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Уорис Дири родилась в 1956 г. в пустыне Сомали, в семье кочевников. В 13 лет, накануне свадьбы с мужчиной, который годился ей в деды, она сбежала. Попав в Лондон, работала горничной и в «Макдоналдсе». Ее заметил знаменитый британский фотограф Теренс Донован, и в 18 лет в качестве его модели она получила всемирную известность. Уже в Нью-Йорке Уорис Дири была признана одной из первых супер-моделей, а также стала первой африканской женщиной, подписавшей эксклюзивный контракт с компанией «Revlon».
В кино она сыграла роль девушки Джеймса Бонда с Тимоти Далтоном.
Теперь все узнают то, что раньше было моей тайной. Глубоко личной. Даже самые близкие подруги не знали, что произошло со мной, когда я была совсем маленькой. Я родилась и выросла в замкнутом мирке Сомали, где было не принято говорить вслух о таких вещах. А я рассказала об этом миллионам посторонних людей. И все же я решила: пусть будет, что будет.
…Мне было необходимо выговориться, рассказать об этой тайне — ведь она всю жизнь точила меня изнутри.
В кино она сыграла роль девушки Джеймса Бонда с Тимоти Далтоном.
Теперь все узнают то, что раньше было моей тайной. Глубоко личной. Даже самые близкие подруги не знали, что произошло со мной, когда я была совсем маленькой. Я родилась и выросла в замкнутом мирке Сомали, где было не принято говорить вслух о таких вещах. А я рассказала об этом миллионам посторонних людей. И все же я решила: пусть будет, что будет.
…Мне было необходимо выговориться, рассказать об этой тайне — ведь она всю жизнь точила меня изнутри.
317 pages, Hardcover
First published August 19, 1998
916 people are currently reading
28284 people want to read
About the author
Waris Dirie
15 books408 followersWaris Dirie (Somali: Waris Diiriye, Arabic: واريس ديري) (born in 1965) is a Somali model, author, actress and human rights activist.
In 1997, Waris abandoned her modeling career to focus on her work against female circumcision. That same year, she was appointed UN Special Ambassador for the Elimination of Female Genital Mutilation(FGM).
In 1997, Waris abandoned her modeling career to focus on her work against female circumcision. That same year, she was appointed UN Special Ambassador for the Elimination of Female Genital Mutilation(FGM).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,376 reviews
October 26, 2017
Wow this book left me speechless. It leaves this lump in my throat and is at the same time very inspiring. With her story Waris Dirie brings awareness to the terrible tradition of female genital mutilation in Africa. Makes me feel so blessed to be living in a country where I an live a self-determined life.
September 28, 2023
Why I chose to read this book:
1. I have heard and read about Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) several years ago, so when this book popped up on Goodreads claiming that the author experienced FGM and was an activist with ties to the UN, I added it to my WTR list; and,
2. September 2023 is my "Memoirs & Biographies" Month.
Praises:
1. unbeknownst to me, author Waris Dirie is a supermodel! She shared, in detail, her personal experiences as FGM was performed on her when she was only 5-years-old, as well as her painful issues while urinating and menstruating as she grew older. I admired her courage to expose her "secret" to the world via a magazine article in Marie Claire and an interview with Barbara Walters on 20/20 before finally becoming a UN special ambassador advocating for the elimination of FGM; and,
2. for the most part, I found her reminisces about her childhood living with a nomadic family in the Somalian desert mildly entertaining.
Niggles:
1. I was under the impression that this memoir strongly focused on the author's experiences with FGM and her work with the Desert Flower Foundation to advocate for women's rights in Africa. Unfortunately, only 13% of the book covers this information, and Chapter 17 seems to be written with a different voice (perhaps by Cathleen Miller, her co-author?);
2. the writing style is horribly amateurish and immature, as if her experiences were copied down as she rambled on. Tenses are inconsistent, vocabulary is childish and vulgar, and some information is disorganized, inaccurate and/or missing! Where were her co-writer and editors? and,
3. the eight pages of black & white photos are of poor quality, and two of those pages feature 8 photos of practically identical poses while she was 9 months pregnant! Most of the other photos depict her on fashion shoots. That's fine, but I was hoping to see more of her in her ambassador role and/or as an activist through her Foundation.
Overall Thoughts:
A somewhat interesting storyline and a disturbing issue (FGM) that must be addressed, but just poorly written all round. Dirie comes across as vain, arrogant, rude, entitled, ungrateful, deceitful, etc., etc. - in other words, I found it very difficult to like her.
Basically, it's her rags-to-riches story - not what I was led to believe based on the blurb on the back cover.
If you want to learn about this supermodel's life, you might like this book, but if you want to find out more about FGM, I highly recommend looking elsewhere.
Disappointing.
1. I have heard and read about Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) several years ago, so when this book popped up on Goodreads claiming that the author experienced FGM and was an activist with ties to the UN, I added it to my WTR list; and,
2. September 2023 is my "Memoirs & Biographies" Month.
Praises:
1. unbeknownst to me, author Waris Dirie is a supermodel! She shared, in detail, her personal experiences as FGM was performed on her when she was only 5-years-old, as well as her painful issues while urinating and menstruating as she grew older. I admired her courage to expose her "secret" to the world via a magazine article in Marie Claire and an interview with Barbara Walters on 20/20 before finally becoming a UN special ambassador advocating for the elimination of FGM; and,
2. for the most part, I found her reminisces about her childhood living with a nomadic family in the Somalian desert mildly entertaining.
Niggles:
1. I was under the impression that this memoir strongly focused on the author's experiences with FGM and her work with the Desert Flower Foundation to advocate for women's rights in Africa. Unfortunately, only 13% of the book covers this information, and Chapter 17 seems to be written with a different voice (perhaps by Cathleen Miller, her co-author?);
2. the writing style is horribly amateurish and immature, as if her experiences were copied down as she rambled on. Tenses are inconsistent, vocabulary is childish and vulgar, and some information is disorganized, inaccurate and/or missing! Where were her co-writer and editors? and,
3. the eight pages of black & white photos are of poor quality, and two of those pages feature 8 photos of practically identical poses while she was 9 months pregnant! Most of the other photos depict her on fashion shoots. That's fine, but I was hoping to see more of her in her ambassador role and/or as an activist through her Foundation.
Overall Thoughts:
A somewhat interesting storyline and a disturbing issue (FGM) that must be addressed, but just poorly written all round. Dirie comes across as vain, arrogant, rude, entitled, ungrateful, deceitful, etc., etc. - in other words, I found it very difficult to like her.
Basically, it's her rags-to-riches story - not what I was led to believe based on the blurb on the back cover.
If you want to learn about this supermodel's life, you might like this book, but if you want to find out more about FGM, I highly recommend looking elsewhere.
Disappointing.
September 8, 2019
Μπορείτε να δείτε την βίντεο άποψή μου πατώντας στον παρακάτω σύνδεσμο, Το Λουλούδι της Ερήμου της Waris Dirie | Ακρωτηριασμός Γυναικείων Γεννητικών Οργάνων
Η Waris μίλησε σε παγκόσμιο επίπεδο για το απαρχαιωμενο έθιμο, το οποίο εφαρμόζεται σε πολλές χώρες της Αφρικής κι όχι μόνο, τον ακρωτηριασμό των γυναικείων γεννητικών οργάνων, στο οποίο υποβλήθηκε και η ίδια σε ηλικία μόλις 5 ετών.
Γνωρίζατε ότι περίπου 200 εκατομμύρια κορίτσια και γυναίκες στον κόσμο, ζουν έχοντας υποστεί κλειτοριδεκτομή; Περίπου 6.000 κορίτσια υποβάλλονται σε ακρωτηριασμό των γεννητικών τους οργάνων κάθε ημέρα.
⚠
Τι είναι ο ακρωτηριασμό των γυναικείων γεννητικών οργάνων;
Είναι ο ακρωτηριασμός μερικός ή ολικός των εξωτερικών γυναικείων γεννητικών οργάνων.
⚠
Γιατί εφαρμόζεται;
Ο ακρωτηριασμός αυτού του είδους έχει συνδεθεί με τον έλεγχο της γυναικείας σεξουαλικότητας. Σύμφωνα με τον Παγκόσμιο Οργανισμό Υγείας, σε διαφορετικούς πολιτισμούς, ορισμένοι πιστεύουν ότι η πρακτική αυτή περιορίζει τις σεξουαλικές επιθυμίες των γυναικών κι έτσι αυξάνονται οι πιθανότητες να παραμείνουν παρθένες μέχρι να παντρευτούν.
