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A Woman of Firsts: The midwife who built a hospital and changed the world
‘The Muslim Mother Teresa’ Huffington Post
Imprisonment. Mutilation. Persecution.
Edna Adan Ismail endured it all – for the women of Africa.
A Woman of Firsts tells the inspirational story of a remarkable daughter, nurse and First Lady. The indomitable Edna Adan Ismail survived imprisonment, persecution, and civil war to become a pioneering politician, a leading light in the World Health Organisation, and a global campaigner for women’s rights.
The eldest child of an overworked doctor in the British Protectorate of Somaliland, Edna was the first midwife in Somaliland, she campaigned tirelessly for better healthcare for women and fought for women on a global stage as the first female Foreign Minister of her country. But mixing with presidents and princes, she still never forgot her roots and continued to deliver children and train midwives – a role she has to this day.
At 81 years old, she still runs what is hailed as the Horn of Africa’s finest university hospital where she trains future generations and still delivers babies.
After all – as she puts it – she is simply a midwife.
Imprisonment. Mutilation. Persecution.
Edna Adan Ismail endured it all – for the women of Africa.
A Woman of Firsts tells the inspirational story of a remarkable daughter, nurse and First Lady. The indomitable Edna Adan Ismail survived imprisonment, persecution, and civil war to become a pioneering politician, a leading light in the World Health Organisation, and a global campaigner for women’s rights.
The eldest child of an overworked doctor in the British Protectorate of Somaliland, Edna was the first midwife in Somaliland, she campaigned tirelessly for better healthcare for women and fought for women on a global stage as the first female Foreign Minister of her country. But mixing with presidents and princes, she still never forgot her roots and continued to deliver children and train midwives – a role she has to this day.
At 81 years old, she still runs what is hailed as the Horn of Africa’s finest university hospital where she trains future generations and still delivers babies.
After all – as she puts it – she is simply a midwife.
336 pages, Paperback
First published August 8, 2019
57 people are currently reading
1560 people want to read
About the author
Edna Adan Ismail
2 books14 followersEdna Adan Ismail (Somali: Edna Aadan Ismaaciil ama Adna Aadan Ismaaciil) is a nurse midwife, activist and was the first female Foreign Minister of Somaliland from 2003 to 2006. She previously served as Somaliland's Minister of Family Welfare and Social Development.
She is the director and founder of the Edna Adan Maternity Hospital in Hargeisa and an activist and pioneer in the struggle for the abolition of female genital mutilation. She is also President of the Organization for Victims of Torture.
She was married to Mohamed Haji Ibrahim Egal who was the prime minister of the State of Somaliland five days prior to Trust Territory of Somalia's independence and later the Somali Republic (1960-1960) and (1967–69) and President of Somaliland (1993–2002).
She is the director and founder of the Edna Adan Maternity Hospital in Hargeisa and an activist and pioneer in the struggle for the abolition of female genital mutilation. She is also President of the Organization for Victims of Torture.
She was married to Mohamed Haji Ibrahim Egal who was the prime minister of the State of Somaliland five days prior to Trust Territory of Somalia's independence and later the Somali Republic (1960-1960) and (1967–69) and President of Somaliland (1993–2002).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
August 12, 2019
Forget book of the week, book of the year, this is the book of the decade. This is the most incredible memoir you'll ever read. I absolutely devoured this book. There are so many different landscapes and contexts that make this the most uplifting, inspiring, humbling, devastating and fun biography out there. From camels and goats in Somaliland, to 50s swing time London, to hospital night shifts, to the glitter and glamour of being First Lady, to war and imprisonment, this is a true story of resilience. I can't wait to re-live it all by listening to the audiobook!
September 4, 2019
From BBC radio 4 Extra:
The memoir of Edna Adan Ismail, a remarkable daughter, midwife and First Lady.
As the eldest child of an overworked doctor in 1950s Somaliland, Edna saw first-hand how poor healthcare, lack of education and ancient superstitions had devastating effects on the country’s people, especially women. When she suffered the trauma of FGM as an 8 year-old girl, Edna’s determination was born.
She became a nurse and midwife, a formidable teacher and a campaigner for women’s health. As her country was swept up in its bloody fight for independence, Edna also rose to become its First Lady and first female cabinet minister. But mixing with Presidents and Princes, she never forgot her roots and continued to train midwives – a role she has to this day.
In time, she built her own hospital, brick by brick, in the face of many obstacles - to ensure the training of future generations. The indomitable 82 year-old Edna still delivers babies. After all - as she puts it - she is "simply a midwife".
Omnibus read by Cathy Tyson.
Abridged by Anna Magnusson.
Produced by Pippa Vaughan.
