What do you think?
Rate this book
Born in the Big Rains: A Memoir of Somalia and Survival
This powerful memoir portrays the life-altering transformation of a feisty nomad girl who undergoes genital excision. Crippled with rheumatism as a result of the cutting, Fadumo Korn, who once freely roamed the deserts of her native Somalia, is sent to live with a wealthy uncle, brother to the Somali president. She enters a world of luxury underpinned with political instability and cruelty, but receives an invaluable education. Korn eventually moves to Germany for therapy and recounts her life there—her marriage, the birth of her son, and her involvement in the movement to end genital cutting—with warm and inspiring humor.
186 pages, Hardcover
First published January 10, 2006
21 people are currently reading
982 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 23, 2020
There is a lot packed into this short memoir of a Somali woman. Korn first relates her happy childhood as a nomad, member of the Darod tribe and Marehan clan, moving across the desert with her large family by camel caravan. Her childhood ends abruptly at age seven, when her family has her infibulated, a tradition, common in some African cultures, of cutting out the clitoris and labia and stitching the vulva together to prevent intercourse. Her description of the experience is as harrowing as you might imagine.
Instead of recovering over the coming year, she is wracked by debilitating pain in her joints, leading her father to take her to Mogadishu for medical treatment. Here she lives with an uncle and begins to learn of her extended family's dark role in Somalia's modern history. While she doesn't get much medical help here, it is only the first stop on a journey that takes her to Italy and, finally, Germany, where she eventually finds a caring and skilled doctor, who reverses some of the mutilation inflicted on her and helps her overcome the stigma her society had attached to women's bodies and sex.
She marries a German photographer, they have a son, and she finds a purpose as an advocate against female genital mutilation (FGM). She is critical of some European advocates who denigrate African cultures as primitive, however, and provides insight into the internal conflict felt by those enculturated with the traditional meaning of the rite.
Very well-written and thought-provoking.
Instead of recovering over the coming year, she is wracked by debilitating pain in her joints, leading her father to take her to Mogadishu for medical treatment. Here she lives with an uncle and begins to learn of her extended family's dark role in Somalia's modern history. While she doesn't get much medical help here, it is only the first stop on a journey that takes her to Italy and, finally, Germany, where she eventually finds a caring and skilled doctor, who reverses some of the mutilation inflicted on her and helps her overcome the stigma her society had attached to women's bodies and sex.
She marries a German photographer, they have a son, and she finds a purpose as an advocate against female genital mutilation (FGM). She is critical of some European advocates who denigrate African cultures as primitive, however, and provides insight into the internal conflict felt by those enculturated with the traditional meaning of the rite.
Very well-written and thought-provoking.
January 26, 2014
I'm reading Desert Flower and while the stories are similar in nature, the books couldn't be more different. Fadumo's story is told the way our stories are remembered and passed on, before they get written down and edited and shaped into a story with some sort of linear through line. It reminds me a lot of The Diary of Anne Frank. I feel like I have met a real living human being.
As a nice side note, as a Western Liberal I appreciated having her remind me to listen for understanding, and not to listen for ways to rebuke and prove my own Western ideals.
As a nice side note, as a Western Liberal I appreciated having her remind me to listen for understanding, and not to listen for ways to rebuke and prove my own Western ideals.
February 17, 2017
This was an easy, quick read and a fairly interesting narrative about the author's experiences living in Somalia in a nomadic family and tribe, growing to adulthood among the elite (with her uncle, part of the ruling family at the time), and eventually moving to Europe - three extremely different lives because of her health issues stemming from FGM and the civil war that erupted in Somalia not long after her departure.
It was in Europe that the author where she became an advocate against FGM, as it was there that she learned that the custom was considered "mutilation" (a word she fought against) and not practiced in the modern world. On FGM, though, this was not the best written book on the topic - it read in a very juvenile fashion, like a young woman's diary or a memoir geared toward a young adult audience (although to be fair, this may more have to do with the translation of it). The memoir itself really only discussed FGM superficially; the Afterward, written by the translator, contained a lot of useful, practical information on the custom, and for anyone not familiar with FGM it was probably the most interesting part of the book.
For better written accounts, I would instead suggest reading Desert Flower by Waris Dirie or (the best I've read on the subject) Do They Hear You When You Cry by Fauziya Kassindja.
It was in Europe that the author where she became an advocate against FGM, as it was there that she learned that the custom was considered "mutilation" (a word she fought against) and not practiced in the modern world. On FGM, though, this was not the best written book on the topic - it read in a very juvenile fashion, like a young woman's diary or a memoir geared toward a young adult audience (although to be fair, this may more have to do with the translation of it). The memoir itself really only discussed FGM superficially; the Afterward, written by the translator, contained a lot of useful, practical information on the custom, and for anyone not familiar with FGM it was probably the most interesting part of the book.
For better written accounts, I would instead suggest reading Desert Flower by Waris Dirie or (the best I've read on the subject) Do They Hear You When You Cry by Fauziya Kassindja.
Read
October 3, 2013It was inspirational, an eye opening, relation to the horrifying events many Somali women went through.