Οι γυναίκες που δεν έχουν υποβληθεί σε αυτό τερατούργημα θεωρούνται βρώμικες και δεν μπορούν να παντρευτούν.
⚠
Τι μπορεί να πάθει μια γυναίκα:
Σοβαρή αιμορραγία, πόνο και σοκ, που μερικές φορές οδηγούν σε θάνατο.
Λοίμωξη που μπορεί να οδηγήσει σε θάνατο.
Παρεμπόδιση των ούρων και της περιόδου.
Ψυχικές ασθένειες.
Σεξουαλικές δυσλειτουργίες.
Επιπλοκές κατά την εγκυμοσύνη και τον τοκετό, που μερικές φορές οδηγούν σε θάνατο.
⚠
Η ιστορία αυτή ήταν ακόμα ένας λόγος να δυναμώσει η πεποίθηση μου ότι όλοι πρέπει να υποστηρίζουμε το φεμινιστικό κίνημα. Πώς γίνεται να υποβάλλει κάποιος το ίδιο το παιδί του σε κάτι τέτοιο; Καταλαβαίνω πως όλα αυτά έχουν διαμορφωθεί ανά τους αιώνες, παρ' όλα αυτά μπορούμε πολύ καλά να ξεχωρίζουμε το σωστό από το λάθος και αυτό είναι απλά αποτρόπαιο.
⚠
Γιατί το έθιμο αυτό εφαρμόζεται μόνο στις γυναίκες; Όπως είπε και η Waris στο βιβλίο, αν κάτι παρόμοιο γινόταν και με τους άντρες στη Σομαλία, τότε όλα θα άλλαζαν. Δεν μπορώ παρά να συμφωνήσω.
⚠
Οργανισμός Ηνωμένων Εθνών κήρυξε την 6η Φεβρουαρίου «Παγκόσμια Ημέρα κατά της Κλειτοριδεκτομής»
⚠
Με έχει συγκλονίσει απλά το βιβλίο. Διαβάστε το!
Η Waris μίλησε σε παγκόσμιο επίπεδο για το απαρχαιωμενο έθιμο, το οποίο εφαρμόζεται σε πολλές χώρες της Αφρικής κι όχι μόνο, τον ακρωτηριασμό των γυναικείων γεννητικών οργάνων, στο οποίο υποβλήθηκε και η ίδια σε ηλικία μόλις 5 ετών.
Γνωρίζατε ότι περίπου 200 εκατομμύρια κορίτσια και γυναίκες στον κόσμο, ζουν έχοντας υποστεί κλειτοριδεκτομή; Περίπου 6.000 κορίτσια υποβάλλονται σε ακρωτηριασμό των γεννητικών τους οργάνων κάθε ημέρα.
⚠
Τι είναι ο ακρωτηριασμό των γυναικείων γεννητικών οργάνων;
Είναι ο ακρωτηριασμός μερικός ή ολικός των εξωτερικών γυναικείων γεννητικών οργάνων.
⚠
Γιατί εφαρμόζεται;
Ο ακρωτηριασμός αυτού του είδους έχει συνδεθεί με τον έλεγχο της γυναικείας σεξουαλικότητας. Σύμφωνα με τον Παγκόσμιο Οργανισμό Υγείας, σε διαφορετικούς πολιτισμούς, ορισμένοι πιστεύουν ότι η πρακτική αυτή περιορίζει τις σεξουαλικές επιθυμίες των γυναικών κι έτσι αυξάνονται οι πιθανότητες να παραμείνουν παρθένες μέχρι να παντρευτούν.
Οι γυναίκες που δεν έχουν υποβληθεί σε αυτό τερατούργημα θεωρούνται βρώμικες και δεν μπορούν να παντρευτούν.
⚠
Τι μπορεί να πάθει μια γυναίκα:
Σοβαρή αιμορραγία, πόνο και σοκ, που μερικές φορές οδηγούν σε θάνατο.
Λοίμωξη που μπορεί να οδηγήσει σε θάνατο.
Παρεμπόδιση των ούρων και της περιόδου.
Ψυχικές ασθένειες.
Σεξουαλικές δυσλειτουργίες.
Επιπλοκές κατά την εγκυμοσύνη και τον τοκετό, που μερικές φορές οδηγούν σε θάνατο.
⚠
Η ιστορία αυτή ήταν ακόμα ένας λόγος να δυναμώσει η πεποίθηση μου ότι όλοι πρέπει να υποστηρίζουμε το φεμινιστικό κίνημα. Πώς γίνεται να υποβάλλει κάποιος το ίδιο το παιδί του σε κάτι τέτοιο; Καταλαβαίνω πως όλα αυτά έχουν διαμορφωθεί ανά τους αιώνες, παρ' όλα αυτά μπορούμε πολύ καλά να ξεχωρίζουμε το σωστό από το λάθος και αυτό είναι απλά αποτρόπαιο.
⚠
Γιατί το έθιμο αυτό εφαρμόζεται μόνο στις γυναίκες; Όπως είπε και η Waris στο βιβλίο, αν κάτι παρόμοιο γινόταν και με τους άντρες στη Σομαλία, τότε όλα θα άλλαζαν. Δεν μπορώ παρά να συμφωνήσω.
⚠
Οργανισμός Ηνωμένων Εθνών κήρυξε την 6η Φεβρουαρίου «Παγκόσμια Ημέρα κατά της Κλειτοριδεκτομής»
⚠
Με έχει συγκλονίσει απλά το βιβλίο. Διαβάστε το!
January 31, 2021
Waris Dirie's memoir is an extraordinary journey : from desert nomad,to domestic servant,to supermodel,to UN ambassador for the elimination of FGM.
She grew up in the Somali desert where life was tough. At age five,she had to endure an extreme form of FGM,which left her with lifelong damage. She was still luckier than many other girls,some of whom even died as a result of this ritual.
A few years later,her father wanted to marry her off,to a much older man in exchange for five camels. She ran away from home,and on the way to the city,survived a prowling lion,and attempted rape.
Finding relatives in the city,she lived with them for a while,before another relative,the Somalian ambassador,took her to London,as a servant.
She chose to stay on there,alone,after her relatives had left. Some moments are hard to believe. On her very first day alone in London,without any legal staus,she finds a kind stranger,willing to let her stay with her,and help her all the way.
Similarly,when she arrives in the Somalian city from the desert,she doesn't know her relative's address or even the neighbourhood,and yet finds herself,in front of that house. Moments like these create some doubts about her credibility.
A photographer's interest,led to a modeling career,which eventually became successful. Along the way,she staged two fake marriages,to try and obtain a British passport.
She seems to have been willing to do anything,to survive. There are some convenient coincidences,too. Help always seems to have arrived,when she needed it.
Eventually,she started working with the UN to raise awareness,about the damage done to millions of girls,because of FGM. Today,at least,some countries have outlawed the practice.But parents of many girls continue to do it regardless.
An interesting and unusual memoir,noteworthy for putting a cruel cultural practice,under the spotlight.She also wrote a sequel,Desert Dawn,but I didn't find it interesting.
She grew up in the Somali desert where life was tough. At age five,she had to endure an extreme form of FGM,which left her with lifelong damage. She was still luckier than many other girls,some of whom even died as a result of this ritual.
A few years later,her father wanted to marry her off,to a much older man in exchange for five camels. She ran away from home,and on the way to the city,survived a prowling lion,and attempted rape.
Finding relatives in the city,she lived with them for a while,before another relative,the Somalian ambassador,took her to London,as a servant.
She chose to stay on there,alone,after her relatives had left. Some moments are hard to believe. On her very first day alone in London,without any legal staus,she finds a kind stranger,willing to let her stay with her,and help her all the way.
Similarly,when she arrives in the Somalian city from the desert,she doesn't know her relative's address or even the neighbourhood,and yet finds herself,in front of that house. Moments like these create some doubts about her credibility.
A photographer's interest,led to a modeling career,which eventually became successful. Along the way,she staged two fake marriages,to try and obtain a British passport.
She seems to have been willing to do anything,to survive. There are some convenient coincidences,too. Help always seems to have arrived,when she needed it.
Eventually,she started working with the UN to raise awareness,about the damage done to millions of girls,because of FGM. Today,at least,some countries have outlawed the practice.But parents of many girls continue to do it regardless.
An interesting and unusual memoir,noteworthy for putting a cruel cultural practice,under the spotlight.She also wrote a sequel,Desert Dawn,but I didn't find it interesting.
July 29, 2011
brilliant book, I could not put it down once I started reading it.
