The Power of Voice: What I Learned from Kiffe Kiffe Tomorrow by Faïa Guène

I’ve always been fascinated by the power of voice in fiction. The way a narrator tells the story can draw me in or push me away.

It's not just about the words they use but the perspective they bring, the attitude they have toward the story they're telling—their quirks, their honesty, and the way they see the world.

A strong voice makes me feel like I’m sitting across from someone with a story to tell, and that connection is what keeps me turning the pages.

It's not surprising then that when I first read Faïa Guène’s Kiffe Kiffe Tomorrow, it was Doria’s voice that pulled me in. Her raw, unfiltered perspective gave life to the Paris projects in a way no omniscient narrator ever could.

Years later, I’m still thinking about how Guène’s choices taught me that voice isn’t just about how a character speaks—it’s how they invite us into their world. So today, I'm sharing my thoughts on the power of voice after re-visiting this little novel.

What makes voice so powerful?

For me, voice is the bridge between the story and the reader. It’s what makes me lean in and listen, even when the setting or situation is far from my own experience.

"Voice is the bridge between the story and the reader..."

In Kiffe Kiffe Tomorrow, Doria’s voice isn’t just believable—it’s magnetic.

Through her slang, humor, and vulnerability, I was transported into her life in the Paris projects.

As a writer, I try to ask myself: How does my narrator sound, and why does it matter? 

I'm asking myself these questions because I think a distinctive voice does more than tell a story. It shapes how readers experience that story.

What I learned about the power of voice from Doria

When I first read this novel, I read for entertainment. Now that I'm revisiting it as a writer, here are some of my thoughts on what I'm learning about voice from Doria:

1. Authenticity is everything

   Doria’s voice feels real because it’s unpolished. She speaks like a teenager: mixing slang, humor, and moments of quiet introspection.

   
   

   For example, she describes her dentist as someone who “must have had to choose between wrestler, riot cop, and dentist. It can’t have been easy to decide, but she picked the one job out of the three that combines violence with perversity.”

   
   

   That’s pure Doria: witty, biting, and spot-on.

   
   

   For me, as a writer, this is a great reminder to listen to how people really talk. I try to pay attention to cadence, word choice, and quirks.

   
   

   But more importantly, I'm going to be asking myself if the voice I’ve created feels true to the character.

   
   

2. Voice can reveal layers

   Doria’s humor isn’t just there for laughs—it’s her armor. Beneath her sarcasm is a girl grappling with poverty, racism, and abandonment.

   
   

   Her rawness gives readers glimpses of her inner struggles, like when she talks about how “it hurts to learn.” That vulnerability makes her relatable, even if I don’t share her specific experiences.

   
   

   For me, voice is a powerful way to show a character’s contradictions. I think about how my characters speak when they’re being honest with themselves versus when they’re putting up a front.

   
   

   Ultimately, Doria is helping me see that letting a character’s voice shift in subtle ways can make them feel layered and alive.

   
   

3. A strong voice can carry the story

   In Kiffe Kiffe Tomorrow, the plot is relatively simple. But Doria’s voice transforms the book into something unforgettable. Her perspective, her humor, her quiet strength—these are what make the story sing.

   
   

   This is a lesson I come back to often: even a straightforward plot can shine when the voice is strong. 

   
   

   If readers care about the narrator, they’ll follow them anywhere. For me, this means letting the voice take center stage and trusting it to carry the story.

Tips I’m taking away for developing voice in my writing

If you’re wondering how to develop a strong, authentic voice in your own writing, maybe we can learn together.

Here are a few strategies I’m working on after re-reading Kiffe Kiffe Tomorrow:

1. Get into character

It's important to spend time imagining my narrator’s world.

How do they think? What words would they choose to describe their experiences?

Writing a page or two of their inner monologue—outside the context of the story—helps me find their voice.

2. Use specificity to build credibility

Doria’s voice stands out because of how specific it is. Her descriptions are vivid, her slang is distinct, and her observations feel personal.

I'm making a note to remind myself to avoid generic language and instead give my characters the tools to describe the world as they see it.

3. Let voice shape the story

The narrative voice is like a person; there's only one of them in the world. So I'm going to be asking myself: What story would this voice tell? 

My narrator’s personality, biases, and worldview shape the tone, structure, and even the plot of my story. Leaning into those quirks is helping me create something unique.

Why voice matters more than ever

I think that in a world with so much content, a world where readers have endless options, a memorable voice can set a story apart. It’s what sticks with us long after we’ve closed the book.

For me, Doria’s voice stays with me not just because of what she said, but how she said it. As a writer, I can only hope to create narrators who resonate just as deeply.

The next time I sit down to write, I’ll think about voice. I’ll listen for it and let it guide me. Because when the voice is strong, the story will follow.

Tell me: What books have helped you understand the power of voice in fiction? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

Peace & plenty,