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Even When Your Voice Shakes
A young woman speaks out against her wealthy abuser in this riveting YA novel from one of Ghana’s most celebrated children’s book authors.
When Amerley is offered a job working for one of her mother’s old school friends, she knows she has to accept. Her wages will feed her family, help her sisters stay in school, and ensure that her mother won’t have to worry about them. Amerley’s move to Accra isn’t easy, but she soon settles into her new life away from her small village - until she is raped by the son of her employer. Torn between keeping quiet to keep her job and speaking up for herself and for justice, Amerley must decide how to live her truth, and the impact of her choice will be felt through her entire community.
Through the life of an ordinary girl from a small country village, Even When Your Voice Shakes exposes the damage wrought by institutionalized misogyny and poverty and reveals how even those who are most disadvantaged are never without their own power.
When Amerley is offered a job working for one of her mother’s old school friends, she knows she has to accept. Her wages will feed her family, help her sisters stay in school, and ensure that her mother won’t have to worry about them. Amerley’s move to Accra isn’t easy, but she soon settles into her new life away from her small village - until she is raped by the son of her employer. Torn between keeping quiet to keep her job and speaking up for herself and for justice, Amerley must decide how to live her truth, and the impact of her choice will be felt through her entire community.
Through the life of an ordinary girl from a small country village, Even When Your Voice Shakes exposes the damage wrought by institutionalized misogyny and poverty and reveals how even those who are most disadvantaged are never without their own power.
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First published February 15, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
March 7, 2022
I really enjoyed reading this book. The book’s message is vital for everyone, especially girls and women.
Amerley grew up in poverty. He father was a deadbeat who abandoned his family. Her mother, was depressed and stopped working. This left teenaged Amerley to care for her mother, her three younger sisters, and herself. So, when she was presented with an opportunity to work for a rich relative, she really had no choice.
Although I liked the book, I feel like the main point was glossed over. I'm glad that the author didn't spend too much time on the rape scene, we didn't need any gory details. I think the aftermath of Amerley’s rape could've used some extra attention. This was the most important part of the book, at least it should have been.
There were only a few chapters between the rape and the end of the book. We never get to see Amerley cope with what happened and come to terms with it. Her case had a huge impact on the community but we didn’t get to experience any of it. I think the book would've been more powerful if this part had been fleshed out more.
Full review to come on my blog.
I received this ARC via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
Amerley grew up in poverty. He father was a deadbeat who abandoned his family. Her mother, was depressed and stopped working. This left teenaged Amerley to care for her mother, her three younger sisters, and herself. So, when she was presented with an opportunity to work for a rich relative, she really had no choice.
Although I liked the book, I feel like the main point was glossed over. I'm glad that the author didn't spend too much time on the rape scene, we didn't need any gory details. I think the aftermath of Amerley’s rape could've used some extra attention. This was the most important part of the book, at least it should have been.
There were only a few chapters between the rape and the end of the book. We never get to see Amerley cope with what happened and come to terms with it. Her case had a huge impact on the community but we didn’t get to experience any of it. I think the book would've been more powerful if this part had been fleshed out more.
Full review to come on my blog.
I received this ARC via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
March 17, 2022
The first 80% of this book would've probably been a 3.5 stars... and that's exactly the problem. A quick read about class and the conflict between family need and personal wants, that would've been interesting. But the last 20% of the book is about a violent rape and assault. That really shouldn't be the sort of thing that makes it into the book as an afterthought. It also shouldn't be mentioned in the summary if it happens with 20% of the book left, and the last chapter shouldn't be all about how the main character learned and grew and found her voice when she is shown doing literally none of those things.
The first 80% was an exploration of pretty universal themes (how poverty forces children to take on adult roles in the family, a sibling going away to support the others, getting caught up between cultures and feeling like an outsider...) yet with specific details to feel uniquely Ghanaian. Usually I dislike passive narrators but in this case, a short and quick read, it would've been fine.
Then... the last 20%. It wants to be the heart of the book but the truth is the aftermath is barely addressed and Amerley herself does nearly nothing. It really took something away from the book. Yes, books about sexual assault are important, especially those that investigate how class and power dynamics matter. But that doesn't mean this book is any good just because it touches on important themes.
The first 80% was an exploration of pretty universal themes (how poverty forces children to take on adult roles in the family, a sibling going away to support the others, getting caught up between cultures and feeling like an outsider...) yet with specific details to feel uniquely Ghanaian. Usually I dislike passive narrators but in this case, a short and quick read, it would've been fine.
Then... the last 20%. It wants to be the heart of the book but the truth is the aftermath is barely addressed and Amerley herself does nearly nothing. It really took something away from the book. Yes, books about sexual assault are important, especially those that investigate how class and power dynamics matter. But that doesn't mean this book is any good just because it touches on important themes.
February 8, 2022
It was a good book, but I feel like it ended pretty abruptly.
It was a little fast, especially for the excellent build-up that makes up the first 80% of the book.
