Desert Flower: The Extraordinary Journey of a Desert Nomad
Jun 2009 · Harper Collins
4.6star
81 reviewsreport
Ebook
250
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About this ebook
An “outstandingly dramatic and moving” memoir of fleeing a brutal girlhood in Somalia—and becoming a supermodel and UN special ambassador (Kirkus Reviews).
To escape an arranged marriage to a sixty-year-old man, Waris Dirie ran away from her oppressive life in the African desert when she was barely in her teens, illiterate and impoverished, with nothing to her name but a tattered shawl. She traveled alone across the dangerous Somali desert to Mogadishu—the first leg of a remarkable journey that would take her to London, where she worked as a house servant; then to nearly every corner of the globe as an internationally renowned fashion model; and ultimately to New York City, where she became a human rights ambassador for the U.N. Poignant and powerfully told, Desert Flower is Waris’s extraordinary story.
“Affecting and at times very entertaining . . . it is Dirie’s remarkable lack of narcissism or entitlement that makes her so captivating a raconteur.” —Publishers Weekly
“Written with innocence and warmth, this book shows how one woman’s tragedy can help others.” —The New York Times Book Review
“Waris’s story is one of remarkable courage. From the deserts of Somalia to the world of high fashion, she battles against oppression and emerges a real champion. She is the most beautiful inspiration to anyone.” —Elton John
To escape an arranged marriage to a sixty-year-old man, Waris Dirie ran away from her oppressive life in the African desert when she was barely in her teens, illiterate and impoverished, with nothing to her name but a tattered shawl. She traveled alone across the dangerous Somali desert to Mogadishu—the first leg of a remarkable journey that would take her to London, where she worked as a house servant; then to nearly every corner of the globe as an internationally renowned fashion model; and ultimately to New York City, where she became a human rights ambassador for the U.N. Poignant and powerfully told, Desert Flower is Waris’s extraordinary story.
“Affecting and at times very entertaining . . . it is Dirie’s remarkable lack of narcissism or entitlement that makes her so captivating a raconteur.” —Publishers Weekly
“Written with innocence and warmth, this book shows how one woman’s tragedy can help others.” —The New York Times Book Review
“Waris’s story is one of remarkable courage. From the deserts of Somalia to the world of high fashion, she battles against oppression and emerges a real champion. She is the most beautiful inspiration to anyone.” —Elton John
Ratings and reviews
4.6
81 reviews
Laura Blue
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June 13, 2015
So candid and honest. It doesn't read like a sob story or an 'overcoming adversity' story. It's so human with her flaws and emotions and personality and so detailed and graphic and answers the questions you have but never know if you should ask or who to ask. It's also interesting for someone like me who knows little about Somali culture. A brilliant book by a brilliant woman.
2 people found this review helpful
Miluska Lala
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August 24, 2023
very profound book, she goes trough hell and always keep been positive and get her goals, very inspiring Waris 🙏
Milginta S.
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April 8, 2015
So touching, deep and also teaching you not to give up and follow your dreams. I couldn't even imagine what these women have to go through...First I saw the movie and I cried. I thought then I really need to read this book. And I wasn't disappointed at all. Its an amazing book!
3 people found this review helpful
About the author
An internationally recognized supermodel, Waris Dirie is a United Nations special ambassador who travels the world as an articulate and passionate advocate of human rights. She served as United Nations special ambassador for the elimination of FGM. She has since established the Desert Flower Foundation to advance women’s rights in Africa.
Cathleen Miller circled the globe to interview sources for her latest book, Champion of Choice, the biography of UN leader Nafis Sadik. Her previous work includes the international bestseller Desert Flower, which was adapted as a feature film. Miller’s travel essays have appeared in the Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, San Francisco Chronicle and Los Angeles Times.
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