Wild Flower: The True Story of a Romanian Girl in Africa

by Nina Smart, Laurel Airica (Editor), Rubén G. Rumbaut (Foreword)

Wild Flower – The True Story of a Romanian Girl in Africa
At the tender age of 11 Geanina is asked to choose between her white family and a stranger, who is a black diplomat from Africa. Her choices send her spiraling down towards initiation into a secret society where girls have to undergo female genital mutilation. While in Africa, Nigeria teaches her how to be rebellious , Sierra Leone tests her courage and America presents her an opportunity. Will Geanina fight or will she surrender?

238 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 18, 2014

Reviews

[Mirna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the honor of meeting Dr. Smart when she spoke to my college class a few years back. Her story inspired me then, and it inspires me now that I finally have had the chance to read her truly incredible story. Her words are a testiment to the strength of women, and to the long way we still have to go to fight the traditions created to keep us down. As a woman of color, I understand the dilemma of having to choose between tradition and personal freedom. The conservative narrative of my parents home country is a constant wall in my path to a better future. But as Dr. Smart so eloquent put it, sometimes all we need to do is take a leap of faith. Her willingness to risk everything for that simple idea is truly remarkable.

I highly recommend this book to everyone. If you care about the world, and the struggles faced by women both in tradition and in identify then this is the book for you. It is heartbreaking, breathtaking, and full of Hope for the bright future that is sure to one day come.