Desert Flower

"Waris's story is one of remarkable courage. From the deserts of Somalia to the world of high fashion, she battles against oppression and emerges a real champion. She is the most beautiful inspiration to anyone." —Elton John

Waris Dirie ran away from her oppressive life in the African desert when she was barely in her teens, illiterate and impoverished, with nothing to her name but a tattered shawl. She traveled alone across the dangerous Somali desert to Mogadishu—the first leg of a remarkable journey that would take her to London, where she worked as a house servant; then to nearly every corner of the globe as an internationally renowned fashion model; and ultimately to New York City, where she became a human rights ambassador for the U.N.

Poignant and powerfully told, Desert Flower is Waris's extraordinary story.

How does a girl with nothing become a voice for millions?

• A Dangerous Escape: Barely a teen, Waris flees an arranged marriage, crossing the treacherous Somali desert alone with nothing but a tattered shawl and her own resilience.
• From Nomad to Supermodel: Discover the astonishing journey of a girl who went from tending goats in the African wilderness to walking the high-fashion runways of London and Paris.
• Speaking Out Against FGM: The courageous, unflinching account of undergoing female genital mutilation as a child, and Waris's powerful decision to break the silence on this hidden atrocity.
• An Unforgettable True Story: A testament to the strength of the human spirit, Waris Dirie's story has inspired millions and proves that hope can blossom in the harshest of places.