Desert Flower

As a novel it would be unbelievable, as Waris survives circumcision, rape, arranged marriage, a lion attack--you name it, she's lived through it. But the book is remarkable less for its deliberately dramatic set pieces, and more for its haunting evocation of the little-told life of Somalian nomads, seen from a child's telling perspective, where life centres on the beloved camels, the horrors of womanhood are still an exciting mystery, and the nights are filled with the smell of frankincense. Desert Flower is a recollection of such gentle beauty that "rags to riches" seems hardly appropriate.--Alan Stewart

Eveyone should read a book like this, it makes you realise how lucky you are and apreciate what you have got.


I read this book in a day and a half !!!!!!!   August 13, 2001
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

What a fantastic book .... I can't believe what Waris went through to get where she is today, and grateful to her for being able to talk out about this subject!! Everybody needs to be educated in the plight of these women.


Stop being ignorant - read this book   December 29, 2004
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

I think all women should read this book. Stop worrying about what make-up goes on your face day to day and do something positive by educating yourself on the plight of over 130 million women world-wide who are subjected to FGM.
The story in this book amazed me, upset me but mostly inspired me.


stunning   October 20, 2004
Christine Stokoe (Cyprus)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

I had read, in 1997 in a Sunday magazine, the story of Waris and it stayed with me for a long time, although the magazine article was only an abridged version to say the least. The writing of this young woman is amazing. She is uneducated and although she had help, she comes across as an articulate person. Her story was one that could not be put down and I am looking forward with delight to reading Desert Dawn. She gives hope to people who have not share her plight. I only hope that she can get things changed in the African continent regarding FGM and hopefully save the lives of countless young girls who do not deserve to go through what Waris did for the sake of tribal culture. What happened to Waris was barbaric and I cried many tears at her plight. Thank God she came through it and survived to tell the world.