Desert Flower: The Extraordinary Journey of a Desert Nomad

Desert Flower: The Extraordinary Journey of a Desert Nomad is a memoir published in 1998 by the Somali model, author, and activist Waris Dirie and author Cathleen Miller. The book recounts Dirie’s harrowing life story, from her roots as a member of a nomadic family and the abuses she suffered as a child to her rise to international fame as a fashion model, an ambassador and advocate for women's rights, and an author. The novel foregrounds Dirie’s Resilience and Determination, emphasizes The Cultural Differences Between Africa and the Western World, and stresses The Pain and Trauma of Female Genital Mutilation. In 2009, Desert Flower was adapted into a film starring the Ethiopian-born model and actress Liya Kebede.

This guide refers to the 2011 HarperCollins Perennial edition.

Content Warning: This guide as well as the source text include violent and disturbing descriptions of female genital mutilation, rape, and attempted rape.

Summary

Dirie’s memoir opens in the desert of Somalia, where she lives with her parents and five siblings as pastoral nomads in the tradition of Dirie’s father’s ancestors. The family is cut off from cosmopolitan influences and moves around frequently with their goats and camels, searching for water and vegetation.