I read it within 24 hours, and found myself mesmerised by this womans story, and how she overcame obstacles that most of us wouldn't dream of, to get to where she is today.
Without going into too much detail, she managed to convey the horror and trauma of being subjected to female genital circumcision, a practise that causes more problems, than it prevents, and convinces you, that as a woman, we have a duty, irregardless of where we come from in the world, we should all raise our voices and try have this horrific practise stopped, before more young girls are subjected to it, and potentially die.
The fact that it is growing, not declining is awful, and that the practise is spreading due to those faiths and nationalitys that carry this practise out are emigrating to other lands, is a revolting thought.
I would definatly recommend this book as a great read. Get it asap and read I say.
I read it within 24 hours, and found myself mesmerised by this womans story, and how she overcame obstacles that most of us wouldn't dream of, to get to where she is today.
Without going into too much detail, she managed to convey the horror and trauma of being subjected to female genital circumcision, a practise that causes more problems, than it prevents, and convinces you, that as a woman, we have a duty, irregardless of where we come from in the world, we should all raise our voices and try have this horrific practise stopped, before more young girls are subjected to it, and potentially die.
The fact that it is growing, not declining is awful, and that the practise is spreading due to those faiths and nationalitys that carry this practise out are emigrating to other lands, is a revolting thought.
I would definatly recommend this book as a great read. Get it asap and read I say.
July 20, 2018
The position of women in many African regions where old customs are prevalent is very difficult. Their lives are determined by the wishes of men who wish to control every aspect of their existence, including even their sexuality. Violence, forced marriages, genital mutilation in childhood are the main expressions of this oppression.
A young woman tries to escape all this and after many adventures he succeeds and achieves international recognition in the modelling world, thus gaining independence and respect. But the wounds of the past, and especially the terrible experience of her genital mutilation, follow her in her new life, make her life difficult and prevent her from enjoying some things, though she is surely satisfied with what she has done.
This eventually prompted her to tell her story and eventually write this book. With a simple language, with no unnecessary literary ornaments, which goes comfortably from humor to the most dramatic tones, she narrates in an eloqued and honest way her journey, giving a message of the courage and perseverance that must lead people to the search for a better life. At the same time, she makes a complaint of this inhumane practice, putting her own contribution in the struggle to eradicate this inhuman practice, a struggle that shows the first positive results 20 years after the writing of the book. I especially like the fact that she is doing this without rejecting her culture, for which is proud, something that is very important as many people use this struggle to pass their racist messages.
An important book that manages to pass its message without melodramatics and exaggerations, talking about the difficulties but above all about the joy of life.
Η θέση των γυναικών σε πολλές περιοχές της Αφρικής όπου επικρατούν πολύ παλιά έθιμα είναι πολύ δύσκολη. Η ζωή τους καθορίζεται απόλυτα από τις επιθυμίες των ανδρών οι οποίοι επιθυμούν να ελέγχουν κάθε πτυχή της ύπαρξής τους, συμπεριλαμβανομένης ακόμα και τις σεξουαλικότητας τους. Η βία, οι αναγκαστικοί γάμοι, ο ακρωτηριασμός των γεννητικών οργάνων στην παιδική ηλικία είναι οι κύριες εκφράσεις αυτής της καταπίεσης.
Από όλα αυτά προσπαθεί να ξεφύγει μία νεαρή γυναίκα και μετά από πολλές περιπέ��ειες τα καταφέρνει, φτάνοντας στην διεθνή καταξίωση στο χώρο του μόντελινγκ, κερδίζοντας έτσι ανεξαρτησία και σεβασμό. Οι πληγές του παρελθόντος, όμως, και κυρίως η φρικτή εμπειρία του ακρωτηριασμού των γενετικών της οργάνων την ακολουθούν στη νέα της ζωή, τη δυσκολεύουν και την εμποδίζουν να χαρεί κάποια πράγματα, αν και σίγουρα είναι ικανοποιημένη από όσα κατάφερε.
Αυτό την ώθησε κάποια στιγμή να πει την ιστορία της και τελικά να γράψει αυτό εδώ το βιβλίο. Με γλώσσα απλή, χωρίς περιττά λογοτεχνικά στολίδια, πού πηγαίνει άνετα από το χιούμορ στους πιο δραματικούς τόνους, αφηγείται με γλαφυρό τρόπο και ειλικρίνεια αυτή την πορεία της δίνοντας έτσι ένα μήνυμα για το θάρρος και την επιμονή που πρέπει να οδηγεί τους ανθρώπους στην αναζήτηση μιας καλύτερης ζωής. Παράλληλα κάνει μία καταγγελία αυτής της απάνθρωπης πρακτικής, βάζοντας το δικό της λιθαράκι στον αγώνα για την εξάλειψη της, ενός αγώνα που 20 χρόνια μετά τη συγγραφή του βιβλίου εμφανίζει το πρώτα θετικά αποτελέσματα. Μου αρέσει ιδιαίτερα πως το κάνει αυτό χωρίς να απορρίπτει την κουλτούρα της, γιατί οποία είναι περήφανη, κάτι πολύ σημαντικό καθώς πολλοί χρησιμοποιούν αυτόν τον αγώνα για να περάσουν τα ρατσιστικά τους μηνύματα.
Ένα σημαντικό βιβλίο που καταφέρνει να περάσει το μήνυμα του χωρίς μελοδραματισμούς και υπερβολές, που μιλάει για τις δυσκολίες αλλά πάνω από όλα για τη χαρά της ζωής.
A young woman tries to escape all this and after many adventures he succeeds and achieves international recognition in the modelling world, thus gaining independence and respect. But the wounds of the past, and especially the terrible experience of her genital mutilation, follow her in her new life, make her life difficult and prevent her from enjoying some things, though she is surely satisfied with what she has done.
This eventually prompted her to tell her story and eventually write this book. With a simple language, with no unnecessary literary ornaments, which goes comfortably from humor to the most dramatic tones, she narrates in an eloqued and honest way her journey, giving a message of the courage and perseverance that must lead people to the search for a better life. At the same time, she makes a complaint of this inhumane practice, putting her own contribution in the struggle to eradicate this inhuman practice, a struggle that shows the first positive results 20 years after the writing of the book. I especially like the fact that she is doing this without rejecting her culture, for which is proud, something that is very important as many people use this struggle to pass their racist messages.
An important book that manages to pass its message without melodramatics and exaggerations, talking about the difficulties but above all about the joy of life.
Η θέση των γυναικών σε πολλές περιοχές της Αφρικής όπου επικρατούν πολύ παλιά έθιμα είναι πολύ δύσκολη. Η ζωή τους καθορίζεται απόλυτα από τις επιθυμίες των ανδρών οι οποίοι επιθυμούν να ελέγχουν κάθε πτυχή της ύπαρξής τους, συμπεριλαμβανομένης ακόμα και τις σεξουαλικότητας τους. Η βία, οι αναγκαστικοί γάμοι, ο ακρωτηριασμός των γεννητικών οργάνων στην παιδική ηλικία είναι οι κύριες εκφράσεις αυτής της καταπίεσης.
Από όλα αυτά προσπαθεί να ξεφύγει μία νεαρή γυναίκα και μετά από πολλές περιπέ��ειες τα καταφέρνει, φτάνοντας στην διεθνή καταξίωση στο χώρο του μόντελινγκ, κερδίζοντας έτσι ανεξαρτησία και σεβασμό. Οι πληγές του παρελθόντος, όμως, και κυρίως η φρικτή εμπειρία του ακρωτηριασμού των γενετικών της οργάνων την ακολουθούν στη νέα της ζωή, τη δυσκολεύουν και την εμποδίζουν να χαρεί κάποια πράγματα, αν και σίγουρα είναι ικανοποιημένη από όσα κατάφερε.
Αυτό την ώθησε κάποια στιγμή να πει την ιστορία της και τελικά να γράψει αυτό εδώ το βιβλίο. Με γλώσσα απλή, χωρίς περιττά λογοτεχνικά στολίδια, πού πηγαίνει άνετα από το χιούμορ στους πιο δραματικούς τόνους, αφηγείται με γλαφυρό τρόπο και ειλικρίνεια αυτή την πορεία της δίνοντας έτσι ένα μήνυμα για το θάρρος και την επιμονή που πρέπει να οδηγεί τους ανθρώπους στην αναζήτηση μιας καλύτερης ζωής. Παράλληλα κάνει μία καταγγελία αυτής της απάνθρωπης πρακτικής, βάζοντας το δικό της λιθαράκι στον αγώνα για την εξάλειψη της, ενός αγώνα που 20 χρόνια μετά τη συγγραφή του βιβλίου εμφανίζει το πρώτα θετικά αποτελέσματα. Μου αρέσει ιδιαίτερα πως το κάνει αυτό χωρίς να απορρίπτει την κουλτούρα της, γιατί οποία είναι περήφανη, κάτι πολύ σημαντικό καθώς πολλοί χρησιμοποιούν αυτόν τον αγώνα για να περάσουν τα ρατσιστικά τους μηνύματα.
