Halwu- Waris's Somali friend who becomes her close companion after her aunt and uncle leave London for Somalia. While her aunt and uncle take care of her basic needs, it is not a particularly warm and friendly environment and Waris is clearly seen as subordinate.īasma- Uncle Mohammed and Auntie Maruim's daughter who acts as Waris's confidante and friend during her time with her family in London. BIOGRAHPY OF WARIS DIRIE, FOUNDER OF DESERT FLOWER AFRICA LIMITED WARIS DIRIE A DAUGHTER OF A NOMADIC FAMILY FROM THE REGION OF GALLACAIO, IN THE SOMALI DESERT. Waris travels to London to work as a servent in her aunt and uncle's home for four years. Uncle Mohammed and Auntie Maruim - Auntie Maruim is Waris's mother's sister who has married the Somali ambassador to England.

Waris feels much guilt and sadness at abandoning her mother and leaving her to take up more duties after her escape. 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. Furthermore, Waris has a close relationship to her mother, who actually prompts her to escape their home and Waris's arranged marriage. The Dirie Family - Waris has an extremely close-knit family unit as they all participate in contributing to the family's business of raising animals. Waris Dirie - Author and protagonist who escapes her Somali nomad life after finding out she has been placed in an arranged marriage She eventually travels to London and becomes a world-renowned super model and human rights activist

Desert Flower by Waris Dirie