August 17, 2013
In The Flying Carpet of Small Miracles, which I read earlier this year, the author recalls meeting a young girl who had just lost her leg:
How is this relevant to Born in the Big Rains? Well, in a way Marwa and Fadumo Korn were in similar situations -- the former crippled by war, the latter facing the effects of a botched circumcision. Marwa is only one story of many in The Flying Carpet of Small Miracles, so we don't learn how things turn out for her. Korn, however, had an unexpected resource -- very wealthy and very powerful relatives ready to take her in and, later, seek medical care abroad.
Later, when Korn has settled in Germany and married a German, they return to Somalia to visit her family. She asks a relative why he doesn't rebel when the family decides he can't marry the woman he's fallen for.
So in a way this book is about luck -- not always good luck; more like luck of the draw:
If she hadn't been born into a nomadic family in a culture that practices female circumcision --
If her circumcision hadn't had long-lasting complications --
If she hadn't had wealthy, influential relatives --
Especially given Somalia's civil war and her family's position, things could have turned out very, very differently for her. It makes for a very complex, nuanced, and often difficult read.
Marwa looked down at her stump, covered her eyes with both hands, and burst into tears. I realized that this was not just an innocent child coming to terms with the loss of a limb. She had also lost any prospect of a happy marriage one day. In a poorly educated community in Baghdad, there would be no suitors, no falling in love, no netting a nice young husband. If she married at all, it would be either to a much older man looking for a younger second or third wife, or to a cousin who would have to be talked into it as a favor to the family. More likely, she was destined to become an unwanted spinster. Marwa was grieving not only for her leg but for her future. (79)
How is this relevant to Born in the Big Rains? Well, in a way Marwa and Fadumo Korn were in similar situations -- the former crippled by war, the latter facing the effects of a botched circumcision. Marwa is only one story of many in The Flying Carpet of Small Miracles, so we don't learn how things turn out for her. Korn, however, had an unexpected resource -- very wealthy and very powerful relatives ready to take her in and, later, seek medical care abroad.
Later, when Korn has settled in Germany and married a German, they return to Somalia to visit her family. She asks a relative why he doesn't rebel when the family decides he can't marry the woman he's fallen for.
"Whatever the family decides, I'll have to accept," Jama answered. "I'm not like you."
"What do you mean by that?" I asked.
"Well..." Jama searched for words. "You've broken the rules. But you're disabled. Everyone's happy that you found a man at all." (136)
So in a way this book is about luck -- not always good luck; more like luck of the draw:
If she hadn't been born into a nomadic family in a culture that practices female circumcision --
If her circumcision hadn't had long-lasting complications --
If she hadn't had wealthy, influential relatives --
Especially given Somalia's civil war and her family's position, things could have turned out very, very differently for her. It makes for a very complex, nuanced, and often difficult read.
December 21, 2010
Fadumo grew up as a nomad in Somalia, but she ended up married to a West German photographer and became an outspoken activist against female genital mutilation (FGM). Her autobiography traces her life from her childhood through the time of publication. Fadumo, like other Somali women who have written autobiographies recently, is a strong, courageous woman and a talented writer.
She started off as a normal nomad child, but after her infibulation (the most severe form of female genital mutilation), she developed complications, including severe arthritis that deformed her hands and feet. Her parents eventually sent her to a wealthier, urban family member for medical care because they were concerned about her physical condition. Fadumo never saw her parents again, but she did receive medical care, eventually ending up in a hospital in Germany, where she made her new home. After she married a German man, Fadumo had to deal with the physical (and mental) effects of her infibulation, an long and emotional process that eventually led her to speak out against FGM.
This is a well-written and compelling story, and Fadumo is an inspiration.
She started off as a normal nomad child, but after her infibulation (the most severe form of female genital mutilation), she developed complications, including severe arthritis that deformed her hands and feet. Her parents eventually sent her to a wealthier, urban family member for medical care because they were concerned about her physical condition. Fadumo never saw her parents again, but she did receive medical care, eventually ending up in a hospital in Germany, where she made her new home. After she married a German man, Fadumo had to deal with the physical (and mental) effects of her infibulation, an long and emotional process that eventually led her to speak out against FGM.
This is a well-written and compelling story, and Fadumo is an inspiration.
August 4, 2008
A must read for anyone interested in international, cross-cultural medical research and practice. This is a memoir about an anti-FGM activist who was born in Somalia as a nomad, was circumcized, and then had to move to Mogadishu, Italy, and, finally, Germany to receive treatment for the diseases that she developed. Fadumo Korn wrote this memoir, which reads very much like a fast-moving novel, to heighten sensitivity around this issue, and to encourage a hollistic approach to medical practices surrounding cultural differences. I could go on and on, but just read it! It's short and SO worth it. A very important book.
October 2, 2011
Told in a simple storyteller fashion, this book brought me along through the world of a nomadic tribe and turned into a definition of gender inequalities and strength. That little girls are mutilated to maintain control over them seems so archaic, and yet it continues. Fadumo Korn is a brave heroine who used her suffering to impact change. It's unthinkable that she had to, and inspiring that she did.