A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in five parts in 2019.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000...
The memoir of Edna Adan Ismail, a remarkable daughter, midwife and First Lady.
As the eldest child of an overworked doctor in 1950s Somaliland, Edna saw first-hand how poor healthcare, lack of education and ancient superstitions had devastating effects on the country’s people, especially women. When she suffered the trauma of FGM as an 8 year-old girl, Edna’s determination was born.
She became a nurse and midwife, a formidable teacher and a campaigner for women’s health. As her country was swept up in its bloody fight for independence, Edna also rose to become its First Lady and first female cabinet minister. But mixing with Presidents and Princes, she never forgot her roots and continued to train midwives – a role she has to this day.
In time, she built her own hospital, brick by brick, in the face of many obstacles - to ensure the training of future generations. The indomitable 82 year-old Edna still delivers babies. After all - as she puts it - she is "simply a midwife".
Omnibus read by Cathy Tyson.
Abridged by Anna Magnusson.
Produced by Pippa Vaughan.
A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in five parts in 2019.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000...
November 27, 2023
The most incredible memoir
December 16, 2020
I want to start by saying Edna Adan Ismail is a phenomenal woman. I don’t think this book has had the press it deserves at all!
Two things: It’s been nice reading about someone relatable and then reading about Somalia and Somaliland. As a Kenyan, I feel we do not know enough about our neighbours, yet quite a large percentage of our population is now Somali due to people seeking refuge from starvation and war.
Edna is the type of person who should be a role model for us, our girls and our boys. She became the first midwife in Somaliland after receiving a scholarship to train in Britain as a nurse and midwife.
Throughout the course of her life after returning to Somaliland, she has been involved in training new midwives, working for WHO, campaigning against FGM, politics, became the First Lady of Somaliland, kidnappings, arrests, thuggery, broken marriages, massive highs and lows and still continued to fulfil her dream of building a hospital in Hargeisa (with her own money, might I add).
She is relentless, kind, selfless, and all that she did for her people, usually came back full circle when she had nothing. Karma exists and she has shown it is beautiful and unexpected! Her father who was a doctor, was as selfless as Edna, always giving up what he had for the care of his patients, no doubt his daughter followed in his footsteps.
She studied abroad and could have easily stayed abroad, there is security, stability and an easy life but instead, she chose her people and her country. "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime". I truly believe that is how we in the diaspora can give back- that is the plan God Willing!
Her relationship with her parents was eerily relatable and funny. Her father let her accompany and help him at the hospital from the age of about 10. This went against cultural norms where a woman should be learning how to make a good home for when she gets married.
Her mother never understood, but her father treated her as an equal and always encouraged her to learn.
Pops, after teaching me the ropes let me drive his car unaccompanied, change a tyre, check the oil, run things in his business by 12 years old, so it is nice to read about parents that acknowledge their kids can do more (this was in Kenya, not England). My mum never understood my dad’s ways of raising us either, so it was nice reading about that dynamic. Edna is her father’s daughter, as am I – Loved it!!
Edna has a formidable character. Her work came first, her patients and her care for her family. Other things came secondary and that was sometimes her marriages. She married men that seemed like they were supportive of her career until she was running early morning or late-night missions for her patients, that is when the men showed their true feelings.
It must have been heart breaking having to pick up over and over again, but she did it. Her ambition and care for her work and people pulled her through. The legacy of her father pulled her through.
She has shown that it is nice to have a partner and company, but not the kind that hinders you. Your goals and aspirations are just as important as your partners. She has shown women do not need to step back for their husbands to shine. She put them in the trash with the utmost respect and moved on. Brilliant... I would do the same!
Now as for Somalia and Somaliland, and the marred relationship these two countries have had after colonisation is a tragedy. It was great to read and learn about what happened here and why. And most importantly how both countries are usually considered one, but they really aren’t.
I think if more East African’s picked up this book, we would be more sympathetic to the plight of the Somali & Somalilander people. The community is somewhat marginalised in Kenya due to the type of news that plagues them, piracy and terrorism usually.
Knowing more about their situation can only make us empathise and do better. Tell a Kenyan ‘Somali’ and they will say to you ‘Al-Shabab’ (the terrorist organisation) …it’s true and it’s shitty!
Read this book!!!
Two things: It’s been nice reading about someone relatable and then reading about Somalia and Somaliland. As a Kenyan, I feel we do not know enough about our neighbours, yet quite a large percentage of our population is now Somali due to people seeking refuge from starvation and war.
Edna is the type of person who should be a role model for us, our girls and our boys. She became the first midwife in Somaliland after receiving a scholarship to train in Britain as a nurse and midwife.
