easy to do with a traditional book."I think it’s easier with an ebook. You just go to your comments, and see everything you’ve highlighted.
True, lol. And I have many highlights and comments. Did I happen to mention that my kindle died? The funeral is tomorrow. Seriously it died. The new one comes today.
I need a new phone, but I can’t live without my kindle.
Dosha (Bluestocking7) wrote: "True, lol. And I have many highlights and comments. Did I happen to mention that my kindle died? The funeral is tomorrow. Seriously it died. The new one comes today.
I need a new phone, but I c..."
Oh boy, that’s too bad. Which kindle did you buy ?
The waterproof paperwhite. I guess I’ll try to read while soaking in the tub. Just joking.
Dosha (Bluestocking7) wrote: "True, lol. And I have many highlights and comments. Did I happen to mention that my kindle died? The funeral is tomorrow. Seriously it died. The new one comes today.
I need a new phone, but I c..."
I had been reading on my phone and iPad for awhile. Then one day recently I pulled out my neglected kindle. Oh my, I had forgotten how much my eyes appreciated it. Also on kindle, I’m not distracted by Facebook, news feed, email, ect. Since she (my old kindle) was 10 years old, I updated to the new waterproof paper white. I named her “My Zen”. Dosha, I hope you enjoy yours. Did you name her/him?
You have inspired me. So now I’m going to name her Charity, which means Love. I do love them. When I’m traveling, I can take a whole slew of nooks with me. They are great for commuting on public transport for work too. This my third kindle. I go through them rather quickly I’m afraid. My last one was a paperwhite, it lasted at least five or six years so I guess that’s good.
You are absolutely right it is amazingly wonderful on the eyes without any distractions- just like reading a traditional book. Except when the battery goes low. I also love that I can look up words I don’t understand without going to the dictionary on my phone.
Dosha (Bluestocking7) wrote: "You have inspired me. So now I’m going to name her Charity, which means Love. I do love them. When I’m traveling, I can take a whole slew of nooks with me. They are great for commuting on public t..."
“Charity” is a great name! 💗
I just finished chapter 45! OMG!! I understand the need for a break.
Mod
I am so glad I have the audio. There is a lot of flavor in the different characters by this wonderful narrator. What a wonderful book to craft by. I live in Boston , MA and the governor put us in a state of emergency. Schools, theaters, liquor stores and restaurants are closed until April 7th. All of my doctor appointments have been rescheduled until further notice.
Thank God for crafting. I’ll be returning to a quilt I started a few years ago for the Deacon King Kong group read. I hope it is as good as this month’s group read. I’m actually completing my unfinished projects. Whoop whoop! I finished last summer’s knitted linen/silk tee shirt and I’m half way through a summer scarf that I started last fall.
It’s hard to do social distancing for many, but I’m an introvert anyway so it’s pretty easy.
***** QUESTIONS *****12. The first time Big Madam hears Adunni singing she slaps her and says, “This is not your village. Here we behave like sane people.” Later, when Adunni is comforting Big Madam after she has forced Big Daddy out of her house, Big Madam wants Adunni to sing to her. Discuss the significance of that moment. Why do you think Big Madam’s attitude toward Adunni’s singing has changed?
13. At first, knowing and reading English is a source of pride for Adunni. But later, she says, “English is only a language, like Yoruba and Igbo and Hausa. Nothing about it is so special, nothing about it makes anybody have sense.” What do you think she means by this?
14. How do you feel about the ending? Do you think it is a happy ending for Adunni? Despite the fact that she gets to follow her dream of returning to school, there are bittersweet moments, too --- she must contend with the fact that she’s left her family behind, her husband might have stopped supporting her family, and the mystery of what happened to Rebecca remains partially unsolved. How do you think these loose ends will affect Adunni as she grows into adulthood?
15. After embarking on this journey with Adunni, what does a “louding voice” mean to you and how does one achieve it? What sort of future do you imagine for Adunni?
************************
Bernie wrote: "***** QUESTIONS *****
6. Why do you think bathing is such an important symbol in Nigerian folklore and in the novel? Discuss the similarities and differences between the bath that Kadija believes..."
My Answers to questions 6-15 are as follows:
(view spoiler)
Dosha (Bluestocking7) wrote: "I am so glad I have the audio. There is a lot of flavor in the different characters by this wonderful narrator. What a wonderful book to craft by. I live in Boston , MA and the governor put us in..."
Dosha, I’m so happy for you that your crafting is giving so much distraction and peace. I’m glad I finished this book, which I loved. Now, however, I am so out of focus! I’ve started several books but my concentration is terrible. Of course, I realize this situation is not in our hands and we are all in this together. So, I will keep trying to find a book escape. 😊
Trudy, Hawaii Magic by Beverly Jenkins is a nice short lol somethin somethin to read while waiting for the end of the month.
Dosha (Bluestocking7) wrote: "Trudy, Hawaii Magic by Beverly Jenkins is a nice short lol somethin somethin to read while waiting for the end of the month."Thanks for the suggestion.
Well I just finished chapter 49. SMH.
12. Those were probably her best years, money and success doesn’t buy happiness and she needed Adunni to sing to bring that joy she had growing up. But also, initially, when she slapped her, she knew she didn’t have the strength to kick Big Daddy – yet, she wasn’t ready for the singing.13. I thought speaking English was a correlation to money and success but she realized that problems occur at those levels also.
14. I actually didn’t feel closure. She’s going to always be looking over her shoulder wondering if she’ll ever get found out about Rebecca. Her family not so much because her older brother will help provide but she’ll always have a soft spot for her younger brother that might affect her going forward. But, no matter how successful she becomes, she can never return home for fear of being accused of murder.
15. Louding Voice is a metaphor for speaking with power. She wants to teach and start a school and I believe she’s well on her way to getting there. There are a ton of villages she can go to and start fresh in Africa so I believe her destiny can be fulfilled.
Dosha where did you did audio fir Louding Voice?
Hi, I have an Audible subscription so I used a credit from them.
I am new to audio books, but learning to enjoy them
I love them. I can clean, cook, walk, craft and just sit quietly and listen to them all day; especially if the book is good and the narrator is strong.
Well you would love the audio version of McBride’s The Good Lord Bird. Have you read it?
I’m going back and forth using whispersync. It is this months group read. This book is quite something. At first I thought it was another silly one like the Good Lord Bird, but things seem to be getting more serious with the introduction and development of more of characters.
I did that wrong. I read the Good Lord Bird a good while ago. No audio. I responded to you regarding the current group read Deacon King Kong. Sorry about that
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Books mentioned in this topic
The Girl with the Louding Voice (other topics)The Girl with the Louding Voice (other topics)
Authors mentioned in this topic
Abi Daré (other topics)Abi Daré (other topics)
