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Desert Flower

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( 40,092 ratings, 2,284 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Desert Flower by Waris Dirie is an inspiring memoir that recounts her journey from a nomadic life in the Somali desert to becoming an internationally renowned model and advocate for women's rights. The book sheds light on her struggles, resilience, and her profound efforts to combat female genital mutilation, making it a powerful tale of survival and triumph.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this inspirational and eye-opening memoir if you're interested in personal stories of resilience and triumph over adversity. The book recounts a courageous journey from a Somali desert nomad to an international supermodel and women's rights activist, offering raw insights into cultural traditions and personal transformation. Readers passionate about themes of empowerment, survival, and social justice may find this an engaging and memorable read.

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Waris, one of 12 children, was born into a traditional family of desert nomads in East Africa. After an extraordinary escape she made her way to London and was famously discovered by a fashion photographer. A self-portrait of a woman whose spirit is as breathtaking as her beauty.

* Large-space ads to appear in the DAILY MAIL and METRO (Combined readership of over 6 million) * Review round-ups and features in the national press and women's magazines * Eye-catching poster available for instore displays * To be submitted for key trade promotions * To be featured on the Virago and Little, Brown web-sites

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Desert Flower by Waris Dirie is an extraordinary autobiography that recounts the life of a woman whose name means "desert flower." Waris was born in Somalia to nomadic parents and faced a challenging childhood. She underwent extreme female circumcision at the age of five, a traumatic experience that shaped her life.

At just 13 years old, her father sold her into marriage with a 60-year-old man in exchange for five camels. Waris's courage and determination led her to run away from this life to seek freedom and autonomy.

Her life took a remarkable turn when she was discovered by a fashion photographer while working as a janitor at McDonald's in the United States. This serendipitous encounter launched her career as a model, where she became a face for Revlon skin-care products.

In addition to her modelling career, Waris Dirie has been a powerful advocate for women's rights, particularly in Africa. She travels the world, giving lectures on behalf of the UN, sharing her personal story and raising awareness about the issues she faced.

Desert Flower is an inspiring narrative of resilience and empowerment, showcasing Waris Dirie's journey from the deserts of Somalia to the global stage.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Desert Flower by Waris Dirie is celebrated for its portrayal of resilience and transformation from a nomadic life in Somalia to international fame. Reviews highlight Waris's transition from undergoing female circumcision to becoming a fashion model and UN ambassador. Her story is described as both heart-wrenching and inspiring, with an extraordinary journey through adversity, capturing the raw beauty and challenges of her upbringing. The memoir is noted for its powerful narrative and haunting reflection on the life of Somali nomads, earning admiration for its captivating strength and courage.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781860497582

Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 18 January 2001

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Virago Press Ltd

Illustration: Section: 8, B&W

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 22.0mm

Width: 124.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 218g

Pages: 256

About the Author

Waris Dirie is an internationally renowned model and a face of Revlon skincare products. She was appointed by the United Nations in 1997 as a special ambassador for women's rights to eliminate the practice of female genital mutilation. She lives in New York. Virago will publish her new book in 2001.

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