An astonishing debut that interweaves quite brilliantly the modern Muslim world of a Somali girl brought up in London with that of a father who has spent his daughter’s whole life fighting in Somalia. After 12 years away he must build up a relationship and a friendship with a child he doesn’t know. Authentic and heart-warming it deals brilliantly with war, separation and friendship, as well as giving readers an insight into contemporary British life for a Somali family.
"My name is Safia Dirie. My family has always been my mum, Hoyo, and my two older brothers, Ahmed and Abdullahi. I don't really remember Somalia - I'm an East London girl, through and through. But now Abo, my father, is coming from Somalia to live with us, after 12 long years. How am I going to cope?" Safia knows that there will be changes ahead but nothing has prepared her for the reality of dealing with Abo's cultural expectations, her favourite brother Ahmed's wild ways, and the temptation of her cousin Firdous's party-girl lifestyle. Safia must come to terms with who she is, as a Muslim, as a teenager, as a poet, as a friend, but most of as a daughter to a father she has never known. Safia must find her own place in the world, so both father and daughter can start to build the relationship they both long for.
Na’ima B. Robert, born in Leeds and raised in Zimbabwe, is descended from Scottish Highlanders on her father’s side and the Zulu people on her mother’s side. She went on to gain a first class degree from the university of London. Having worked in marketing, the performing arts, teaching and the travel and tourism industry, she now has a wonderful time being a mum, running a magazine and writing children’s books. She divides her time between Egypt and the U.K.
Na’ima has been fascinated by Somali culture ever since her first encounter with immigrant Somali students in East London. The idea for From Somalia With Love came to her on a weekend retreat for Somali youth. It is her first novel for teenagers.