It was a little fast, especially for the excellent build-up that makes up the first 80% of the book.
October 23, 2022
I am still marinating over the last few chapters of the book. I am trying to make out my exact emotions over what happened to the protagonist, and more importantly, how it was all concluded I felt that some information was missing.
The pace really picked up quickly and a lot was happening really fast. This story is a reality for many African girls, so I will remain sensitive to its reality. In the same breath I wish we as readers experienced the reality of the drama between victim and perpetrators. It felt rushed, almost in an attempt to just finish the book, instead of peeling open the truth of the actual struggle to get justice.
The pace really picked up quickly and a lot was happening really fast. This story is a reality for many African girls, so I will remain sensitive to its reality. In the same breath I wish we as readers experienced the reality of the drama between victim and perpetrators. It felt rushed, almost in an attempt to just finish the book, instead of peeling open the truth of the actual struggle to get justice.
June 24, 2023
This book was really good and had such an important message. I rarely say this but I think it could have used an extra 50-100 pages! There wasn’t many chapters after her assault but I think that was the most important part of the book. I would have liked to see more about her life afterwards and what led her to apply to law school. What it was like being home and how she got support. I really enjoyed the book though, the writing was captivating and overall the story was moving.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 31, 2024
I enjoyed the potential of the storyline, but I felt that the author rushed through the writing process. The story had potential, but it needed more development. It ended too abruptly, missing out on the opportunity to add depth and complexity. It almost felt more like an essay or a short story rather than a full-fledged book. To me, the book lacked essential elements that could have taken it to the next level.
June 10, 2023
The books ending just left me feeling aggrieved.
I wanted General to suffer a demise that was forthcoming for all of his pestilential predatory behaviors.
4//5stars; reduced a star because Amerley deserved greater
I wanted General to suffer a demise that was forthcoming for all of his pestilential predatory behaviors.
4//5stars; reduced a star because Amerley deserved greater
August 13, 2022
Am I trippin or was the story line very similar to “The Girl with the Louding Voice” ?!?!
April 21, 2023
Nice 3.5🌟
April 17, 2023
YA novel dealing with issues like postpartum depression, poverty and rape. A story about Amerley’s fight for justice and a voice.
It was an easy read despite the themes, I however wish more time was spent dealing with the aftermath of the rape. The end felt rushed to me.
It was an easy read despite the themes, I however wish more time was spent dealing with the aftermath of the rape. The end felt rushed to me.
May 25, 2022
A must read. Absolutely wonderful book.
June 16, 2023
such a strong read with a powerful message! I just wish the ending was longer, it was super sudden.
May 1, 2024
Summary: "Even When Your Voice Shakes" by Ruby Yayra Goka is a powerful and poignant novel that explores themes of trauma, resilience, and empowerment. The story follows a young girl's journey as she navigates the aftermath of sexual assault and finds the courage to speak out against her perpetrators.
Review: This book is a must-read! It's an educative and culturally enriching experience that sheds light on the importance of speaking truth to power. Goka's writing is masterful, weaving together a narrative that is both heart-wrenching and hopeful. The book is a testament to the strength and resilience of girls and women who have faced unimaginable trauma, and a powerful call to action for those who have been silenced. It's a vital read for anyone who wants to understand the impact of sexual violence and the power of speaking out.
Review: This book is a must-read! It's an educative and culturally enriching experience that sheds light on the importance of speaking truth to power. Goka's writing is masterful, weaving together a narrative that is both heart-wrenching and hopeful. The book is a testament to the strength and resilience of girls and women who have faced unimaginable trauma, and a powerful call to action for those who have been silenced. It's a vital read for anyone who wants to understand the impact of sexual violence and the power of speaking out.
February 8, 2025
Good story but ya written
June 21, 2025
Good. The rape and after math is a proportionately small portion of the story. The author is from Ghana so I assume the “day in a life” type items are accurate. I am so grateful for my life and authors from other places and cultures that share theirs with us. Let us use our privilege to lift others.
March 31, 2022
When Amerley is offered a job working for one of her mother’s old school friends, she knows she has to accept. Her wages will feed her family, help her sisters stay in school, and ensure that her mother won’t have to worry about them. Amerley’s move to Accra isn’t easy, but she soon settles into her new life away from her small village—until she is raped by the son of her employer. Torn between keeping quiet to keep her job and speaking up for herself and for justice, Amerley must decide how to live her truth, and the impact of her choice will be felt through her entire community. Through the life of an ordinary girl from a small country village, Even When Your Voice Shakes exposes the damage wrought by institutionalized misogyny and poverty and reveals how even those who are most disadvantaged are never without their own power.
Although I like the premise of the story, I believe the set up could’ve been different. Most of the book focuses on universal themes such as poverty, siblings supporting siblings at a young age, children who have to grow up quickly, etc. Yes, those are themes that are important. However, when there’s a violet rape and assault in the very last part of the book, you wonder if that’s a situation where it’s suppose to be an afterthought or glossed over by readers because where it appears in the book. If a violent rape and assault was going to occur, and even though I don’t necessarily don’t like to read about one, I think it would’ve done justice in the beginning or middle of the story. From there, we would not only be able to see how Amerley copes with that emotional and mental scar over a longer period of time, but how she copes while working to provide for her family. I think we would have saw more growth and development in her character going in that direction.
