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Desert Flower
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Check link for latest rating. ( 40,092 ratings, 2,284 reviews)
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Format: Paperback / softback
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See moreWaris, 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
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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.
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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