Shugri Said Salh

The author’s memoir of her life from being a nomad in Somali to her new life in California was both sad and uplifting but a captivating read because I learned about life style I had not read about before. The author provides just enough detail of her early life both the struggles and pleasures and the decisions she at a very young age had to make and how she adopted her new life. Each chapter begins with a proverb for the reader to contemplate as they read. Also, included was the some history of Somalia and that affected her mentally and physically throughout her life and again provides the reader insights into life changes there.… (altro)

The Last Nomad: Coming of Age in the Somali Desert by Shugri Said Salh both moves and educates. The author provides an insight into the culture and traditions of Somalia. By describing the cause, the journey, the fact that no one becomes a refugee by choice, and the willingness to work for an adoptive home, the book speaks to the plight of people around the world forced into similar situations. Perhaps, the book may educate on that broader scale as well and promoting understanding.

Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2021/08/the-last-nomad.html

Reviewed for NetGalley and a publisher's blog tour.… (altro)

“When an elder dies, a library is burned.”

This book follows the amazing, and extremely difficult life of the author! It is a testament to her courage and strength, and is an incredible read! Chapter 4, “Carrying Out Tradition” is about the author’s circumcision, extremely powerful and hard to read. The whole book just left me in awe, and had a profound affect on how I look at my own life. It is one of those books that I couldn't put down, and didn't want to end. The author has a powerful voice, and I hope we hear from her again! Wonderful read!… (altro)

nomadic-life, Somalia, Canada, civil-war, refugees, adaptability, inner-strength, family, family-dynamics, cultural-heritage, culture-shock, clan-feud, biography, memoir*****

Goats, camels, family. The nomadic life Shugri knew of the Somali is gone now, destroyed by civil/denominational wars. Some parts of that life were wonderful and life-affirming, not so much for women and girls in most cases. But the reality of war in your town/house/everywhere you try to go is what PTSD is made of. How fortunate the people who have never had the hard realities of war impressed upon their lives and souls. And the assimilation of a totally foreign culture/language is a Herculean task. Peppered throughout the book are good Somali proverbs recounted to preserve the good things about heritage and honor the strong women who came before.
I requested and received a free temporary ebook copy from Algonquin Books via NetGalley. Thank you!… (altro)