Throughout the course of her life after returning to Somaliland, she has been involved in training new midwives, working for WHO, campaigning against FGM, politics, became the First Lady of Somaliland, kidnappings, arrests, thuggery, broken marriages, massive highs and lows and still continued to fulfil her dream of building a hospital in Hargeisa (with her own money, might I add).
She is relentless, kind, selfless, and all that she did for her people, usually came back full circle when she had nothing. Karma exists and she has shown it is beautiful and unexpected! Her father who was a doctor, was as selfless as Edna, always giving up what he had for the care of his patients, no doubt his daughter followed in his footsteps.
She studied abroad and could have easily stayed abroad, there is security, stability and an easy life but instead, she chose her people and her country. "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime". I truly believe that is how we in the diaspora can give back- that is the plan God Willing!
Her relationship with her parents was eerily relatable and funny. Her father let her accompany and help him at the hospital from the age of about 10. This went against cultural norms where a woman should be learning how to make a good home for when she gets married.
Her mother never understood, but her father treated her as an equal and always encouraged her to learn.
Pops, after teaching me the ropes let me drive his car unaccompanied, change a tyre, check the oil, run things in his business by 12 years old, so it is nice to read about parents that acknowledge their kids can do more (this was in Kenya, not England). My mum never understood my dad’s ways of raising us either, so it was nice reading about that dynamic. Edna is her father’s daughter, as am I – Loved it!!
Edna has a formidable character. Her work came first, her patients and her care for her family. Other things came secondary and that was sometimes her marriages. She married men that seemed like they were supportive of her career until she was running early morning or late-night missions for her patients, that is when the men showed their true feelings.
It must have been heart breaking having to pick up over and over again, but she did it. Her ambition and care for her work and people pulled her through. The legacy of her father pulled her through.
She has shown that it is nice to have a partner and company, but not the kind that hinders you. Your goals and aspirations are just as important as your partners. She has shown women do not need to step back for their husbands to shine. She put them in the trash with the utmost respect and moved on. Brilliant... I would do the same!
Now as for Somalia and Somaliland, and the marred relationship these two countries have had after colonisation is a tragedy. It was great to read and learn about what happened here and why. And most importantly how both countries are usually considered one, but they really aren’t.
I think if more East African’s picked up this book, we would be more sympathetic to the plight of the Somali & Somalilander people. The community is somewhat marginalised in Kenya due to the type of news that plagues them, piracy and terrorism usually.
Knowing more about their situation can only make us empathise and do better. Tell a Kenyan ‘Somali’ and they will say to you ‘Al-Shabab’ (the terrorist organisation) …it’s true and it’s shitty!
Read this book!!!
November 20, 2020
Wow! I have so few adequate words to describe how incredible Edna Adan Ismail is and why everyone needs to read her autobiography but I will try anyway.
Edna is the type of person who is a role model for absolutely everyone. I’m quite sad we don’t learn about people like her in schools, universities and society because we really should and it would make the world a better place. Edna became the first midwife in Somaliland fighting the odds to have an education and later training. In the course of her life so far she has been involved in politics, built her own hospital, treated and helped thousands of people, started midwife and medical training for hundreds of women and relentlessly campaigned against FGM practices. In short, she’s amazing.
I had briefly heard of Edna before reading this having heard her on Desert Island Discs a few years ago so was very excited to get a copy of this book. It really did not disappoint. I was moved to tears at times, laughter too and above all was inspired, encouraged and amazed reading Edna’s story. She is an incredibly determined person with so much passion for justice and helping others.
I feel I’ve rambled with this review a bit so I’ll just end it there and say if you ever get a chance to read this book, definitely take it!
Edna is the type of person who is a role model for absolutely everyone. I’m quite sad we don’t learn about people like her in schools, universities and society because we really should and it would make the world a better place. Edna became the first midwife in Somaliland fighting the odds to have an education and later training. In the course of her life so far she has been involved in politics, built her own hospital, treated and helped thousands of people, started midwife and medical training for hundreds of women and relentlessly campaigned against FGM practices. In short, she’s amazing.
I had briefly heard of Edna before reading this having heard her on Desert Island Discs a few years ago so was very excited to get a copy of this book. It really did not disappoint. I was moved to tears at times, laughter too and above all was inspired, encouraged and amazed reading Edna’s story. She is an incredibly determined person with so much passion for justice and helping others.
I feel I’ve rambled with this review a bit so I’ll just end it there and say if you ever get a chance to read this book, definitely take it!
April 23, 2022
What an amazing, resilient, strong, courageous woman. A true role model from every girl not only in Africa but around the world.
An interesting book on every aspect: politics, history, culture, FGM.