Thank you NetGalley and Norton Young Readers for the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Although I like the premise of the story, I believe the set up could’ve been different. Most of the book focuses on universal themes such as poverty, siblings supporting siblings at a young age, children who have to grow up quickly, etc. Yes, those are themes that are important. However, when there’s a violet rape and assault in the very last part of the book, you wonder if that’s a situation where it’s suppose to be an afterthought or glossed over by readers because where it appears in the book. If a violent rape and assault was going to occur, and even though I don’t necessarily don’t like to read about one, I think it would’ve done justice in the beginning or middle of the story. From there, we would not only be able to see how Amerley copes with that emotional and mental scar over a longer period of time, but how she copes while working to provide for her family. I think we would have saw more growth and development in her character going in that direction.
Thank you NetGalley and Norton Young Readers for the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
May 11, 2022
“I, Naa Amerley Armateifio, have decided to speak the truth, even when my voice shakes.” (221)
Amerley is the oldest of four daughters growing up in a poor neighborhood on the outskirts of Accra.
Since her father left her mother after the stillborn birth of a fifth daughter, Amerley’s mother has been in a near catatonic state. Postpartum depression has kept her bedridden and unable to work. Amerley, who dropped out of school in her first year of high school, has been trying to make ends meet with little sewing jobs here and there but it’s hard. Her sisters need to pay their school fees. The rent is overdue.
When an old friend, Rosina, comes to visit Amerley’s mother and offers Amerley a job as a maid in her home for an exorbitant amount of money, Amerley had no choice but to accept. Her sisters can go to school. They’ll have food. Amerley can save up for a sewing machine. Maybe she can go to fashion school one day. Rosina promised she could — after two years of work.
When she moves into Rosina’s wealthy home, everything seems fine. It’s grueling work but doable. More days off would be nice. A contract would be nice. But, it pays the bills. Amerley makes friends with the other maids. She’s friendly with Rosina’s older son, Zaed.
General, the stepbrother, is not so kind. He gets off on messing things up and causing general chaos. He harasses the maids, messes up Rosina’s beautiful house.
One night, General gets Amerley drunk and raped her while Zaed watches and dies nothing. It destroys Amerley. She can barely speak, barely make what happened to her. She knows people will blame her. She’s just a poor girl who got drunk with two young boys — what did she think would happen. Who would believe her?
More, she needs this job to help her family. They depend on the money she makes. What will happen to them if she speaks up?
Amerley must make a choice: forget or tell the truth — even if her voice shakes.
This is a deeply moving story about one young woman’s survival in the face of overwhelming circumstances. She’s the victim of so much cruelty — extreme poverty, an abusive home, an oppressive society, lasting colonial influence. Everything is stacked against her. I think this story demonstrates that in excruciating detail.
What I appreciate about this story is how it doesn’t shy away from capturing reality. This story feels authentic because it is. This is the reality for so many young women like Amerley. It’s hard to speak truth to power; hard to speak truth to yourself. You need to feel you have a voice to use it.
Highly recommend this book! It’s hard to read at parts. Triggers warnings for sexual assault, violence (physical, institutional, mental, emotional). It’s an intense book but an important one.
Amerley is the oldest of four daughters growing up in a poor neighborhood on the outskirts of Accra.
Since her father left her mother after the stillborn birth of a fifth daughter, Amerley’s mother has been in a near catatonic state. Postpartum depression has kept her bedridden and unable to work. Amerley, who dropped out of school in her first year of high school, has been trying to make ends meet with little sewing jobs here and there but it’s hard. Her sisters need to pay their school fees. The rent is overdue.
When an old friend, Rosina, comes to visit Amerley’s mother and offers Amerley a job as a maid in her home for an exorbitant amount of money, Amerley had no choice but to accept. Her sisters can go to school. They’ll have food. Amerley can save up for a sewing machine. Maybe she can go to fashion school one day. Rosina promised she could — after two years of work.
When she moves into Rosina’s wealthy home, everything seems fine. It’s grueling work but doable. More days off would be nice. A contract would be nice. But, it pays the bills. Amerley makes friends with the other maids. She’s friendly with Rosina’s older son, Zaed.
General, the stepbrother, is not so kind. He gets off on messing things up and causing general chaos. He harasses the maids, messes up Rosina’s beautiful house.
One night, General gets Amerley drunk and raped her while Zaed watches and dies nothing. It destroys Amerley. She can barely speak, barely make what happened to her. She knows people will blame her. She’s just a poor girl who got drunk with two young boys — what did she think would happen. Who would believe her?
More, she needs this job to help her family. They depend on the money she makes. What will happen to them if she speaks up?