Ένα σημαντικό βιβλίο που καταφέρνει να περάσει το μήνυμα του χωρίς μελοδραματισμούς και υπερβολές, που μιλάει για τις δυσκολίες αλλά πάνω από όλα για τη χαρά της ζωής.
July 28, 2013
There is a lot to admire about Waris Dirie and her story. Raised in a nomadic Somali family, apparently raped at age four and then mutilated in a female circumcision ritual at age five, Dirie bravely ran away from home at thirteen to avoid being married off to an old man. Dirie endured a great many trials and tribulations -- finding her way to Mogadishu and to her long-lost relatives, a string of unsuccessful living arrangements, working as a maid in London and then as kitchen help in McDonalds with minimal English language or literacy. Eventually, in an amazing rags-to-riches trajectory, Dirie embarks on a successful modeling career and then uses her success to speak out against female genital mutilation (FGM).
It's a shocking story and it reads quickly despite the mediocre writing which detracted some. Unfortunately I just couldn't warm up to Dirie as a narrator. Some goodreaders perceived her as disingenuous, which is something that occurred to me as well although that may just be general memoir skepticism (thank you James Frey for stealing my innocence). I think the real problem was that I just didn't like Dirie. She's not someone I would ever want to meet or hang out with, although I do respect what she's been through and genuinely admire her triumph over adversity and her activism. Maybe it's cultural, or part of growing up in a tough world and having tough experiences, but Dirie seemed superficial, self-involved, and Machiavellian to me, using people when it suited her and discarding them when it didn't, falling out with family members without taking much responsibility for her own behavior, failing to respect people's wishes at times, etc. Plus I felt that some of her musings sadly lived up to negative stereotypes of models and modeling as superficial and vain. Dirie redeemed herself somewhat in my eyes with her commitment to activism, but I still felt I couldn't really connect with her.
I thought Infidel, a memoir which covered similar ground, was a far superior book with a much more relatable and admirable narrator.
It's a shocking story and it reads quickly despite the mediocre writing which detracted some. Unfortunately I just couldn't warm up to Dirie as a narrator. Some goodreaders perceived her as disingenuous, which is something that occurred to me as well although that may just be general memoir skepticism (thank you James Frey for stealing my innocence). I think the real problem was that I just didn't like Dirie. She's not someone I would ever want to meet or hang out with, although I do respect what she's been through and genuinely admire her triumph over adversity and her activism. Maybe it's cultural, or part of growing up in a tough world and having tough experiences, but Dirie seemed superficial, self-involved, and Machiavellian to me, using people when it suited her and discarding them when it didn't, falling out with family members without taking much responsibility for her own behavior, failing to respect people's wishes at times, etc. Plus I felt that some of her musings sadly lived up to negative stereotypes of models and modeling as superficial and vain. Dirie redeemed herself somewhat in my eyes with her commitment to activism, but I still felt I couldn't really connect with her.
I thought Infidel, a memoir which covered similar ground, was a far superior book with a much more relatable and admirable narrator.
Read
September 12, 2023This is one of the most courageous books I've ever read, and one of the most important when it comes to understanding what has happened for centuries to women in areas of Africa. In this case, it happened to the author as a pre-teen in Somalia: female circumcision or, more commonly called, FGM (female genital mutilation). Using an old razor blade, a woman cut off all parts of the author's genitals: labia major, labia minor, and clitoris, leaving in their place a tiny hole through which both urine and menstrual blood were supposed to flow. This "prepared" her to be marriageable and a daughter who was suitably marriageable could bring a good bride price for her family, generally through the acquisition of livestock.
But the book is far more than merely an experience of bearing witness to what was done to one girl and what continues to be done to others. For Waris Dirie, promised in marriage to an old man she couldn't bear to regard as a future husband, she made the decision to run away, into the desert where she and her family belonged to a tribe of nomads who went from place to place, always seeking water for their flocks and simple food to keep people and animals alive. From the moment Waris runs, the book becomes not only a survival challenge for the young girl but also a cultural and educational challenge. For she has always lived with her family in the desert, she cannot read, she cannot write, and the only language she speaks is the language of her immediate tribe. Her story thus begins in the desert and moves from there to Mogadishu, to London, to Paris, to New York. Against all odds, she becomes a sought-after model for such publications as Vogue and Elle. She sets her own course and she follows it and nothing dissuades her from the pursuit of the life she dreams of. Ultimately, she becomes a spokesperson through the United Nations, fighting against the mutilation of girls around the world. She becomes every inch her own woman.
Desert Flower is one of the most amazing memoirs I've ever read, and I highly, highly recommend it. There is much to admire in the life of this woman.
But the book is far more than merely an experience of bearing witness to what was done to one girl and what continues to be done to others. For Waris Dirie, promised in marriage to an old man she couldn't bear to regard as a future husband, she made the decision to run away, into the desert where she and her family belonged to a tribe of nomads who went from place to place, always seeking water for their flocks and simple food to keep people and animals alive. From the moment Waris runs, the book becomes not only a survival challenge for the young girl but also a cultural and educational challenge. For she has always lived with her family in the desert, she cannot read, she cannot write, and the only language she speaks is the language of her immediate tribe. Her story thus begins in the desert and moves from there to Mogadishu, to London, to Paris, to New York. Against all odds, she becomes a sought-after model for such publications as Vogue and Elle. She sets her own course and she follows it and nothing dissuades her from the pursuit of the life she dreams of. Ultimately, she becomes a spokesperson through the United Nations, fighting against the mutilation of girls around the world. She becomes every inch her own woman.
Desert Flower is one of the most amazing memoirs I've ever read, and I highly, highly recommend it. There is much to admire in the life of this woman.
May 21, 2021
Šokiruojanti istorija. Silpna literatūra.
November 19, 2018
Waris is an inspiration to all. She overcame so much to grasp a chance at true freedom. She is now a determined spokesperson against female genital mutilation. Very good book.
3 Stars = I liked the book. I'm glad I read it.
3 Stars = I liked the book. I'm glad I read it.
January 5, 2019
قبل از سفرم ،،، کتاب را از بوک لند پالادیوم خریدم،،، کتاب سبک با جلد تسخیر کننده ای از یک زن سومالیایی که در شرح پشت جلد از مساله ختنه زنان در سومالی صحبت کرده بود
در طی داستان ختنه و آداب و سنت انبا جزییات مطرح نشده بود
تنها به نظرم ختنه مساله ای بود که واریس دیری ( قهرمان داستان) توانسته بود در خبرگزاری ها و کنفرانس ها بابت ش درآمدی داشته باشد
در کل اتو بیوگرافی با سطح ادبیات متوسط و ضعیفی داشت
در طی داستان ختنه و آداب و سنت انبا جزییات مطرح نشده بود
تنها به نظرم ختنه مساله ای بود که واریس دیری ( قهرمان داستان) توانسته بود در خبرگزاری ها و کنفرانس ها بابت ش درآمدی داشته باشد
در کل اتو بیوگرافی با سطح ادبیات متوسط و ضعیفی داشت
February 4, 2019
Thoughts soon.
November 22, 2018
Esto ha sido un gran viaje. Aunque muy duro. Nos encontramos ante la biografía de la modelo Waris Dirie. El libro es un recorrido por toda su vida, empezando por su niñez en una familia nómada de Somalia, hasta convertirse en una famosa modelo en Europa y América. Lo mejor del libro sin duda es la forma tan directa en que Waris narra su vida. Si dulcificar nada. Todo honesto. Todo justo y claro.
Tuve todo el tiempo la sensación de estar charlando con una amiga que me estaba contando la historia de su vida. Esa forma tan directa de contar sus vivencias te hace meterte de lleno en la ella. Y por eso, en parte, resulta tan dura leerla.
El punto central de esta historia, y la razón por la que Waris ha querido contarla es la ablación femenina. Una práctica horrible y salvaje que a día de hoy se sigue practicando. Es su manera de denunciarla. Su manera de luchar contra ella. Y los capítulos en los que se habla de esta práctica son horriblemente duros. Imposible no emocionarse. Es sorprendente las cosas tan horribles que el hombre puede hacerle a la mujer. Y todo a causa de lo fragilidad del concpeto de "masculinidad".
