160,000+ Books, Games & Puzzles in-stock πŸ‡³πŸ‡Ώ 

Late Night Thursday! Our Hobsonville Bookstore is open until 9pm tonight! ✨

Desert Flower

4.24 goodreads logo

Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.

Check link for latest rating.
( 40,092 ratings, 2,284 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Desert Flower by Waris Dirie is an inspiring memoir that recounts her journey from a nomadic life in the Somali desert to becoming an internationally renowned model and advocate for women's rights. The book sheds light on her struggles, resilience, and her profound efforts to combat female genital mutilation, making it a powerful tale of survival and triumph.
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$2999
OVERNIGHT NZ-WIDE DELIVERY

Found a better price? Request a price match

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this inspirational and eye-opening memoir if you're interested in personal stories of resilience and triumph over adversity. The book recounts a courageous journey from a Somali desert nomad to an international supermodel and women's rights activist, offering raw insights into cultural traditions and personal transformation. Readers passionate about themes of empowerment, survival, and social justice may find this an engaging and memorable read.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Waris, 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

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! 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 Hero reading reviews

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.

Also by Waris Dirie

View all
  • Desert Dawn
    Fashion model, UN ambassador, and courageous spirit, Waris Dirie is a remarkable woman, born into a traditional family of tribal desert nomads in Somalia. She told her storyβ€”enduring, at five years old, the ancient and savage custom of female circumcision; running away at twelve, on foot through the desert, in order to escape an arranged marriage; being discovered by Terence...
    Paperback
    $2999
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks

More from Biography & Memoir

View all
  • New Release
    One Helluva Ride
    "This book is about where I came from, what I fought against, and what I chose formyself. Fame can blur the truth; this is my attempt to bring it back into focus." A legendary actor and Hollywood Icon whose five-decade career spans film, television,and producing, Michael Douglas has won two Academy Awards, a BAFTA Award, fiveGolden Globes, a Primetime Emmy,...
    Paperback
    $3200
    Elsewhere:
    $3999
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • New Release
    A Life in Lyrics
    Freddie Mercury was one of the greatest showmen of the twentieth century. With his unparalleled voice and searing on-stage energy, he was a great pretender, a killer queen and a champion of the world. But behind the glamour lived a musician and lyricist talented beyond measure, and the creative force behind one of the most culturally significant and musically diverse...
    Hardback
    $5000
    Elsewhere:
    $6500
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Nothing to Lose
    New Release
    Nothing to Lose
    There's no one as dangerous as someone who believes they have nothing to lose. Eight years ago, Nix Adams started posting videos on Facebook while she was freshly out of jail, in order to show her kids that she was sober and on the path back to them. It was after her youngest child, Alaska, died suddenly of a virus...
    Paperback
    $3199
    Elsewhere:
    $3999
    Backorder
    Ships mid November
  • Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It?
    New Release
    Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It?
    The book we've all been waiting for, national treasure Judi Dench opens her almost inexhaustible collection of memories from life and acting. Join Judi as she lifts the curtain on cherished memories and hilarious anecdotes from seven decades of performing with some of the greatest names in theatre. Step behind the camera as she reprises her most famous roles, such...
    Paperback
    $3299
    Elsewhere:
    $4000
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Drive
    A thrilling, candid and uncompromising memoir covering over twenty-years at the pinnacle of Formula 1,Β DriveΒ sees Christian Horner, one of the sport’s biggest characters, take readers into the heart of Red Bull Racing as he reflects on his extraordinary career. For over twenty years Christian Horner built and ran Red Bull Racing, transforming a rookie team acquired for Β£1 into one...
    Paperback
    $3999
    Elsewhere:
    $4500
    Backorder
    Ships mid November
  • Book cover for 'Swan Song: Diana, my sister' by Charles Spencer, featuring a black-and-white portrait of Diana with white and gold text on a gray background.
    New Release
    Swan Song
    Beautiful. Beloved. Hunted. The extraordinary life and death of Diana, as told by her brother, Charles – available to pre-order now. β€˜When asked, β€˜What was it like, growing up with Diana?’, my first thought is always, But I don’t know what it was like not to grow up with her…’ In September 1997, Charles Spencer stood in Westminster Abbey before...
    Hardback
    $5499
    Elsewhere:
    $6500
    (3)
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • New Release
    Fictional Selves
    From the beloved actor and star of Twin Peaks, Blue Velvet and Sex and the City comes a candid and deeply personal memoir. In this highly anticipated memoir, the beloved actor and star of Twin Peaks, Blue Velvet, Sex and the City and more shares his utterly original account of his offbeat journey in Hollywood, his battles with fear and...
    Hardback
    $4799
    Elsewhere:
    $6000
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • New Release
    The Steps
    The long-awaited memoir from a true Hollywood icon. We know Sylvester Stallone as one of the most revered actors, writers, and directors of all time, yet his life story is every bit as dramatic, intense, and inspiring as his greatest creations on screen. Bringing together a no-holds-barred account of a fascinating life with messages of hope, positivity, and resilience, in...
    Paperback
    $3299
    Elsewhere:
    $3999
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • New Release
    Home Again
    Join rock-legend, former Shihad frontman and lead singer of The Adults, Jon Toogood in this unflinching and no-holds-barred memoirΒ Home Again.This is more than a rock story.Β Toogood looks back on a 37-year career that helped define New Zealand rock music, and the personal cost that came with it.Β From a music-obsessed childhood in Wellington to the deafening roar of international stages, this...
    Paperback
    $3199
    Elsewhere:
    $3999
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Dogs, Boys and Other Things I've Cried About
    From the social media superstar behind @SimonSits, Isabel Klee--known for her heartwarming tales of dog rescue--comes an utterly winning memoir about a twentysomething woman's search for true love in New York City and the dogs who helped her find it. A Jersey girl by birth, Isabel Klee had always wanted to live in New York City. At age 20, she...
    Paperback
    $3299
    Elsewhere:
    $3999
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Famesick
    Chronicling the tumultuous decade between the premiere of Girls to her 2021 shotgunΒ wedding (minus the baby, because she has no uterus), Lena Dunham takes us through herΒ journey with her trademark mix of humor, unsparing honesty, and keen eye for detail. We peek behind the scenes - of her work, her family, her relationships, and her battle to reclaim her body...
    Paperback
    $3299
    Elsewhere:
    $3500
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • This Angry Pen of Mine
    This Angry Pen of Mine by Layne Staley invites you to dive into the untold creative world of Layne Staley, the legendary voice behind Alice in Chains. This extraordinary collection showcases his handwritten lyrics, deeply personal poetry, stunning original artwork, rare photos, fan tributes, and so much more. Step into the world of Layne Staley like never before. For the...
    Hardback
    $7299
    Elsewhere:
    $8999
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 160,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Bookstore

Auckland Bookstore

We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.