Amerley must make a choice: forget or tell the truth — even if her voice shakes.
This is a deeply moving story about one young woman’s survival in the face of overwhelming circumstances. She’s the victim of so much cruelty — extreme poverty, an abusive home, an oppressive society, lasting colonial influence. Everything is stacked against her. I think this story demonstrates that in excruciating detail.
What I appreciate about this story is how it doesn’t shy away from capturing reality. This story feels authentic because it is. This is the reality for so many young women like Amerley. It’s hard to speak truth to power; hard to speak truth to yourself. You need to feel you have a voice to use it.
Highly recommend this book! It’s hard to read at parts. Triggers warnings for sexual assault, violence (physical, institutional, mental, emotional). It’s an intense book but an important one.
January 3, 2023
This book tells the story of teenager, Amerley, the eldest of 4 siblings living in Ghana and trying to provide for her family. Her father has abandoned them and her mother is battling depression, causing Amerley to need to drop out of school, take in community alterations by hand, and constantly try to make ends meet for her family. When a distant relative makes an arrangement with her mother to help pay for school fees and living expenses for her sisters and pay for fashion school for Amerley, it is a hard deal to pass up. Amerley will have to move away for two years and work as a servant, after the two years is complete her tuition for fashion school will be paid in full and she will have the opportunity to make a living and provide for her family in the future. Amerley doesn't want to leave home and worries about both her family and leaving her boyfriend behind, but eventually agrees that it is what is best for everyone. Life isn't easy at the house she now lives and works at, but it isn't horrible either, at least at first. She and another servant begin altering clothes and Amerley is asked to help babysit another woman's baby part time so she is able to save up a bit of pocket change and buy her own sewing machine. The lady of the house, Rosina, and her children also give all of their unwanted clothes and other personal items to the servants, so Amerley is able to give her siblings and mom new clothes and other gifts. When she goes back to visit home her friends and family think she has changed, but Amerley feels the same as before she left, until a terrible incident occurs one evening that changes Amerley's life forever.
I enjoyed this book, it was well written and a fairly quick read. It reads like a memoir, which is a genre I love, but it is actually a fiction story. I really liked that the author was a young woman from Ghana. Accord books apparently works with authors across Africa to help them write, publish and distribute their works, that was a really great thing to hear. I would definitely recommend this book to YA fans looking for a diverse story to read by an OwnVoices author. I definitely want to see what the author and other Accord book authors publish in the future! Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher, Norton Young Readers for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book!
CW: There are some difficult parts, especially later in the book surrounding rape and societies views of victims of rape. The main character, Amerley, explains the views from her village around rape, which include victim blaming.
I enjoyed this book, it was well written and a fairly quick read. It reads like a memoir, which is a genre I love, but it is actually a fiction story. I really liked that the author was a young woman from Ghana. Accord books apparently works with authors across Africa to help them write, publish and distribute their works, that was a really great thing to hear. I would definitely recommend this book to YA fans looking for a diverse story to read by an OwnVoices author. I definitely want to see what the author and other Accord book authors publish in the future! Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher, Norton Young Readers for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book!
CW: There are some difficult parts, especially later in the book surrounding rape and societies views of victims of rape. The main character, Amerley, explains the views from her village around rape, which include victim blaming.
February 4, 2022
First impressions: her writing style reminds me of Nicole Dennis-Benn’s book Here Comes The Sun. I really enjoyed it.
Tw: Sexual Assault/Rape/ Violence
This is a story about Ghanian teenager, Amerley who is left to take care of herself, her mother and 3 sisters after her mother has a miscarriage with another daughter. Their father, upset about not having a son, leaves them to fend for themselves despite him being only breadwinner. Goka writes a captivating character with Amerley; who does everything in her power to keep her family fed and housed and her sisters in school. A rich distant relative pays their growing debt in exchange for Amerely working as a house help for 2 years. Even though it's a lot of strenuous cleaning work and everyone isn't the nicest, she has a successful side business fixing clothes and ends up enjoying living adjacent to wealth; where she had her own comfy bed, hand me downs of fancy clothes & left over food from meals. Things were going relatively well until Amerley is raped by one of the boys living with the family. The scene is not graphic or detailed at all which I did appreciate. She wrestles with whether she should tell anyone until he beats her up so brutally she has no choice. The rich family tries to keep her quiet and avoid going to the hospital but she learns her rights from a neighbor lawyer. After Amerely spoke her truth as a survivor other girls all over Ghana began to do the same. This story ends shortly after with an epilogue 8 years into the future with Amerely applying to law school to help other survivors like she was helped. I wish the emotional turmoil and aftermath of the rape was dealt with more as the story ends very shortly after. However I loved reading this book and watching Amerley grow into herself.