Me ha encantado conocer a Waris. Vaya mujer más poderosa. Leeré sus otros libros sin duda alguna.
Tuve todo el tiempo la sensación de estar charlando con una amiga que me estaba contando la historia de su vida. Esa forma tan directa de contar sus vivencias te hace meterte de lleno en la ella. Y por eso, en parte, resulta tan dura leerla.
El punto central de esta historia, y la razón por la que Waris ha querido contarla es la ablación femenina. Una práctica horrible y salvaje que a día de hoy se sigue practicando. Es su manera de denunciarla. Su manera de luchar contra ella. Y los capítulos en los que se habla de esta práctica son horriblemente duros. Imposible no emocionarse. Es sorprendente las cosas tan horribles que el hombre puede hacerle a la mujer. Y todo a causa de lo fragilidad del concpeto de "masculinidad".
Me ha encantado conocer a Waris. Vaya mujer más poderosa. Leeré sus otros libros sin duda alguna.
February 24, 2012
In my opinion this is a tremendously important book. It is not just a wonderful memoir and a tale of amazing bravery of Waris Dirie, but also an detail account of FGM from the perspective of a victim. The reason why I picked up this book was mainly because I wanted to learn something more about FGM. I did learn something more, the kind of information that is personal not just theoretical. In addition, Waris does not only tell her story. She tells the story of other women she had known that have suffered and in some cases had died because of FGM. Reading about FGM from Waris' experience( as a personal account of someone who had been subjected to it) was emotionally difficult yet I think to understand even a glimpse of what these women go to it is necessary to hear the story as they tell it.
What I didn't know before reading this book is that the practice of FGM is actually increasing not decreasing as immigrant are taking this terrible custom with them into the western world. To be honest, I'm sometimes frustrated by the feminist associations because to me they seem to worry about such insignificant things. Personally I don't care would someone call me signorina or signora, miss or mrs, madam or mademoiselle .There are more important problems that women worldwide are facing ! FGM is a burning issue and it deserves even more attention. There is so much violence that happens to women in the name of religion and tradition. However, in my view the practice of FGM is by far the worst thing. There are probably more victims of FGM than of wars in some areas- and the victims are mostly little girls. Unfortunately, things like this often go unnoticed. It seems to me that when people say that they don't want to interfere with somebody's religious liberties, they mean that they don't care enough to do something about the victims of specific 'religious liberties'. (What is the big thing about religion liberty anyway? Why does religious liberty often include hurting someone else? Shouldn't the goal of religion be aspiring to a personal relationship with God? Well, it's not the goal of religion- from what I see the purpose of religion is to organize people who believe in the same things so they could feel cozy and secure surrounded by people who are just afraid to question things as they are...)
While reading „The Desert Flower" I found myself immersed in Waris' honest and simple narrative of her life. Aside for being interested in Waris' life story I also found her personality fascinating. Waris is such a brave women, a wonderful example of what is best in a human spirit. Her reflections on special moments in her life as a nomad and as a supermodel were honest and often humorous. Waris is a survivor and I admire her greatly for having the courage to talk about all the things that she so openly talks about in this book, from the FGM to fashion industry. Despite all the hardship she had endured, Waris is so full of life and ready to make the most of every situation she finds herself in. She even has courage to be a mother and to find love. After all that she has gone through, she looks at a world without hate just with concern. Waris is prepared to risk being killed by some fundamentalist because of all the things she has to tell. The least that everyone can do is listen to what she has to say- read this book and hear her out.
I found so many of her thoughts to be not just true but also important. Many of them have gone through my head at some point in my life. For instance, why do they always make Afican models wear so much white foundation? Waris describes at one point how she felt frustrated because she felt that they were trying to turn her into a twisted black version of Cindy Crawford. As far I can see it, this is a trend that it is not going away. I will never understand why they are putting so much white powder all those female African actresses, politicians, models, TV personalities etc...When I see all those beautiful faces looking unnatural because they are painted in white, it really makes me sad. What they could be implying? It cannot be good. From my perspective, it's just racism.
I've read this book last night and I really enjoyed reading it. I even wouldn't mind if the book was longer. (There are sequels, right? I plan to read those.) Despite the fact that Waris talks about horrific things, this is one of the most uplifting books I have read because it really is a story of survival of an amazing woman.
What I didn't know before reading this book is that the practice of FGM is actually increasing not decreasing as immigrant are taking this terrible custom with them into the western world. To be honest, I'm sometimes frustrated by the feminist associations because to me they seem to worry about such insignificant things. Personally I don't care would someone call me signorina or signora, miss or mrs, madam or mademoiselle .There are more important problems that women worldwide are facing ! FGM is a burning issue and it deserves even more attention. There is so much violence that happens to women in the name of religion and tradition. However, in my view the practice of FGM is by far the worst thing. There are probably more victims of FGM than of wars in some areas- and the victims are mostly little girls. Unfortunately, things like this often go unnoticed. It seems to me that when people say that they don't want to interfere with somebody's religious liberties, they mean that they don't care enough to do something about the victims of specific 'religious liberties'. (What is the big thing about religion liberty anyway? Why does religious liberty often include hurting someone else? Shouldn't the goal of religion be aspiring to a personal relationship with God? Well, it's not the goal of religion- from what I see the purpose of religion is to organize people who believe in the same things so they could feel cozy and secure surrounded by people who are just afraid to question things as they are...)
While reading „The Desert Flower" I found myself immersed in Waris' honest and simple narrative of her life. Aside for being interested in Waris' life story I also found her personality fascinating. Waris is such a brave women, a wonderful example of what is best in a human spirit. Her reflections on special moments in her life as a nomad and as a supermodel were honest and often humorous. Waris is a survivor and I admire her greatly for having the courage to talk about all the things that she so openly talks about in this book, from the FGM to fashion industry. Despite all the hardship she had endured, Waris is so full of life and ready to make the most of every situation she finds herself in. She even has courage to be a mother and to find love. After all that she has gone through, she looks at a world without hate just with concern. Waris is prepared to risk being killed by some fundamentalist because of all the things she has to tell. The least that everyone can do is listen to what she has to say- read this book and hear her out.
I found so many of her thoughts to be not just true but also important. Many of them have gone through my head at some point in my life. For instance, why do they always make Afican models wear so much white foundation? Waris describes at one point how she felt frustrated because she felt that they were trying to turn her into a twisted black version of Cindy Crawford. As far I can see it, this is a trend that it is not going away. I will never understand why they are putting so much white powder all those female African actresses, politicians, models, TV personalities etc...When I see all those beautiful faces looking unnatural because they are painted in white, it really makes me sad. What they could be implying? It cannot be good. From my perspective, it's just racism.
I've read this book last night and I really enjoyed reading it. I even wouldn't mind if the book was longer. (There are sequels, right? I plan to read those.) Despite the fact that Waris talks about horrific things, this is one of the most uplifting books I have read because it really is a story of survival of an amazing woman.
May 27, 2025
Книжка прочиталась надзвичайно швидко. Зіграли роль і легка манера викладу, і події, за якими хотілось встигнути.
Найбільше мене вразили перші розділи, де йшлося про дитинство у пустелі, втечу, місцеві традиції щодо жінок, читати про які було боляче і захопливо водночас. Доля матері, яка напередодні пологів йшла в пустелю лише з гострим предметом, щоб перерізати пуповину, чи сцена жіночого обрізання та наслідки подібних процедур. Подекуди дії юної героїні викликали шок, як історія з молодою мачухою 🙈, але водночас підкупала відвертість.
На розділах, де Варіс живе в Британії, а згодом підкорює світові подіуми та обкладинки журналів, стиль оповіді став дещо інакшим, ніби більш поверховим, тому чіпляв менше. Проте в загальному книга справила сильне враження. Від мене 4,5 ✨
Найбільше мене вразили перші розділи, де йшлося про дитинство у пустелі, втечу, місцеві традиції щодо жінок, читати про які було боляче і захопливо водночас. Доля матері, яка напередодні пологів йшла в пустелю лише з гострим предметом, щоб перерізати пуповину, чи сцена жіночого обрізання та наслідки подібних процедур. Подекуди дії юної героїні викликали шок, як історія з молодою мачухою 🙈, але водночас підкупала відвертість.
На розділах, де Варіс живе в Британії, а згодом підкорює світові подіуми та обкладинки журналів, стиль оповіді став дещо інакшим, ніби більш поверховим, тому чіпляв менше. Проте в загальному книга справила сильне враження. Від мене 4,5 ✨
June 25, 2025
Колись давно подивилась фільм, він мене вразив до глибини душі. Книга також неймовірна. Реальна історія жінки, якій вдалося підкорити світ, але не загубити своєї любові до сім’ї, хоч вони і не поділяють її поглядів.