On the other hand, I didn't enjoy the writing. The book was too long, and at some points quite repetitive and tiring.
Nevertheless, I would definitely recommend it to everyone
An interesting book on every aspect: politics, history, culture, FGM.
On the other hand, I didn't enjoy the writing. The book was too long, and at some points quite repetitive and tiring.
Nevertheless, I would definitely recommend it to everyone
December 3, 2020
Wow wow wow, what a super loving powerhouse that could lead all the people's to great, valuable living. Utterly selfless in a beautifully humble, confident, inspiring way. Inspired a few things in myself too. I start at the hospital on Monday. Simple.
"Don’t ever underestimate the capacity of a human being who is determined to do something."
- Edna Adan Ismail
That's a big quote to consider after learning about so many triumphs and hideous abuses of power.
"Don’t ever underestimate the capacity of a human being who is determined to do something."
- Edna Adan Ismail
That's a big quote to consider after learning about so many triumphs and hideous abuses of power.
October 3, 2021
Fascinating account of an amazing and inspiring woman. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and learnt so much about Edna, women's health, FGM, Somaliland and more. Edna has achieved so much and has changed so many lives, it was a privilege to learn about her and her story should be more widely known and taught. Thank you to ShelterBox book club for sharing the story of this incredible woman!
August 17, 2019
One of those rare books you can't put down. Edna Adan Ismail a woman full of grace, dignity and life has been through more in twenty years than any woman should have to endure. Born into a country that believed women should be seen not heard she stands as a leading voice not just for FGM but for womens rights everywhere. A beautiful endearing book full of joy and sadness. But a hope for a better tomorrow. Edna is inspirational and her legacy will live on as I am sure that even at nearly 92 years she will continue to improve the lives of everyone she meets.
November 14, 2020
I received this book as a Shelterbox book club selection. I didn’t vote for is as it looked to be a tough read but I’m so glad it was chosen. The word inspirational is overused these days but in this case it is merited. Edna Adan Ismail has lived an amazing life of extreme highs and loved. Forced to undergo FGM at age 8, she has devoted much of her adult life speaking out against it. Her descriptions of this barbaric practice are shocking but eye opening. I also learned plenty about Somaliland, of whose existence I was unaware. Edna also because the first midwife in her native country, transformed the healthcare of women, was First Lady of Somalia in the first of three marriages, worked for the WHO, was imprisoned, and built a hospital. Her story is truly extraordinary, and she tells it engagingly. Everyone should read this.
November 24, 2020
Read for ShelterBox Book Club in November 2020.
An amazing memoir that I probably wouldn't have ordinarily picked up, but I'm so glad it was a ShelterBox choice. What an inspirational woman.
An amazing memoir that I probably wouldn't have ordinarily picked up, but I'm so glad it was a ShelterBox choice. What an inspirational woman.
December 28, 2020
The memoir of a truly formidable and inspirational woman, thoroughly enjoyed this book.
October 31, 2020
A fascinating and compelling story of the incredible Edna Adam Ismail, who I had not heard of previously. I received this book from Shelterbox Book Club, which I would so far highly recommend. Inspired by her selfless doctor father, Edna became the first female to be trained as a midwife in Somaliland, worked for the UN on health matters, was briefly First Lady of Somalia, has worked tirelessly to eradicate FGM, built a maternity hospital almost completely out of her own pocket, and survived the horrors of the Somali civil war, which I previously knew nothing about.
I can completely see that her single-minded determination could definitely have made her difficult to live with as a daughter, sister, and wife, but really you can't fault her drive and care for others. I thought it was a little sad that her hero-worship of her father left her rather unsympathetic to her mother (although the horrors of FGM that her mother allowed her to suffer was probably partly to do with that) but it was a fascinating, passionate story of an impressive and inspirational woman.
I can completely see that her single-minded determination could definitely have made her difficult to live with as a daughter, sister, and wife, but really you can't fault her drive and care for others. I thought it was a little sad that her hero-worship of her father left her rather unsympathetic to her mother (although the horrors of FGM that her mother allowed her to suffer was probably partly to do with that) but it was a fascinating, passionate story of an impressive and inspirational woman.
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December 20, 2022This is an amazing memoir. A book that everyone should read.
Edna is an inspirational person. She was born into a culture where women did not have a voice.
She stood up for all women and she campaigned on female genital mutilation. The description in the book of FGM made me feel physically sick. I cannot begin to imagine the pain and horror that these women go through.
This is a book of sadness and joy. It is filled with hope. She has changed so many women’s lives and will continue to do so.
Edna is an inspirational person. She was born into a culture where women did not have a voice.
