25 must read books - XXIII

Desert Flower

Waris Dirie. An international super model. The Book Desert Flower by Waris Dirie is about her life. 

Waris was born into a traditional nomad family, one of twelve children, in Somalia.  She lived in harmony with her family and nature until she was around five years old. When she went through the practice of female circumcision as was the custom in Somalia. It was very painful for her, but she wanted to do it. At the age of twelve her father arranged a marriage to a sixty-year-old stranger in return for five camels.

She ran away. She crossed the dessert, and came to Mogadishu where lived her sister and some relatives. After few years circumstances led her to find engagement as house help with a relative in London. 

When that family returns to Somalia, Waris refused to leave, hiding her passport and ID. To support herself! she begins to work at McDonalds while living in  youth hostel. Her journey to the world of international fashion modelling takes off from here. 

An internationally recognised 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 Female Genital Mutilation. She has since established the Desert Flower Foundation to advance women’s rights in Africa.

Cathleen Miller is a writer. This book was adapted as a feature film.

A book on a life of a woman with purpose.  A fascinating read.




Namaste


Prabir