In a defining moment for climate-centered storytelling, Nigerian-born author Abi Daré has claimed the inaugural Climate Fiction Prize for her novel And So I Roar, a poignant sequel to her internationally acclaimed debut, The Girl with the Louding Voice.
The £10,000 award was presented at a ceremony in London on Wednesday evening, marking a significant milestone not only for Daré but for the growing recognition of climate fiction as a vital literary genre. Her novel, which vividly portrays the struggles of rural Nigerian women and girls facing the harsh realities of environmental collapse, stood out among a strong shortlist of five contenders.
For Daré, who now resides in Essex and holds a law degree from the University of Wolverhampton, the recognition is deeply personal. Reflecting on her win, she shared, “As a Black British-Nigerian woman, this award is more than just a win—it’s a reminder that our voices matter in global conversations. We don’t have to reshape our truths to be heard.”
And So I Roar dives headfirst into the human cost of climate change, weaving a narrative that blends emotional depth with urgent social commentary. Its exploration of how ecological disasters intersect with gender and poverty resonated strongly with the judging panel.
Chair of the judges, author Madeleine Bunting, praised the book for its visceral impact. “It’s a story bursting with passion and vitality. While it doesn’t shy away from the horrors of climate-induced social breakdown, particularly for women and children, it’s also full of hope—Daré’s characters remind us of the resilience found in human relationships,” she said.
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The Climate Fiction Prize was launched to spotlight storytelling that makes the climate crisis real and relatable. According to organizers, the goal is to support authors who explore not just the science of climate change, but its human consequences and the pathways toward change.
“People need more than facts—they need stories that stir the imagination and show how we might respond,” the prize’s official statement reads. “Fiction can give shape to futures we’ve yet to fully grasp. It can help us envision a better way forward.”
Daré’s novel was selected from a competitive shortlist that included The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley, Briefly Very Beautiful by Roz Dineen, The Morningside by Téa Obreht, and Orbital by Samantha Harvey—winner of the 2024 Booker Prize.
Among those celebrating Daré’s success is David Wedge, Head of Alumni Relations at her alma mater, the University of Wolverhampton. “Abi’s achievement is truly inspiring. It speaks volumes about her talent, and her commitment to giving voice to underrepresented communities,” he said.
Beyond the award, Daré continues to champion inclusivity and meaningful discourse. She is slated to speak at the university’s upcoming Authentic Allyship conference on June 12, where she will join other voices in promoting diversity and representation.
With And So I Roar, Abi Daré doesn’t just tell a story—she delivers a rallying cry. In a world grappling with ecological and social upheaval, her work reminds us that even in the face of crisis, storytelling remains one of our most powerful tools for change.