She stood up for all women and she campaigned on female genital mutilation. The description in the book of FGM made me feel physically sick. I cannot begin to imagine the pain and horror that these women go through.
This is a book of sadness and joy. It is filled with hope. She has changed so many women’s lives and will continue to do so.
April 10, 2020
A brilliant book about passion, dedication, persistent and desire to help people and elevate women in the Somalian society. Such a page-turner, the book offered a walk through the history of Somaliland intertwined with the life story of the midwife, WHO counsel and minister, woman, wife, daughter and much more Edna Adan Ismail.
March 9, 2021
What an amazing life!
February 5, 2022
I first came across her when a friend of mine, who had previously worked with MSF in Somaliland, told me to go visit her after I arrived in Hargeisa. After I arrived here and started searching the annals for fiction or readings related to Sonaliland, I chanced on her book and in my head I was like it's HER that my friend wants me to meet?! I scourged the internet for her photo and sent it to him for confirmation and he said yes it's her. I lapped up the book. It is funny, poignant and shows so much resilience and dedication to a cause beyond oneself; it is amazing how some people are able to motivate themselves with an idea so much bigger and abstract than themselves and and towards it. This was definitely one of the best memoirs I have read thus far. There are parts which reflect such difficult periods in Dr. Edna's life and yet her description of them was so literal and life like that I could not only see the scene play out in front of my eyes, I even snorted quite a bit at her cheek, perseverance and courage. Time and again through the book I kept thinking of of adage, sometimes one must choose to do it afraid. What a book. What a life. I really look forward to meeting her.
January 25, 2024
Please, do yourself a favor and read this amazing autobiography.
First of all, this is the story of Edna Adan Ismail, the woman that revolutionized healthcare in Somaliland. The book reads as if it was a novel, and since her life has been insane, it’s full of plot twists and unexpected events. Edna is a remarkable woman who was given the chance to change the world, and really did it. It’s a great story, very inspiring. However, since it’s a real story set in a country that was torn by dictatorship and war, it can be quite gruesome at some points.
I would give this book 10/5 if I could
First of all, this is the story of Edna Adan Ismail, the woman that revolutionized healthcare in Somaliland. The book reads as if it was a novel, and since her life has been insane, it’s full of plot twists and unexpected events. Edna is a remarkable woman who was given the chance to change the world, and really did it. It’s a great story, very inspiring. However, since it’s a real story set in a country that was torn by dictatorship and war, it can be quite gruesome at some points.
I would give this book 10/5 if I could
February 12, 2021
Started this book at 2110 and finished it at 0040, without stopping. What an incredibly inspiring woman and what an extraordinary life. I’d recommend this book to anyone. A fearless, passionate journey, fighting for women, public health, her country and community, and always carrying the dream of building the perfect hospital. A life that has resulted in the unrecognised country of Somaliland having more trained midwives than any country in Africa. And a life that continues to inspire.
November 14, 2020
What a woman! ♥️
January 9, 2023
This is the sort of book that would only get published as a memoir, because if a fictional work was written with all the experiences Edna has had it would be thrown out as utterly unbelievable. This woman is a powerhouse, and it is humbling to read of people like Edna. The trail of change that she has blazed really has to be read in order to be believed.
As the daughter of a prominent yet overworked doctor in Somaliland, Edna's destiny was set as she determined to follow in his footsteps. Defying what was expected of a girl right from childhood, she went on to take the path less - or never - travelled, to secure an education, a nursing qualification and a voice for those who didn't have one. Even the glamour of becoming Somaliland's First Lady couldn't distract Edna from her lazer-sharp focus on her mission, her calling, her passion - to improve healthcare and prospects for her people, particularly women. Against culture, tradition, persecution and abuse, she fought against dangerous practices, FGM and even dictatorships and civil war to make a difference.
This is not always an easy read, as to raise awareness Edna is blunt and honest about the ingrained treatment of women, the devastating impact of untrained birth attendants and her own horrific experience of FGM. But these are not recounted for shock value, but as examples of drivers for the ultimate aim of change and positivity that Edna always keeps in sight. And it is that positivity and drive that means that although there are tough topics tackled in this book, it is done in such a way that it is still a very uplifting read. Witnessing someone with Edna's work ethic and commitment is inspiring. She really devoted her life to her career. It's very admirable and I doubt she'd have made the difference she made without such utter devotion and selflessness. Part of me feels angry on her behalf that she had to be so relentless and giving to fill the groaning gap that existed in healthcare. It shouldn't have come down to one person, or a small minority. I'm glad she was there to fill it and also find her passion in it, but I also feel there was a lot of pressure and sacrifice on her part.
