Desert Flower ( Reading Log)

by Waris Dirie



1. How does the text relate to the theme of a journey?

This is a life journey of a Somalian nomad who was born in a desert in Africa and then she escaped to London because of her own determination and begins her new life. Waris Dirie, was born in a poor African family with 5 siblings. Due to ancient ritual in Africa, she was circumcised at 5 and a marriage was arranged by her father with an old man. She fled and became a Pirelli girl in her teens. She became a model and settled in her life. She's now a UN Ambassador who fights against sexual discrimination and circumcision of female.

2. What is the main issue in the text?

This book revolves the discrimination of women in Africa. Girls had to be circumcised before they get married. Women undergo lots of pain and suffering during and after circumcision. Men look down and do not want to marry those girls who are not circumcised. Furthermore, men treat women badly. They are very evil towards women. This can be seen clearly when Waris was tried to rape by a few men. She has to protect herself from men most of the time. Besides that,men have misconception that women are weak and they are able to bully women easily. For example, Waris’s dad remarried because he thinks that Waris’s mum is already old. Furthermore, women are treated as an item to trade. This is obvious when Waris’s dad arranged marriage for Waris with an old man just because the old man is willing to 5 camels.


3. What quality do u admire or dislike in a character?

I am proud to be a woman after reading this book. This is because a woman brings another human being into this world and woman in Africa are very strong and bold. I personally admire Waris. She had faced lots of pain at a very young age and with her determination she was able to overcome all the difficulties. She showed great perseverance in the face of difficulty. I could feel the pain when she was circumcised by the gypsy woman and when she first peed after being circumcised. Being an UN Ambassador is an award for outstanding bravery. She dares to criticize her own ancient tradition. Because of a ritual of ignorance, most of the women on the continent of Africa live their life’s in pain. Her courage impressed me a lot. Even though she did not have knowledge of English language, somehow she manages to survive in London. She did not give up easily but worked hard to learn English. Her characteristics have influenced me a lot and her experiences teach me survival in foreign country. I dislike one of her characteristic. She abandoned Nigel who helped her when she was in trouble of getting a passport to travel. We should not treat someone who had helped us badly.


4. How does the text develop your understanding to the world?

After reading this novel, I found that I am very lucky to be born in Malaysia and not in a desert. One we open the tap water pours out, but people in desert have to walk millions of miles to get water. I learn to save water after knowing the importance of water and the demand for it in the desert. Furthermore, I understand the life of Africans. Before reading this novel, I did not know that girls in Africa have to be circumcised. I also get to know the lifestyle of a model and the hardships they undergo in their carrier life. I personally feel that there are plenty of things happening around us and we do not realise them. We should always keep our eyes open and be alert so that we are able to avoid obstacles. Waris manage to pass most of the hurdles in her life and became successful.