Героїня одна з перших почала говорити про жіноче обрізання, і це змінило світ.
Героїня одна з перших почала говорити про жіноче обрізання, і це змінило світ.
March 13, 2017
واریس دیری یک مدل بین الملی و سخنگوی حقوق زنان در آفریقا است که در دوازده سالگی مجبور به فرار از زندگی کوچ نشینی در سومالی شده است.
در این کتاب سرگذشت و حوادث تلخ و شیرین زندگی او از زبان خودش نوشته شده است.
مانند بیشتر دختران آفریقایی واریس دیری در سن پنج سالگی ختنه شده است و خاطره تلخ این اتفاق و پیامدهای آن در زندگی وی باعث شده است که بعد از رسیدن به شهرت و موفقیت برای آگاه سازی جهانیان از این سنت وحشتناک و بیرحمانه اقدام کند.
قسمتی از کتاب:
مشکلاتی که از زمان ختنه شدنم گریبانم را گرفته بود میلیونها زن و دختر را در سراسر دنیا دچار خود کرده بود. به خاطر سنتی که مبتنی بر نا آگاهی است. بیشتر زنان قاره آفریقا زندگی شان را با درد و رنج می گذرانند. چه کسی در صحرا به زنی مثل مادرم که نه پول دارد و نه قدرت کمک خواهد کرد؟ کسی باید به جای دختری که صدایی ندارد حرف بزند. خدا مرا وقتی از خانه فرار کردم از دست شیر در صحرا نجات داد و از آن لحظه به بعد احساس کردم که برای من نقشه ای دارد. دلیلی برای زنده نگه داشتنم. احساس می کنم سرنوشت من این است که به آنها کمک کنم.
در این کتاب سرگذشت و حوادث تلخ و شیرین زندگی او از زبان خودش نوشته شده است.
مانند بیشتر دختران آفریقایی واریس دیری در سن پنج سالگی ختنه شده است و خاطره تلخ این اتفاق و پیامدهای آن در زندگی وی باعث شده است که بعد از رسیدن به شهرت و موفقیت برای آگاه سازی جهانیان از این سنت وحشتناک و بیرحمانه اقدام کند.
قسمتی از کتاب:
مشکلاتی که از زمان ختنه شدنم گریبانم را گرفته بود میلیونها زن و دختر را در سراسر دنیا دچار خود کرده بود. به خاطر سنتی که مبتنی بر نا آگاهی است. بیشتر زنان قاره آفریقا زندگی شان را با درد و رنج می گذرانند. چه کسی در صحرا به زنی مثل مادرم که نه پول دارد و نه قدرت کمک خواهد کرد؟ کسی باید به جای دختری که صدایی ندارد حرف بزند. خدا مرا وقتی از خانه فرار کردم از دست شیر در صحرا نجات داد و از آن لحظه به بعد احساس کردم که برای من نقشه ای دارد. دلیلی برای زنده نگه داشتنم. احساس می کنم سرنوشت من این است که به آنها کمک کنم.
January 29, 2023
..και λεγόμαστε "άνθρωποι"
October 17, 2022
Odmah, da ne bi bilo zabune.. Žena je mrak! Svaka čast na svemu postignutom u životu! Trebao bi biti više takvih na svijetu.. Svima bi nam bilo ljepše..
I hvala joj što me podsjetila gdje živim! Ponekad neke stvari stvarno shvaćamo zdravo za gotovo.
A knjiga.. Hm.. Sada ima 13 godina, pa onda ima 5, pa ima oko 9, pa ima tri, pa ima 11 i onda je manekenka, pa nakon toga ima 9 godina i onda 13.. :P Na momente mi je išla na živce i nikako mi nije bila simpatična. Eto.. :-/
I hvala joj što me podsjetila gdje živim! Ponekad neke stvari stvarno shvaćamo zdravo za gotovo.
A knjiga.. Hm.. Sada ima 13 godina, pa onda ima 5, pa ima oko 9, pa ima tri, pa ima 11 i onda je manekenka, pa nakon toga ima 9 godina i onda 13.. :P Na momente mi je išla na živce i nikako mi nije bila simpatična. Eto.. :-/
December 16, 2022
a fascinating and harrowing memoir, especially during the first half, but waris has such an incredible story to tell. her dedication towards helping to stop FGM across the world is so apparent, and she serves as a great example of a model (or even just someone in the public eye) using her platform to create positive change and a better future for women and girls.
August 4, 2018
Εγώ δεν θα πω πολλά. Δεν χρειάζεται άλλωστε.Αυτό το βιβλίο μ'έκανε να εκτιμήσω την ζωή που έχω τωρα. Πράγματα που εγώ θεωρώ αυτονόητα , αυτη η γυναίκα δεν τα είχε ποτέ στη ζωη της. Το δικαίωμα της επιλογής, το δικαίωμα στον έρωτα (είτε σαρκικό , είτε συναισθηματικό) και γενικα την ελευθερία. Αξίζει να το διαβάσεις γιατί μέσα απο την πολυτάραχη ζωή αυτής της γυναίκας θα δεις τη ζωή με άλλο μάτι.
November 10, 2024
Šis stāsts nav tikai par nežēlīgo Somālijas tradīciju veikt sieviešu apgraizīšanu, galvenokārt, manuprāt, par to, cik viena sieviete spēj paveikt. Par to, cik stiprs gars mīt viņā un neļauj apstāties grūtībās. Ne tikai sevis, bet arī citu sieviešu dēļ.
July 17, 2023
Pirmiausiai, tai kas aš tokia - kad galėčiau vertinti kažkieno gyvenimą žvaigždutėmis, todėl knygai duoti vos dvi lyg ir buvo nepatogu, kita vertus - net dvi tik todėl, jog šios moters gyvenimo istorija neįtikėtinai skaudi, o Waris Dirie be galo drąsi, nusprendusi ją papasakoti.
Tačiau kaip blogai, kaip blogai ji buvo papasakota, šitokia istorija, kuri ne tik, kad šokiruoja, kuri turi ir gali ir turbūt bent dalimi ir prisidėjo prie daugybės neteisybės sustabdymo, prie tokios šlykščios tiesos atskleidimo, prie akių atvėrimo; ji buvo taip nevykusiai atskleista, aprašyta, sudėliota, taip grubiai, taip paviršutiniškai, taip megėjiškai… Na taip, tiesa, gal literatūros aukštumų čia ir nereikėjo tikėtis - visgi esmė yra pati istorijos linija, vienos rįžtingos, užsispyrusios, protingos moters gyvenimo kelias, ir tuo pačiu šauksmas pasauliui - kad tokių panašių begalės likimų galima išvengti, visą tą žiaurią neteisybę galima ir reikia stabdyti. Sutinku - tai tikrai pagrindinė knygos misija, svarbiausia čia žinutė. Bet visgi, aš neabejoju, jog Waris reikėjo šalia daug stipresnio žmogaus literatūroje, nei kad ji pasirinko (ar jai parinko).
Ir nesistebiu, kad knyga šitaip gerai vertinama, turi tokį pasisekimą, žiaurios istorijos visuomet masina skaityti, man štai labai rezonavo kita baisi istorija apie Nikelio Berniukus (o ši net literatūrinį apdovanojimą štai yra gavusi) - kai visgi vertinama tik neįtikėtino baisumo istorija, bet kažkaip visai nebeaktuali tampa jo forma. Ir velniškai dėl to gaila.
Ir iš tiesų, buvo taip baisu, kad net neįtikinama. Skaičiau lyg kokią Afrikos kultūros pasaką (ironiška), kažkur girdėtą; kažkur matytą filmą, kai nebežinai, kas dar gali nutikti blogiau, bet štai nutinka. Visi tie baisumai galiausiai lyg atbukino, nebegalėjai skaitydamas būti jautrus: ar tai dėl to, jog viskas išties nesuvokiama, o gal ir vėl čia maišė tas antrokiškas rašymo stilius.
Patiks sukrenčiančias istorijas mėgstantiems, tačiau tik tuo atveju, jei visiškai ignoruosite, jog skaitote knygą, literatūrą; jog vienintelis tikslas - bus išgirsti, ką teko patirti vienai Somalio moteriai. Kaip gaila, bet vienai iš tūkstančių.