July 21, 2009
Excellent account of the practice of female genital mutilation in Africa, specifically Somalia. The account follows Ms. Korn as she connects the dots of her life back to this terrible cultural practice.
January 1, 2011
A powerful, yet simply told memoir. Highly recommended for anyone interested in women's health, inter-cultural relations, FGM, or Somalia's history. A great (and fairly quick) read to start the new year.
March 7, 2010
A memoir of Somalia and survival, the child is a victim of FGM. Things do not go well and she suffers side effects for the rest of her life. Her spirit, virtue, and love for others transform her into a social activist.
February 3, 2008
Well-written and interesting look into Somali culture and FGM. Good memoir.
June 2, 2017
Feminist Press book. Memoir by Somalian woman currently living in Germany. Addresses issue of FGM. Insight in to modern Somalian history as she is an extended member of the former ruling family.
August 29, 2008
If you are unaware of FGM (female circumcision), then this is a must-read. The memoir is easy to read and moves along quickly. The author's story is both inspiring and educational.
December 22, 2010
Powerful, engrossing.
January 3, 2009
This book was very interesting.. I felt horrible for what this woman had to endure!! Definetly a hard life to live... and went through things that no one should have to go through!
May 21, 2010
Wonderful insite into life in Somalia even if what's revealed isn't too wonderful. Quick read but powerful.
October 2, 2010
Interesting memoir. I especially enjoyed the early part about her life as a nomad. I wish there was more on why and how she became an activist since that part seemed rushed at the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2011
Remarkable story.
May 15, 2012
One of the first memoirs I read recounting experiences with female genital circumcision. Another read is required :)
March 7, 2014
A very disturbing book about female mutilation. It was very difficult to read some parts of it. The author is a very strong and brave woman.
March 25, 2021
The topic of FGM is something that churns my stomach, I know it happens but I didn’t want to read about it. Finally, I decided to face what made me uncomfortable and read this book.
Simply put, this book is the story of a Somali woman through her childhood into life in Germany, finding love and having children. But there is this awareness the author brings to how life in Somalia was, back in the late 80s to early 90s. The author subtly mentions FGM as it is perceived in the community and then goes on to talk about her education about it and attempts to spread the awareness within the Somali immigrant community about the FGM hinders a woman’s body. The latter bit is the key takeaway from this book.
Read it if you are ready for a very uncomfortable truth.
Simply put, this book is the story of a Somali woman through her childhood into life in Germany, finding love and having children. But there is this awareness the author brings to how life in Somalia was, back in the late 80s to early 90s. The author subtly mentions FGM as it is perceived in the community and then goes on to talk about her education about it and attempts to spread the awareness within the Somali immigrant community about the FGM hinders a woman’s body. The latter bit is the key takeaway from this book.
Read it if you are ready for a very uncomfortable truth.
June 15, 2023
This was a fancinating memoir from the female voice of a Somali nomad. From the details of the nomadic family structure and traditions, to clan politics, to the African immigrant story, I could not put this book down. Often, I wished that there was more detail, and I felt like there were pretty large gaps of time that were skipped or just mentioned in passing. The author managed, in very few words, to help me see the landscape, and feel her emotions, and to imagine what that way of life might be like. She also discribed the horror of the process and aftermath of female genital mutilation without being overly lurid and sensational. I would love to hear more about her life as she developed into an advocate for the women still facing mutilation.
December 18, 2023
Disclaimer: Trigger warning ⚠️
Memoir of Fadumo Korn, a survivor of traditional Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Somalia. She was an ordinary nomadic girl living with her family, recalling childhood memories among tribal people, traditional practices, and culture. Fadumo suffered several health issues due to the Somali tradition and describes the painful process of mutilation at a very young age.
She endured the consequences of this unhealthy practice for several years. Later, her parents sent her to Mogadishu to live with a wealthy relative, where she received medical treatment. Eventually, she moved to Italy and later settled in Germany with her husband. Fadumo became an activist against FGM, establishing a charitable organization for African women and girls.
Memoir of Fadumo Korn, a survivor of traditional Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Somalia. She was an ordinary nomadic girl living with her family, recalling childhood memories among tribal people, traditional practices, and culture. Fadumo suffered several health issues due to the Somali tradition and describes the painful process of mutilation at a very young age.
She endured the consequences of this unhealthy practice for several years. Later, her parents sent her to Mogadishu to live with a wealthy relative, where she received medical treatment. Eventually, she moved to Italy and later settled in Germany with her husband. Fadumo became an activist against FGM, establishing a charitable organization for African women and girls.
November 28, 2024
An incredible story of conquering the odds. It opened up my eyes to Somali desert nomads. I realised that there is so much about Africa I am yet to learn, as an African.
There are many African stories that need to be told. I am glad to have read this
There are many African stories that need to be told. I am glad to have read this
October 31, 2021
Once I started this book it was hard to put it down. A compelling story of surviving FGM (female genital mutilation) and her journey from Somalia to Germany.
February 5, 2022
At the beginning, the descriptions of nomadic life were really interesting. I was most fascinated to learn about the camels. Their importance and personalities and tracks and relationship with the men who herd them. It was obviously not the point of the book, but nomadic life is just so different that those parts were very memorable.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews