liralen's review against another edition
3.0
Waris means desert flower. The desert flower blooms in a barren environment where few living things can survive. Sometimes it doesn't rain in my country for over a year. But finally the water pours down, cleansing the dusty landscape, and then like a miracle the blooms appear.
-page 35
If I were to describe Waris Dirie (as portrayed in this book) in one word, it would probably by spitfire. Or firecracker. Or maybe rash or resilient, or -- I'm not doing so well at this one-word thing.
In terms of description, and writing in general, I found this book to be merely okay. There are few vivid images or evocative details, and occasional confusion: I wasn't sure at first whether the Iman mentioned was the Iman, and it was never clear who exactly Marilyn Monroe was. There's very little characterization of the vast majority of the people in the book, and a fair amount of haziness regarding such details as how things turned out with Nigel.
All that said, in terms of telling the story of Dirie herself, I think this works pretty well. Her outspokenness works for her -- and has, it seems, worked for her in life as well as in writing. She's clearly a strong personality, but also a strong person -- determined not just to find her way but to find her way, if that makes sense. It would be hard not to admire that.
-page 35
If I were to describe Waris Dirie (as portrayed in this book) in one word, it would probably by spitfire. Or firecracker. Or maybe rash or resilient, or -- I'm not doing so well at this one-word thing.
In terms of description, and writing in general, I found this book to be merely okay. There are few vivid images or evocative details, and occasional confusion: I wasn't sure at first whether the Iman mentioned was the Iman, and it was never clear who exactly Marilyn Monroe was. There's very little characterization of the vast majority of the people in the book, and a fair amount of haziness regarding such details as how things turned out with Nigel.
All that said, in terms of telling the story of Dirie herself, I think this works pretty well. Her outspokenness works for her -- and has, it seems, worked for her in life as well as in writing. She's clearly a strong personality, but also a strong person -- determined not just to find her way but to find her way, if that makes sense. It would be hard not to admire that.
kalkie's review against another edition
3.0
This is a very humbling book to read. It certainly puts one's own life into perspective when faced with the story of Waris' life.
It's not the best-written book in the world, but it seems to come from the heart and the content alone made me engrossed in the story. I read it in one day, and was thoroughly hooked from start to finish.
It's not the best-written book in the world, but it seems to come from the heart and the content alone made me engrossed in the story. I read it in one day, and was thoroughly hooked from start to finish.
pema66's review against another edition
5.0
Exceptional, and now haunting as Dirie recently disapperared.
grboph's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
This was a really quick read, and very engaging and inspiring. Waris Dirie is an incredibly brave, strong human being with a truly incredible story that I believe is important for people to hear, as it humanizes many important global issues that may not be as familiar to people in the Global North. I find it very inspiring how Dirie is using her experiences and platform for good. My favorite aspect of this book was how personal it was - whenever I was reading it, I felt like I was sitting down across from Dirie, listening to her tell me her life story. All in all, this was a wonderful book about an amazing person that I felt very fortunate to have been able to read. I would recommend this book to anybody who likes memoirs or who is looking for something quick to read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Body horror, Gore, Medical content, Sexual violence, and Death
Moderate: Child death, Cursing, War, Death, Deportation, Racism, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Violence, and Xenophobia
Minor: Animal death, Colonisation, Abandonment, Toxic relationship, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Adult/minor relationship, and Pregnancy
jennykeery's review against another edition
4.0
'Desert Flower' is an interesting but harrowing memoir. I found a lot of it quite upsetting so it was difficult to motivate myself to read on sometimes, but I think it has a valuable message (unlike other 'tragic life' books that are sensationalist and unhelpful to anyone).
josy_trapp's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
medium-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Medical trauma, Rape, and Child abuse
Minor: Suicidal thoughts and Pedophilia
ritsuka's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
4.75
Aż trudno było uwierzyć, że te wydarzenia nie są fikcją. Przejmujące.