The book itself is engagingly written, and with most chapters ending on a cliffhanger you can't help but to keep turning the pages. I feel I learned so much from this memoir, not just about Edna but also about Somaliland, international aid (and its pitfalls) and life in times of conflict. And her passion about childbirth has really set me on a path to return to midwifery, a career I left before it ever really began. Women deserve midwives like Edna, and Somaliland definitely deserved the changes she has instigated. We should all be a bit more like her...though she'll be a tough act to follow.
As the daughter of a prominent yet overworked doctor in Somaliland, Edna's destiny was set as she determined to follow in his footsteps. Defying what was expected of a girl right from childhood, she went on to take the path less - or never - travelled, to secure an education, a nursing qualification and a voice for those who didn't have one. Even the glamour of becoming Somaliland's First Lady couldn't distract Edna from her lazer-sharp focus on her mission, her calling, her passion - to improve healthcare and prospects for her people, particularly women. Against culture, tradition, persecution and abuse, she fought against dangerous practices, FGM and even dictatorships and civil war to make a difference.
This is not always an easy read, as to raise awareness Edna is blunt and honest about the ingrained treatment of women, the devastating impact of untrained birth attendants and her own horrific experience of FGM. But these are not recounted for shock value, but as examples of drivers for the ultimate aim of change and positivity that Edna always keeps in sight. And it is that positivity and drive that means that although there are tough topics tackled in this book, it is done in such a way that it is still a very uplifting read. Witnessing someone with Edna's work ethic and commitment is inspiring. She really devoted her life to her career. It's very admirable and I doubt she'd have made the difference she made without such utter devotion and selflessness. Part of me feels angry on her behalf that she had to be so relentless and giving to fill the groaning gap that existed in healthcare. It shouldn't have come down to one person, or a small minority. I'm glad she was there to fill it and also find her passion in it, but I also feel there was a lot of pressure and sacrifice on her part.
The book itself is engagingly written, and with most chapters ending on a cliffhanger you can't help but to keep turning the pages. I feel I learned so much from this memoir, not just about Edna but also about Somaliland, international aid (and its pitfalls) and life in times of conflict. And her passion about childbirth has really set me on a path to return to midwifery, a career I left before it ever really began. Women deserve midwives like Edna, and Somaliland definitely deserved the changes she has instigated. We should all be a bit more like her...though she'll be a tough act to follow.
April 10, 2021
Edna was present and someway involved in every major event of recent Somali history. This is her perspective on things, as a woman, a daughter, Healthcare professional and the fiesty ina Adan Dhakhtar.
Well written, genuine and captivating.
Well written, genuine and captivating.
September 21, 2019
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publishers, HQ Stories for sending me a copy of this book for an honest review.
WOW! This book is definitely one of those gems that is underrated. I was gripped from page 1 and with a book starting with 'I need you to shoot a baby!' it's easy to see why. Edna Adan Ismail has lived a thousand lives in one. After reading her memoir I honestly don't think she has ever had one normal, mundane day in her life. What this incredible lady has suffered and fought through is unbelievable. From Civil War, Female Genital Mutilation, the Hargeisa Holocaust and more you will repeatedly learn how brave and altruistic Edna is. How someone can continue to see the good in people and desire to help them after all that she has been through is amazing.
I'll admit, when I was working as a Nurse I was one of those that got on with the job but whilst complaining that we were short staffed, didn't have the best equipment, hadn't had the chance to go to the toilet for the past 5 hours.... but to read memoirs such as this, where a Nurse is having to beg for oxygen to keep a preemie alive, where she is buying medical supplies with her own money, is incredibly humbling and makes me feel so very thankful for the resources our NHS does have.
I highly recommend this book to everyone. It truly is one of those books that opens the mind, exposes us to other cultures, and holds a mirror up to atrocities people live through with a raw honesty that is heartbreaking.
WOW! This book is definitely one of those gems that is underrated. I was gripped from page 1 and with a book starting with 'I need you to shoot a baby!' it's easy to see why. Edna Adan Ismail has lived a thousand lives in one. After reading her memoir I honestly don't think she has ever had one normal, mundane day in her life. What this incredible lady has suffered and fought through is unbelievable. From Civil War, Female Genital Mutilation, the Hargeisa Holocaust and more you will repeatedly learn how brave and altruistic Edna is. How someone can continue to see the good in people and desire to help them after all that she has been through is amazing.
I'll admit, when I was working as a Nurse I was one of those that got on with the job but whilst complaining that we were short staffed, didn't have the best equipment, hadn't had the chance to go to the toilet for the past 5 hours.... but to read memoirs such as this, where a Nurse is having to beg for oxygen to keep a preemie alive, where she is buying medical supplies with her own money, is incredibly humbling and makes me feel so very thankful for the resources our NHS does have.