This book can be used as an introduction to the #MeToo movement
And how difficult it can be for survivors to come forward
As well pointing out the damaging stereotypes people all over the world have with rape (i.e blaiming the victim)
Tw: Sexual Assault/Rape/ Violence
This is a story about Ghanian teenager, Amerley who is left to take care of herself, her mother and 3 sisters after her mother has a miscarriage with another daughter. Their father, upset about not having a son, leaves them to fend for themselves despite him being only breadwinner. Goka writes a captivating character with Amerley; who does everything in her power to keep her family fed and housed and her sisters in school. A rich distant relative pays their growing debt in exchange for Amerely working as a house help for 2 years. Even though it's a lot of strenuous cleaning work and everyone isn't the nicest, she has a successful side business fixing clothes and ends up enjoying living adjacent to wealth; where she had her own comfy bed, hand me downs of fancy clothes & left over food from meals. Things were going relatively well until Amerley is raped by one of the boys living with the family. The scene is not graphic or detailed at all which I did appreciate. She wrestles with whether she should tell anyone until he beats her up so brutally she has no choice. The rich family tries to keep her quiet and avoid going to the hospital but she learns her rights from a neighbor lawyer. After Amerely spoke her truth as a survivor other girls all over Ghana began to do the same. This story ends shortly after with an epilogue 8 years into the future with Amerely applying to law school to help other survivors like she was helped. I wish the emotional turmoil and aftermath of the rape was dealt with more as the story ends very shortly after. However I loved reading this book and watching Amerley grow into herself.
This book can be used as an introduction to the #MeToo movement
And how difficult it can be for survivors to come forward
As well pointing out the damaging stereotypes people all over the world have with rape (i.e blaiming the victim)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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January 11, 2022From the Amazon description (which sums it up well!):
"Through the life of an ordinary girl from a small country village, Even When Your Voice Shakes exposes the damage wrought by institutionalized misogyny and poverty and reveals how even those who are most disadvantaged are never without their own power."
What I loved most about Even When Your Voice Shakes, was the glimpse into what life is like for women and girls in a country so different from mine. We learn what life is like for Amerley, her mother, her sisters, and her friends and the choices she makes to care for her family and to stand for what is right. She understands the importance of an education for her sisters, through her friend she sees what can happen when having a child so early in life, and through her "employment" she witnesses both evil and good. Even When Your Voice Shakes is an eye opening read that makes you want to fight for Amerley and those she loves.
What I had a hard time with was it was a very slow start and built. I felt as if too little time was spent with the after effects of the assault both, painful and inspiring. Seeing Amerley receive the support she so very much needed from her family as well as a couple she had just met, and how she stood up for injustice, not just for herself, but for other girls that have gone before her and those who will follow. More time talking through her life after would have helped to lean this book more on the side of inspiring.
I do recommend this book, as difficult as a read as it may be, it is an important one. Thank you to NetGalley, W.W. Norton & Company and the author Ruby Yayra Goka for an advanced e-copy in exchange for my honest review.
This review will be shared on my Instagram page, B&N and Amazon at time of publication. Review being posted to Goodreads at this time.
"Through the life of an ordinary girl from a small country village, Even When Your Voice Shakes exposes the damage wrought by institutionalized misogyny and poverty and reveals how even those who are most disadvantaged are never without their own power."
What I loved most about Even When Your Voice Shakes, was the glimpse into what life is like for women and girls in a country so different from mine. We learn what life is like for Amerley, her mother, her sisters, and her friends and the choices she makes to care for her family and to stand for what is right. She understands the importance of an education for her sisters, through her friend she sees what can happen when having a child so early in life, and through her "employment" she witnesses both evil and good. Even When Your Voice Shakes is an eye opening read that makes you want to fight for Amerley and those she loves.
What I had a hard time with was it was a very slow start and built. I felt as if too little time was spent with the after effects of the assault both, painful and inspiring. Seeing Amerley receive the support she so very much needed from her family as well as a couple she had just met, and how she stood up for injustice, not just for herself, but for other girls that have gone before her and those who will follow. More time talking through her life after would have helped to lean this book more on the side of inspiring.
I do recommend this book, as difficult as a read as it may be, it is an important one. Thank you to NetGalley, W.W. Norton & Company and the author Ruby Yayra Goka for an advanced e-copy in exchange for my honest review.
This review will be shared on my Instagram page, B&N and Amazon at time of publication. Review being posted to Goodreads at this time.
May 19, 2022
"Speak the truth, even when your voice shakes."
This is a beautifully written and short story of overcoming poverty, sexual assault, and pushing to limits as to how far one is willing to go for family. Written with many references to Ghana language and culture, Naa Amerley is the oldest daughter in a culture where the oldest sets the example for the others to follow. When Amerley's father abandons the family after only having all girls, she is left to pick up the pieces and make ends meet. While Amerley is trying to pay rent and school feels, Amerley-mami (her mother) wastes her days away in mourning and refuses to keep the family from falling into debt. When Auntie Rosina arrives, she offers to take Amerley in as a housemaid in exchange for two years of mandatory service and she will guarantee that her siblings will be able to attend school. While working as a housemaid, Amerley has to choose between her dreams of being a seamstress and helping her family. After being victimized by Rosina's son, she is left picking up the pieces of her life and trying to forge a new way forward.
My only critic is that the pacing was way off and the resolution to the story was cut very short. Unlike other novels on this topic, the 'slow burn' element of the plot wasn't there. And the emotional recovery wasn't emphasized enough. In a book of almost 220 pages, the main conflict of the assault occurred in the last thirty pages and the recovery process was discussed in five. The one romance in the book was hastily done and undervalued in terms of character development I though as well.
Overall a short, beautiful story that is a great testament of the value of family and the limits of the human body while facing immense physical and emotional trauma.
This is a beautifully written and short story of overcoming poverty, sexual assault, and pushing to limits as to how far one is willing to go for family. Written with many references to Ghana language and culture, Naa Amerley is the oldest daughter in a culture where the oldest sets the example for the others to follow. When Amerley's father abandons the family after only having all girls, she is left to pick up the pieces and make ends meet. While Amerley is trying to pay rent and school feels, Amerley-mami (her mother) wastes her days away in mourning and refuses to keep the family from falling into debt. When Auntie Rosina arrives, she offers to take Amerley in as a housemaid in exchange for two years of mandatory service and she will guarantee that her siblings will be able to attend school. While working as a housemaid, Amerley has to choose between her dreams of being a seamstress and helping her family. After being victimized by Rosina's son, she is left picking up the pieces of her life and trying to forge a new way forward.
My only critic is that the pacing was way off and the resolution to the story was cut very short. Unlike other novels on this topic, the 'slow burn' element of the plot wasn't there. And the emotional recovery wasn't emphasized enough. In a book of almost 220 pages, the main conflict of the assault occurred in the last thirty pages and the recovery process was discussed in five. The one romance in the book was hastily done and undervalued in terms of character development I though as well.
Overall a short, beautiful story that is a great testament of the value of family and the limits of the human body while facing immense physical and emotional trauma.
June 30, 2022
With three younger sisters and a single mother struggling with depression and poverty, Amerley has grown up learning to take care of her entire family herself. She has a supportive best friend, Sheba, and a boyfriend, Nikoi, but they have struggles of their own, most of which could be solved by money. So when she's offered a job as a live-in maid for Rosina, her mother's wealthy old friend in the city, she jumps at the chance to start earning enough to support her family and herself, even though she misses everyone from home.
The work, which includes cleaning as well as babysitting for her employer's friend, is difficult, but Amerley knows it's worth it if she can provide for her mother and sisters. She also gets to know Rosina's spoiled daughter, book-obsessed son, and mysterious, unpredictable stepson. She gets along well with the son, Zaed, until the night she is raped by the stepson while Zaed does nothing.
At first, Amerley refuses to tell anyone. Her rapist told her she'd never be believed, and she knows that will likely be the case. And she can't afford to lose her job. But when he continues to put her in increasing physical and emotional danger, she comes to the conclusion that she must speak up, "even when your voice shakes."
I really liked this book, but I wish the assault had happened earlier on, because a lot of the earlier scenes aren't very necessary to the plot and everything after the assault seemed rushed. I did like that there was an epilogue, with two different points in the future, which revealed a happy ending for Amerley after everything.
The work, which includes cleaning as well as babysitting for her employer's friend, is difficult, but Amerley knows it's worth it if she can provide for her mother and sisters. She also gets to know Rosina's spoiled daughter, book-obsessed son, and mysterious, unpredictable stepson. She gets along well with the son, Zaed, until the night she is raped by the stepson while Zaed does nothing.
At first, Amerley refuses to tell anyone. Her rapist told her she'd never be believed, and she knows that will likely be the case. And she can't afford to lose her job. But when he continues to put her in increasing physical and emotional danger, she comes to the conclusion that she must speak up, "even when your voice shakes."
I really liked this book, but I wish the assault had happened earlier on, because a lot of the earlier scenes aren't very necessary to the plot and everything after the assault seemed rushed. I did like that there was an epilogue, with two different points in the future, which revealed a happy ending for Amerley after everything.
August 1, 2024
3.5⭐️
This was a great book that explored social class and family dynamics. It was a quick and easy read.
However, what was supposed to be the main story in the book (as described in the synopsis) was like the last 15-20% of the book. And that part was rushed that I thought there were pages missing. I do feel that there’re a couple of chapters missing and I wish Ruby would have taken her time and explored how different people dealt with the aftermath. Like I wanted to read about General being arrested, I wanted to read about how Aunt Rosina and husband were treated by their friends - did they shun or support her?- I wanted to know more of Aunt Fanny and Rosina’s fallout, and also Zaed-was he protected or did the truth come one,what of his “friendship” with Amarley? How did Amarley start the foundation and with who? The sudden jump to 8 years was so abrupt, I wanted to know how she fell into that pathway instead of sticking with being a seamstress. There was so so much missing from the aftermath that I wish she wouldn’t have included as an afterthought in the book. This book had so much potential.
Otherwise, I couldn’t put the book down. I’d recommend for a quick (albeit disappointing ending) and easy read!!
This was a great book that explored social class and family dynamics. It was a quick and easy read.
However, what was supposed to be the main story in the book (as described in the synopsis) was like the last 15-20% of the book. And that part was rushed that I thought there were pages missing. I do feel that there’re a couple of chapters missing and I wish Ruby would have taken her time and explored how different people dealt with the aftermath. Like I wanted to read about General being arrested, I wanted to read about how Aunt Rosina and husband were treated by their friends - did they shun or support her?- I wanted to know more of Aunt Fanny and Rosina’s fallout, and also Zaed-was he protected or did the truth come one,what of his “friendship” with Amarley? How did Amarley start the foundation and with who? The sudden jump to 8 years was so abrupt, I wanted to know how she fell into that pathway instead of sticking with being a seamstress. There was so so much missing from the aftermath that I wish she wouldn’t have included as an afterthought in the book. This book had so much potential.
Otherwise, I couldn’t put the book down. I’d recommend for a quick (albeit disappointing ending) and easy read!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 27, 2022
i enjoyed this book, i truly did.
i picked it up due to how the synopsis portrayed the book- i was looking for a strong compelling tale and engaging story that left me feeling raw and empowered. that wasn't what i got.
i feel like the synopsis really failed the book in this sense, because the writing and culture was gorgeous and felt so real beneath my finger tips as i flipped through each page, but the story didn't really get to where it was advertising it as till the very final pages of the story. where everything had been rushed so quickly that it felt like you didn't truly get to feel amerley's character or story, or how she even felt after the assault due to how quickly the story wrapped it up.
in a way it was heart breaking! i loved amerley's personality, and i fell in love with how much she loved her craft and her family, and i would have loved to see her growth and journey through coping with what happened.
despite this, the book was good! i enjoyed hearing about her life, and will definitely be looking into ruby's other works!
i picked it up due to how the synopsis portrayed the book- i was looking for a strong compelling tale and engaging story that left me feeling raw and empowered. that wasn't what i got.
i feel like the synopsis really failed the book in this sense, because the writing and culture was gorgeous and felt so real beneath my finger tips as i flipped through each page, but the story didn't really get to where it was advertising it as till the very final pages of the story. where everything had been rushed so quickly that it felt like you didn't truly get to feel amerley's character or story, or how she even felt after the assault due to how quickly the story wrapped it up.
in a way it was heart breaking! i loved amerley's personality, and i fell in love with how much she loved her craft and her family, and i would have loved to see her growth and journey through coping with what happened.
despite this, the book was good! i enjoyed hearing about her life, and will definitely be looking into ruby's other works!
March 8, 2024
This was one of the first books I read this year, and I really enjoyed it. Amerley’s story had an excellent build up at the beginning that was almost relatable. However, I think the crucial part was rather rushed.
Amerley, first of four girls, living in the slums of Ghana with a deadbeat father and depressed mother, finds herself raising her sisters all by herself. She has simple dreams, to be a seamstress, have her own shop and marry her beloved Nikoi. Her trajectory changes when a “saviour” offers to take her in and relief their financial burden.
The end was pretty abrupt, and next we know, she is a lawyer. Also, I did not like that her rape was glossed over. We get nothing about how she dealt with the trauma, how it influenced her decisions and affected her life. I wanted General to suffer a painful death, but we don’t always get what we wish for.
This book revolves around the danger of misogyny, poverty and the privilege of the wealthy. I loved it and absolutely recommend.
Trigger warning: rape, violence, poverty, drug abuse and injustice.
Amerley, first of four girls, living in the slums of Ghana with a deadbeat father and depressed mother, finds herself raising her sisters all by herself. She has simple dreams, to be a seamstress, have her own shop and marry her beloved Nikoi. Her trajectory changes when a “saviour” offers to take her in and relief their financial burden.
The end was pretty abrupt, and next we know, she is a lawyer. Also, I did not like that her rape was glossed over. We get nothing about how she dealt with the trauma, how it influenced her decisions and affected her life. I wanted General to suffer a painful death, but we don’t always get what we wish for.
This book revolves around the danger of misogyny, poverty and the privilege of the wealthy. I loved it and absolutely recommend.
Trigger warning: rape, violence, poverty, drug abuse and injustice.
September 23, 2022
The story exposes the difference between the various living classes in the society and how much advantage the higher class has over the lower.
It reveals the extent to which the disadvantaged in society are continually abused, controlled and silenced by people in power even when they are doing the right things to make ends meet.
The story also explores the depth of the Ghanaian society and life in the capital, Accra as lived by a young girl from a poor family. It further explores themes such as rape, poverty, family abandonment and prejudice against women.
I wasn't expecting Amerley to go through the trauma she suffered however I was glad her mother stood up for her and gave her the needed support to seek help and pursue justice for her case.
As a Ghanaian, it's easy to relate to the story and imagine the scenes as you read along. It rings home certain hard truths and conversations that are not had enough and I'll definitely recommend it.