Tačiau kaip blogai, kaip blogai ji buvo papasakota, šitokia istorija, kuri ne tik, kad šokiruoja, kuri turi ir gali ir turbūt bent dalimi ir prisidėjo prie daugybės neteisybės sustabdymo, prie tokios šlykščios tiesos atskleidimo, prie akių atvėrimo; ji buvo taip nevykusiai atskleista, aprašyta, sudėliota, taip grubiai, taip paviršutiniškai, taip megėjiškai… Na taip, tiesa, gal literatūros aukštumų čia ir nereikėjo tikėtis - visgi esmė yra pati istorijos linija, vienos rįžtingos, užsispyrusios, protingos moters gyvenimo kelias, ir tuo pačiu šauksmas pasauliui - kad tokių panašių begalės likimų galima išvengti, visą tą žiaurią neteisybę galima ir reikia stabdyti. Sutinku - tai tikrai pagrindinė knygos misija, svarbiausia čia žinutė. Bet visgi, aš neabejoju, jog Waris reikėjo šalia daug stipresnio žmogaus literatūroje, nei kad ji pasirinko (ar jai parinko).
Ir nesistebiu, kad knyga šitaip gerai vertinama, turi tokį pasisekimą, žiaurios istorijos visuomet masina skaityti, man štai labai rezonavo kita baisi istorija apie Nikelio Berniukus (o ši net literatūrinį apdovanojimą štai yra gavusi) - kai visgi vertinama tik neįtikėtino baisumo istorija, bet kažkaip visai nebeaktuali tampa jo forma. Ir velniškai dėl to gaila.
Ir iš tiesų, buvo taip baisu, kad net neįtikinama. Skaičiau lyg kokią Afrikos kultūros pasaką (ironiška), kažkur girdėtą; kažkur matytą filmą, kai nebežinai, kas dar gali nutikti blogiau, bet štai nutinka. Visi tie baisumai galiausiai lyg atbukino, nebegalėjai skaitydamas būti jautrus: ar tai dėl to, jog viskas išties nesuvokiama, o gal ir vėl čia maišė tas antrokiškas rašymo stilius.
Patiks sukrenčiančias istorijas mėgstantiems, tačiau tik tuo atveju, jei visiškai ignoruosite, jog skaitote knygą, literatūrą; jog vienintelis tikslas - bus išgirsti, ką teko patirti vienai Somalio moteriai. Kaip gaila, bet vienai iš tūkstančių.
November 17, 2014
This is an autobiography of a very resilient and head-strong Somali woman who up and left her desert nomadic clan. She was to be betrothed, as a young teenage girl (birth dates were not recorded in her tribe), to a much older man. She was having none of that!
She trekked solo to Mogadishu – and from there managed through relatives, to get a posting as a maid at the Somalia London embassy. Eventually she entered the world of high fashion modeling.
Her Somalia narrative was intensely interesting, but her adaptation to the West I found less so – namely her climb in the fashion industry and her “marriage” to attain citizenship. I found this book in “full flight”; the author is on the move constantly, making the book suffer from a lack of contemplation.
Let it also be said, for those critical of her lifestyle, that if she would not have departed Somalia, she would have been tending goats, been burdened with several children, likely would have been illiterate, and dominated by a much older man.
The author does bring up a very significant subject – at the age of five or six – she suffered the abomination of female genital mutilation (FGM). She continues to suffer from this. Apparently FGM is Africa wide. Waris Dirie has made it her life cause to prevent and educate women not to undergo this procedure. She has participated as an ambassador to the U.N. to stop this practise. It is indeed commendable for her to publicize and become a spokeperson against this.
She trekked solo to Mogadishu – and from there managed through relatives, to get a posting as a maid at the Somalia London embassy. Eventually she entered the world of high fashion modeling.
Her Somalia narrative was intensely interesting, but her adaptation to the West I found less so – namely her climb in the fashion industry and her “marriage” to attain citizenship. I found this book in “full flight”; the author is on the move constantly, making the book suffer from a lack of contemplation.
Let it also be said, for those critical of her lifestyle, that if she would not have departed Somalia, she would have been tending goats, been burdened with several children, likely would have been illiterate, and dominated by a much older man.
The author does bring up a very significant subject – at the age of five or six – she suffered the abomination of female genital mutilation (FGM). She continues to suffer from this. Apparently FGM is Africa wide. Waris Dirie has made it her life cause to prevent and educate women not to undergo this procedure. She has participated as an ambassador to the U.N. to stop this practise. It is indeed commendable for her to publicize and become a spokeperson against this.
January 3, 2019
This book was informative and touching to read, and I suggest anyone to take a look at it, it will open your eyes to another world on our planet.
March 4, 2020
Through this very intriguing autobiography you learn about the life of nomadic herders and the world of high fashion models. More striking than these desriptions is the first hand account of a female genital mutilation (FMG) and its life long consequences.
Dirie describes her early years of tending the family's animals and avoiding the dangerous ones. It was never ending backbreaking work. Punishments were severe. There could be days without food or water. Her mother bore 12 children, not all survived. She had a strong bond with her mother, fun with her siblings and loved nature and the outdoors.
At age 5, Dirie underwent FMG. She describes it, the scene, the woman who did it, her mother's compliance and support. She had great pain and was left to heal in the hut where the operation took place. There are side effects, urination takes 10 minutes; menstruation is painful and the look is horrendous. Later in life she has a subsequent surgery to correct some of this.
At age 13, to escape a marriage to a very old man, she ran (literally - out ran her father) away. Her father would get 5 camels for this marriage, she would get a life of drudge. It took days of walking, running, hitchhiking for her to connect with relatives in cities. One relative provided a job in London. She describes her wonderment of the flight, white people, and the pace of living. She describes her life as a servant, McDonald's worker and her pursuit of her career and the legal resident status it required.
It is quite a story. In it Dirie owns up to things she needed to do to survive. There is the dealing with a rapist, the set up marriages for legal status and how she coped with the very private matter of her FMG.
Her story concludes with her work on behalf of eliminating FMG. You think of the millions of girls and women trapped in the situation Dirie survived (death from FMG is not uncommon - Dirie may have lost a sister from it, but no one speaks of it).
When you see what she had to do to get away from the marriage and the unfair life she would lead, you realize how completely those without relatives in cities and the pluck and beauty of Dirie are trapped. Dirie's older sister also ran away to avoid an arranged marriage. Her simple life in a small city is most likely what (the few) escapees can aspire to.
Interesting to this story is Dirie's mother. She grew up in Mogadishu. Her brother in law (who gave Dirie her job and ticket to London) was an ambassador. She gave up whatever benefits this family could provide for a very hard life.
While this book is over 20 years it is timeless and deserves to be read.
Dirie describes her early years of tending the family's animals and avoiding the dangerous ones. It was never ending backbreaking work. Punishments were severe. There could be days without food or water. Her mother bore 12 children, not all survived. She had a strong bond with her mother, fun with her siblings and loved nature and the outdoors.
At age 5, Dirie underwent FMG. She describes it, the scene, the woman who did it, her mother's compliance and support. She had great pain and was left to heal in the hut where the operation took place. There are side effects, urination takes 10 minutes; menstruation is painful and the look is horrendous. Later in life she has a subsequent surgery to correct some of this.
At age 13, to escape a marriage to a very old man, she ran (literally - out ran her father) away. Her father would get 5 camels for this marriage, she would get a life of drudge. It took days of walking, running, hitchhiking for her to connect with relatives in cities. One relative provided a job in London. She describes her wonderment of the flight, white people, and the pace of living. She describes her life as a servant, McDonald's worker and her pursuit of her career and the legal resident status it required.
It is quite a story. In it Dirie owns up to things she needed to do to survive. There is the dealing with a rapist, the set up marriages for legal status and how she coped with the very private matter of her FMG.
Her story concludes with her work on behalf of eliminating FMG. You think of the millions of girls and women trapped in the situation Dirie survived (death from FMG is not uncommon - Dirie may have lost a sister from it, but no one speaks of it).
When you see what she had to do to get away from the marriage and the unfair life she would lead, you realize how completely those without relatives in cities and the pluck and beauty of Dirie are trapped. Dirie's older sister also ran away to avoid an arranged marriage. Her simple life in a small city is most likely what (the few) escapees can aspire to.
Interesting to this story is Dirie's mother. She grew up in Mogadishu. Her brother in law (who gave Dirie her job and ticket to London) was an ambassador. She gave up whatever benefits this family could provide for a very hard life.
While this book is over 20 years it is timeless and deserves to be read.