I highly recommend this book to everyone. It truly is one of those books that opens the mind, exposes us to other cultures, and holds a mirror up to atrocities people live through with a raw honesty that is heartbreaking.
August 31, 2019
I listened to the audio book which was really interesting. It made me feel like i was really hearing her life story. Highly recommend to read. She really is an inspiring woman who has overcome so many obstacles but achieved so much more.
February 16, 2020
What an incredible woman ! What an incredibly inspiring story ! Her passion , her energy , her tenacity , her courage , her resilience is phenomenal! A fantastic inspirational book that makes you realize there are some truly extraordinary people in the world !
November 15, 2019
Amazing and sad biography of an exceptional, strong woman.
November 6, 2021
I enjoyed this but it could have been a bit shorter.
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September 14, 20223.5 stars, rounded up to four. SPOLIERS AHEAD
I really loved this book. One of my friends gave this to me as a birthday present a few months ago, and I hesitated to get started because I'm usually not a big fan of autobiographies or memoirs. I have to really love someone to pick up a book detailing their life story.
This book was different though. Even though it's an autobiography, and takes place over many decades, there is still so much action and suspense that I got through it in a couple of days and really enjoyed it.
The problems I had with the book were minor, and otherwise I definitely would have given 5 stars but the problems I had were so easily fixable that I wonder why they weren't.
First, the edition of the book I read had a line in the description that Edna was courted by Presidents and Kings. The word "courted" has a romantic connotation, so all throughout the book I was waiting for Edna to either get into a relationship with or be pursued by someone like that, which never happened. Her first husband is the prime minister, (not president or king), and he is the only man with political standing that she ever dates. I found this to be misleading, as I was waiting for something that never happened. I wish they had just left this line out because this woman has done so many amazing and incredible things that the description could have mentioned instead of creating a line for something that never even happens. This mistake should have been caught before the book was printed. I notice the line doesn't appear on the goodreads page for the edition, so maybe someone decided to change it after some editions had already gone to print. It lost a star for that because of the impact it had on me while reading the book.
The second (small) issue I had was with an anecdote used near the end of the book by the author. She is describing how Somaliland should be a separate state from Somalia, as internationally they are still thought of as the same country even though hundreds of thousands of people have died due to the civil war between the two nations. She sees Somalia as the aggressor, and Somaliland as the victim, and does not agree with Somalia being able to make decisions about Somaliland. I agreed with the point she was trying to make until she compared it to the holocaust, saying that it was similar to if hitler had control like that over people in concentration camps. For me personally, I hate it when people compare their own suffering to the holocaust because I have not yet seen anything that even compares to the holocaust in terms of dehumanization, genocide, and the legacies it still holds today. The people of Somaliland have definitely suffered at the hands of Somalis who held power, but I do not think their experience has any similarity at all to what was experienced by people in concentration camps during World War II.
Overall, I really loved this book though, and I would still recommend that people read it.
I really loved this book. One of my friends gave this to me as a birthday present a few months ago, and I hesitated to get started because I'm usually not a big fan of autobiographies or memoirs. I have to really love someone to pick up a book detailing their life story.
This book was different though. Even though it's an autobiography, and takes place over many decades, there is still so much action and suspense that I got through it in a couple of days and really enjoyed it.
The problems I had with the book were minor, and otherwise I definitely would have given 5 stars but the problems I had were so easily fixable that I wonder why they weren't.
First, the edition of the book I read had a line in the description that Edna was courted by Presidents and Kings. The word "courted" has a romantic connotation, so all throughout the book I was waiting for Edna to either get into a relationship with or be pursued by someone like that, which never happened. Her first husband is the prime minister, (not president or king), and he is the only man with political standing that she ever dates. I found this to be misleading, as I was waiting for something that never happened. I wish they had just left this line out because this woman has done so many amazing and incredible things that the description could have mentioned instead of creating a line for something that never even happens. This mistake should have been caught before the book was printed. I notice the line doesn't appear on the goodreads page for the edition, so maybe someone decided to change it after some editions had already gone to print. It lost a star for that because of the impact it had on me while reading the book.
The second (small) issue I had was with an anecdote used near the end of the book by the author. She is describing how Somaliland should be a separate state from Somalia, as internationally they are still thought of as the same country even though hundreds of thousands of people have died due to the civil war between the two nations. She sees Somalia as the aggressor, and Somaliland as the victim, and does not agree with Somalia being able to make decisions about Somaliland. I agreed with the point she was trying to make until she compared it to the holocaust, saying that it was similar to if hitler had control like that over people in concentration camps. For me personally, I hate it when people compare their own suffering to the holocaust because I have not yet seen anything that even compares to the holocaust in terms of dehumanization, genocide, and the legacies it still holds today. The people of Somaliland have definitely suffered at the hands of Somalis who held power, but I do not think their experience has any similarity at all to what was experienced by people in concentration camps during World War II.
