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A review by thebookboy
Desert Flower by Waris Dirie, Cathleen Miller
4.0
I don't often read non-fiction and I usually avoid memoirs and biographies as there are few people that I'm intrigued enough about to make reading about their whole lives worthwhile. However, as this book was suggested to me as one of my 30 before 30 options, I decided to pick it up anyway. Powerful. compelling and filled with astute observation, outrage and gratitude, Desert Flower has changed my mind about memoirs, especially as Waris has lead such a rich and exciting life.
I think what struck me most about this book is how much it taught me about Somalian culture and the lifestyle they lead - I was completely ignorant of how people lived in the country before reading this, and Waris instantly painted the picture of her culture and childhood in such a fascinating and beautiful way. Yes life is hard, there are droughts, there is death and suffering, but there is also so much beauty - nature is a key part of life for these people, rain is a blessing, even rice is something to be savoured. It's a beautiful balance and something that Westerners can never truly understand, and that Waris successfully gives us a glimpse of as something sacred and wonderful.
In many ways Waris is incredibly lucky - she's a fighter, a brave soul who takes no crap and a feminist icon, but she has a good heart and understands the need for compassion and kindness alongside the need to stick up for herself and her own values. It was amazing to read about all of the plight she had been through and how she took all of these risks and exciting leaps of faith to become one of the most regarded models of her time. There was a lot of luck involved too - imagine being scouted from the streets these days? But I think her life is one of those rare occasions where the stars align for good reason.
The most moving parts of this book are undoubtedly about FGM. I knew about the practice, but I had no clue that it was still as widespread as millions of unfortunate women undergoing this treatment even today. Waris helped bring such awareness to this issue, and her views of male oppression and the dangers of culture and ingrained acts such as this and what it means for the status and health of women is something that everyone should educate themselves about.
If I did have to find any problems with this book i would say that after Waris gets deeply entrenched into the fashion industry I did lose a bit of interest. I think I'm not invested enough in the fashion industry, but it was nice to get a snapshot of what life behind the scenes for a top model constituted back in the day.
Overall, it's a stunning book and a tale of bravery that is really very unique. I highly recommend it.
4.5 stars
I think what struck me most about this book is how much it taught me about Somalian culture and the lifestyle they lead - I was completely ignorant of how people lived in the country before reading this, and Waris instantly painted the picture of her culture and childhood in such a fascinating and beautiful way. Yes life is hard, there are droughts, there is death and suffering, but there is also so much beauty - nature is a key part of life for these people, rain is a blessing, even rice is something to be savoured. It's a beautiful balance and something that Westerners can never truly understand, and that Waris successfully gives us a glimpse of as something sacred and wonderful.
In many ways Waris is incredibly lucky - she's a fighter, a brave soul who takes no crap and a feminist icon, but she has a good heart and understands the need for compassion and kindness alongside the need to stick up for herself and her own values. It was amazing to read about all of the plight she had been through and how she took all of these risks and exciting leaps of faith to become one of the most regarded models of her time. There was a lot of luck involved too - imagine being scouted from the streets these days? But I think her life is one of those rare occasions where the stars align for good reason.
The most moving parts of this book are undoubtedly about FGM. I knew about the practice, but I had no clue that it was still as widespread as millions of unfortunate women undergoing this treatment even today. Waris helped bring such awareness to this issue, and her views of male oppression and the dangers of culture and ingrained acts such as this and what it means for the status and health of women is something that everyone should educate themselves about.
If I did have to find any problems with this book i would say that after Waris gets deeply entrenched into the fashion industry I did lose a bit of interest. I think I'm not invested enough in the fashion industry, but it was nice to get a snapshot of what life behind the scenes for a top model constituted back in the day.
Overall, it's a stunning book and a tale of bravery that is really very unique. I highly recommend it.
4.5 stars