Desert Dawn [Paperback]

Waris Dirie (Author), Jeanne d'haem (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2004

Fashion model, UN ambassador, and courageous spirit, Waris Dirie is a remarkable woman. Born into a family of tribal desert nomads in Somalia, she told her story in the worldwide bestseller Desert Flower: enduring female circumcision at the age of 5; running away through the desert at 12 to escape an arranged marriage; being discovered by photographer Terence Donovan as she worked as a cleaner in London; and becoming a top fashion model. Although she fled Somalia, she never forgot the country or the family that shaped her. Desert Dawn is Waris Dirie’s profoundly moving account of her return to her homeland. As an international model, Waris Dirie was the face of Revlon. In 1997, as part of its campaign to eliminate female genital mutilation, the United Nations appointed her Special Ambassador for Women’s Rights in Africa. She now lives in New York with her son.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'Waris Dirie was a victim once, but she never will be again. She is still fighting, still using her beauty and courage to take what she has learned to try and put things right' Sunday Express 'Remarkable courage... the most beautiful inspiration to anyone' Elton John 'Honest, warm and insightful' THE VOICE

From the Publisher

Fashion model, UN ambassador, and courageous spirit, Waris Dirie is a remarkable woman. Born into a family of tribal desert nomads in Somalia, she told her story in the worldwide best–seller Desert Flower: enduring female circumcision at the age of five; running away through the desert at twelve to escape an arranged marriage; being discovered by photographer Terence Donovan as she worked as a cleaner in London; and becoming a top fashion model. Although she fled Somalia, she never forgot the country or the family that shaped her. Desert Dawn is Waris Dirie’s profoundly moving account of her return to her homeland. As an international model, Waris Dirie was the face of Revlon. In 1997, as part of its campaign to eliminate female genital mutilation, the United Nations appointed her Special Ambassador for Women’s Rights in Africa. She now lives in New York with her son. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Virago UK (June 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1844080080
• ISBN-13: 978-1844080083
• Product Dimensions: 0.2 x 5 x 7.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #398,442 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #21 in Books > History > Africa > Somalia

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing & Gripping, May 3, 2009

By 

S. Noggle (Cincinnati, OH) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Desert Dawn (Paperback)

This is an amazing read. I actually came across this book while doing research for a college composition on female genocide and mutilation. Waris Dirie tells a heartbreaking story, and makes for a real page-turner. I read this book in two days and I couldn't put it down. I definitely recommend it.

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wow!, October 28, 2003

By 

Adam Worozanski (Germany) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Desert Dawn (Paperback)

This is a fantastic book.For man also.Waris gave so many feelings,humour inside that you can not take this book out of hand.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars surprisingly gripping, January 17, 2009

By 

K. Matthews - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Desert Dawn (Paperback)

The sequel to Desert Flower; it is an amazing story and the continuation of the first adventure. It reaveals how other people live in our world. It is an easy read. I finished it in two days. This book will give you lots to debate at the dinner table.