Overall, I really loved this book though, and I would still recommend that people read it.
March 11, 2023
Um livro magnífico escrito por esta enfermeira-parteira da Somália que nos conta a história da sua luta por trazer uma melhor dignidade à saúde pública deste país africano, em especial a sua luta por mostrar àquela sociedade liderada por homens, como as mulheres também são necessárias e devem ter igualmente acesso aos mesmos privilégios educacionais e todo o tipo de direitos que o género masculino. Numa sociedade machista, Edna lutou pelos seus sonhos desde pequena, indo contra a tradição somália do papel conservador da mulher em casa, quase às ordens do marido e do seu papel meramente doméstico. Lutou pela dignidade da mulher, em termos educacionais, ao ser um exemplo vivo de resistência às adversidades que lhe foram aparecendo. E, por outro lado, vítima do próprio sistema da Somália, foi das primeiras mulheres africanas que tendo sido vítimas de mutilação genital, foi das primeiras que falou publicamente e se manifestou contra esta prática animalesca e apontou os principais e perigosos contornos desta prática que está na base de muitas tradições africanas e de outras culturas, para a saúde da mulher.
Por último, este livro conta-nos a luta desta grande mulher pela construção de um melhor hospital público na Somália, onde as mulheres fossem melhor tratadas e relata-nos como conseguiu conquistar e construir e transformar esse sonho em realidade.
Um relato comovente que nos mostra uma história que, podendo parecer de outro planeta para o Ocidente, é bastante real ainda em países em vias de desenvolvimento, que vivem em condições sanitárias precárias e onde muitos ainda se encontram presos a tradições milenares que nada mais fazem do que prejudicar a saúde e gravemente da saúde humana.
Por último, este livro conta-nos a luta desta grande mulher pela construção de um melhor hospital público na Somália, onde as mulheres fossem melhor tratadas e relata-nos como conseguiu conquistar e construir e transformar esse sonho em realidade.
Um relato comovente que nos mostra uma história que, podendo parecer de outro planeta para o Ocidente, é bastante real ainda em países em vias de desenvolvimento, que vivem em condições sanitárias precárias e onde muitos ainda se encontram presos a tradições milenares que nada mais fazem do que prejudicar a saúde e gravemente da saúde humana.
February 17, 2020
Edna is a woman of firsts in Somaliland: the first in her country to study in Britain, the first to become a nurse midwife, to open a hospital and in general a woman who works tireless to raise awareness about female genital mutilation, infant mortality and healthcare. She was born in a country where girls’ education was not the norm, yet being the daughter of a supportive doctor changed her destiny for life.
Edna held important positions in politics, travelled the world on assignment for the UN and WHO and at the moment when her collogues were settling down and retiring, she began working on her dream of building a hospital in her country
This is an important book that will make you so furious at what women in developing countries go through! There were points when she was describing FGM that made me cringe and literally take a mental pause before continuing the book. It will show you through the sheer grit of this lady, that women, as journalist Nicholas Kristoff wrote : “hold up half the sky”. I learned so much from this book about Somaliland, the history of the cocolonization in Africa and the current state of an unrecognized independent territory, which I never knew existed or that it was separate from Somalia. I also admired Edna’s journey and determination, no matter how many times she was offered a cushy way out, asylum, money, to enjoy her salary or retirement and more, helping her country, nursing and raising awareness about maternal health and lifting up the girls in her city is her true calling and she never stopped.
The world needs more Ednas, who sacrifice and never give up.
Edna held important positions in politics, travelled the world on assignment for the UN and WHO and at the moment when her collogues were settling down and retiring, she began working on her dream of building a hospital in her country
This is an important book that will make you so furious at what women in developing countries go through! There were points when she was describing FGM that made me cringe and literally take a mental pause before continuing the book. It will show you through the sheer grit of this lady, that women, as journalist Nicholas Kristoff wrote : “hold up half the sky”. I learned so much from this book about Somaliland, the history of the cocolonization in Africa and the current state of an unrecognized independent territory, which I never knew existed or that it was separate from Somalia. I also admired Edna’s journey and determination, no matter how many times she was offered a cushy way out, asylum, money, to enjoy her salary or retirement and more, helping her country, nursing and raising awareness about maternal health and lifting up the girls in her city is her true calling and she never stopped.
The world needs more Ednas, who sacrifice and never give up.
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