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A review by liralen
Desert Flower by Waris Dirie
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.