It reveals the extent to which the disadvantaged in society are continually abused, controlled and silenced by people in power even when they are doing the right things to make ends meet.
The story also explores the depth of the Ghanaian society and life in the capital, Accra as lived by a young girl from a poor family. It further explores themes such as rape, poverty, family abandonment and prejudice against women.
I wasn't expecting Amerley to go through the trauma she suffered however I was glad her mother stood up for her and gave her the needed support to seek help and pursue justice for her case.
As a Ghanaian, it's easy to relate to the story and imagine the scenes as you read along. It rings home certain hard truths and conversations that are not had enough and I'll definitely recommend it.
November 25, 2024
Speak the truth, even when your voice shakes.
— Anonymous
This book is a young adult fiction set in Ghana that tells the story of 16 year old Amerley who is saddled with the responsibility of caring for her three younger sisters and a heartbroken mother who wouldn’t take up the responsibility of fending for her family because her husband had run away. Soon enough, a rich relative comes to take Amerley to work as her maid in East Legon where life is seemingly better than what she left back home until one of the sons of the house rapes her then further brutalizes her.
I see this book as a call to action to not allow injustice take a rest in our society no matter who it hurts and for people to be unafraid of speaking up. This book is small, very easy to read but it drives home a point by passing across a very important message - the need to speak up for yourself no matter how uncomfortable it might be.
— Anonymous
This book is a young adult fiction set in Ghana that tells the story of 16 year old Amerley who is saddled with the responsibility of caring for her three younger sisters and a heartbroken mother who wouldn’t take up the responsibility of fending for her family because her husband had run away. Soon enough, a rich relative comes to take Amerley to work as her maid in East Legon where life is seemingly better than what she left back home until one of the sons of the house rapes her then further brutalizes her.
I see this book as a call to action to not allow injustice take a rest in our society no matter who it hurts and for people to be unafraid of speaking up. This book is small, very easy to read but it drives home a point by passing across a very important message - the need to speak up for yourself no matter how uncomfortable it might be.
October 21, 2025
Even When Your Voice Shakes by Yayra Goka is a hauntingly beautiful and devastating story about courage, silence, and survival.
Amerley’s journey from her small village to Accra starts with hope, the kind that comes from wanting more for your family. But when she’s violated by the son of her employer, that hope shatters. What follows is a story that forces you to confront uncomfortable truths about power, gender, and justice.
Yayra Goka’s writing is raw yet graceful. She paints Amerley’s pain and resilience with such honesty that it’s impossible not to feel every emotion; the fear, the anger, the heartbreak, and, ultimately, the strength.
This book broke me, but it also reminded me of the power in speaking up, even when your voice trembles.
A powerful, necessary read that lingers long after it ends.
Amerley’s journey from her small village to Accra starts with hope, the kind that comes from wanting more for your family. But when she’s violated by the son of her employer, that hope shatters. What follows is a story that forces you to confront uncomfortable truths about power, gender, and justice.
Yayra Goka’s writing is raw yet graceful. She paints Amerley’s pain and resilience with such honesty that it’s impossible not to feel every emotion; the fear, the anger, the heartbreak, and, ultimately, the strength.
This book broke me, but it also reminded me of the power in speaking up, even when your voice trembles.
A powerful, necessary read that lingers long after it ends.
January 22, 2022
"Even When Your Voice Shakes" grips the reader's heart and takes them on a journey of the reality of many. This story follows Amerley who shoulders the weight of responsibility to take care of her sisters (and herself). Her strength and determination to provide stability for her family is admirable. She tries to fill the gaps that her parents create for her. As a result, she finds herself having to become a domestic worker and is sexually assaulted. Fortunately, this is not long and drawn out, but there's definitely missed opportunity for outlining the struggles of rebuilding oneself after such a traumatic experience. Overall, I enjoyed the book. This is a quick read and highlights very important struggles that many face.
January 30, 2022
~Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review~
An inspiring tale about a young girl who is raped by her employer's son where she must choose to stay silent or make her voice - and story - heard. I adored the writing style of this novel, not only because of its beautiful prose, but also its seamless incorporation of Ghanaian slang. I especially loved Amerley's characterization as a hardworking, loyal sister and daughter. I do wish more time was spent exploring the aftermath of Amerley's rape (instead of Amerley's silence and eventual justice being brought about in the last 20% of the novel) but, overall, I thought this was a solid young-adult debut that deals with these timely, oh-so-important themes with the utmost care.
An inspiring tale about a young girl who is raped by her employer's son where she must choose to stay silent or make her voice - and story - heard. I adored the writing style of this novel, not only because of its beautiful prose, but also its seamless incorporation of Ghanaian slang. I especially loved Amerley's characterization as a hardworking, loyal sister and daughter. I do wish more time was spent exploring the aftermath of Amerley's rape (instead of Amerley's silence and eventual justice being brought about in the last 20% of the novel) but, overall, I thought this was a solid young-adult debut that deals with these timely, oh-so-important themes with the utmost care.
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