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April 17, 2024
Mīlu izcilas biogrāfijas. 🤍
Ik pa laikam manā redzeslokā nonāk jaudīgas biogrāfijas oriģinālvalodā, kuras regulāri pieminu dažādās sarunās un nereti sūdzos, ka tās nav iztulkotas. Šs nebūs tas gadījums – gaidiet! Jau šogad grāmatas tulkojums nonāks pie lasītājiem @lmizdevnieciba paspārnē.
Waris ir supermodele no Somālijas un šajā biogrāfijā izstāsta savu dzīvi no laika, kad viņa kopā ar ģimeni kā klejotāji dzīvoja tuksnesī – gulēja zem klajas debess, neskaitīja laiku un dzīvoja saskaņā ar dabu, līdz pat laikam, kad viņa iestājās par sieviešu – jaunu meiteņu tiesībām ne vien Somālijā, bet citviet pasaulē, kur sievietēm nav teikšanas par savu ķermeni un dzīvi.
Bet tam visam pa vidu tik daudz kā, ka atklāti sakot, es nesaprotu, kā tas tik prasmīgi ietilpināts tik salīdzinoši nelielā grāmatā. Somāliešu kultūra un paražas, tajā skaitā brutāla meiteņu apgraizīšana, visa veida vardarbība, nabadzība, piespiedu laulības, bēgšana pāri tuksnesim, nokļūšana Londonā, kas palēnām un ne bez grūtībām Waris aizveda līdz pat VOGE un ELLE vākiem.
Neticami! Tik daudz neticamā Waris pašas pieredzētajā un pārdzīvotajā un prātam neaptverams, kam – kādai nežēlībai un mocībām ir pakļautas sievietes tik daudzās austrumu kultūrās, kurām tiek veikta apgraizīšana – mazākais – tiek nogriezts klitors, lai sieviete nekad nejustu baudu un tādejādi negribētu to meklēt pa svešām gultām. Ļaunākajā gadījumā sievietēm tiek nogriezti visi ārējie dzimumorgāni – viņas tiek aizšūtas, atstājot nelielu izeju urīnam un menstruācijām. Ja tas jums nešķiet pietiekami šausminoši – to veic tāda kā vecmāte, šamane – turpat tuksnesī uz akmens ar jebko asu, ko iespējams atrast – mačete, žilete, šķēres, reizēm - pašas zobi. Ja paveicas – meitenes izdzīvo.
Viss stāsts ir lasīšanas vērts no vāka līdz vākam, taču tieši apgraizīšanas jautājums ir tas, kas ir savā ziņā caurviju motīvs un viennozīmīgi atstās spēcīgus nospiedumus. Taču, lai tas jūs nenobiedē, jo kopumā autore raksta ar lielu mīlestību, gaišumu un pat humoru, kur tas iederas.
Ik pa laikam manā redzeslokā nonāk jaudīgas biogrāfijas oriģinālvalodā, kuras regulāri pieminu dažādās sarunās un nereti sūdzos, ka tās nav iztulkotas. Šs nebūs tas gadījums – gaidiet! Jau šogad grāmatas tulkojums nonāks pie lasītājiem @lmizdevnieciba paspārnē.
Waris ir supermodele no Somālijas un šajā biogrāfijā izstāsta savu dzīvi no laika, kad viņa kopā ar ģimeni kā klejotāji dzīvoja tuksnesī – gulēja zem klajas debess, neskaitīja laiku un dzīvoja saskaņā ar dabu, līdz pat laikam, kad viņa iestājās par sieviešu – jaunu meiteņu tiesībām ne vien Somālijā, bet citviet pasaulē, kur sievietēm nav teikšanas par savu ķermeni un dzīvi.
Bet tam visam pa vidu tik daudz kā, ka atklāti sakot, es nesaprotu, kā tas tik prasmīgi ietilpināts tik salīdzinoši nelielā grāmatā. Somāliešu kultūra un paražas, tajā skaitā brutāla meiteņu apgraizīšana, visa veida vardarbība, nabadzība, piespiedu laulības, bēgšana pāri tuksnesim, nokļūšana Londonā, kas palēnām un ne bez grūtībām Waris aizveda līdz pat VOGE un ELLE vākiem.
Neticami! Tik daudz neticamā Waris pašas pieredzētajā un pārdzīvotajā un prātam neaptverams, kam – kādai nežēlībai un mocībām ir pakļautas sievietes tik daudzās austrumu kultūrās, kurām tiek veikta apgraizīšana – mazākais – tiek nogriezts klitors, lai sieviete nekad nejustu baudu un tādejādi negribētu to meklēt pa svešām gultām. Ļaunākajā gadījumā sievietēm tiek nogriezti visi ārējie dzimumorgāni – viņas tiek aizšūtas, atstājot nelielu izeju urīnam un menstruācijām. Ja tas jums nešķiet pietiekami šausminoši – to veic tāda kā vecmāte, šamane – turpat tuksnesī uz akmens ar jebko asu, ko iespējams atrast – mačete, žilete, šķēres, reizēm - pašas zobi. Ja paveicas – meitenes izdzīvo.
Viss stāsts ir lasīšanas vērts no vāka līdz vākam, taču tieši apgraizīšanas jautājums ir tas, kas ir savā ziņā caurviju motīvs un viennozīmīgi atstās spēcīgus nospiedumus. Taču, lai tas jūs nenobiedē, jo kopumā autore raksta ar lielu mīlestību, gaišumu un pat humoru, kur tas iederas.
February 24, 2010
I love this book. Waris' time in Somalia as a child was my favorite part. It was both disturbing and lovely and wholly real.
What I also love about this book is the way this book addressed Genital Mutilation. Discussion about problematic tribal rites like female genital mutilation is best done from within the culture as well as from the outside. If there is no point of view from the inside all it looks like is a bunch of outsiders calling a group of people barbarians. When people feel disrespected, people don’t listen. And if people do not listen, the practice simply continues. This is one of those insider books. Waris speaks out against FGM but she also shows and proclaims that she very much loves and respects her culture.
What I also love about Desert Flower is that it deals with FGM without having the issue consume the entire book. Waris was more than a victim of this traditional practice, much more. It's a well-rounded perspective.
Waris' tale is simply a great one. I'm not a fan of the modeling industry in the least. But this woman's story transcends that. It shows the journey of a feisty African girl turned woman both within her traditional community and within the traditional community of the West. The modeling industry very much represents Western tradition.
She finally goes in for the kill at the very end about FGM. All through the book I was WAITING for that, wishing for it. She summed it up really well and I was satisfied.
My only problem with the book, wasn’t really an problem. She seemed so forgiving of the West’s issues with black women and the Beauty Myth so pervasive in the modeling industry. I think this stems from her African upbringing, where she wasn’t born and raised around racism. For this reason, her world view and the places where she directs her anger are a little different. And that is ok.
What I also love about this book is the way this book addressed Genital Mutilation. Discussion about problematic tribal rites like female genital mutilation is best done from within the culture as well as from the outside. If there is no point of view from the inside all it looks like is a bunch of outsiders calling a group of people barbarians. When people feel disrespected, people don’t listen. And if people do not listen, the practice simply continues. This is one of those insider books. Waris speaks out against FGM but she also shows and proclaims that she very much loves and respects her culture.
What I also love about Desert Flower is that it deals with FGM without having the issue consume the entire book. Waris was more than a victim of this traditional practice, much more. It's a well-rounded perspective.
Waris' tale is simply a great one. I'm not a fan of the modeling industry in the least. But this woman's story transcends that. It shows the journey of a feisty African girl turned woman both within her traditional community and within the traditional community of the West. The modeling industry very much represents Western tradition.
She finally goes in for the kill at the very end about FGM. All through the book I was WAITING for that, wishing for it. She summed it up really well and I was satisfied.
My only problem with the book, wasn’t really an problem. She seemed so forgiving of the West’s issues with black women and the Beauty Myth so pervasive in the modeling industry. I think this stems from her African upbringing, where she wasn’t born and raised around racism. For this reason, her world view and the places where she directs her anger are a little different. And that is ok.
July 20, 2025
Рятуючись від примусового шлюбу, Варіс Дірі втекла з табору кочівників у сомалійській пустелі. Зрештою вона опинилася в Лондоні та стала успішною фотомоделлю. Медійний резонанс зокрема дозволив їй привернути увагу світу до жіночого обрізання — жорстокого ритуалу, який досі практикують у багатьох куточках планети, навіть там, де він криміналізований. Самій Варіс довелося роками потерпати від наслідків калічення геніталій, тож її мета — зробити так, щоби подібних страждань не мусила більше зазнавати жодна дівчина й жінка в світі.
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October 26, 2025
It was such an inspiring read!!
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