The military junta that has ruled the land of Somalia with an iron fist since October 21, 1969, has at last succumbed to the evils of its own making. Its policy of divide and rule has eroded the very fabric of society, and pit brother against brother. It is 1991. The regime’s last stronghold in the south is for the first time feeling what its sister cities in the north had suffered earlier...death and destruction. The city of Hamar is bleeding to its very last human drop. On foot, on donkey carts, and by every conceivable means, those who could move are on the move. Some fly from the rooftops like birds; some plunge into the furious waves, only to swim in the belly of the sharks; others dig into the shelter of the underworld. Premature demise and epidemic vandalism becomes the order of the day. This demise is, however, like no other, for it’s the last nail in the coffin...the coffin that was Somalia Democratic Republic.   Excerpt Hana’s fingers tighten on the pencil. She's eager to lap up every drop, every little detail, however trivial. “Ayeyo, I want to know everything. Anything you can remember. Every little thing,” she says, decisive. “I can take it. There isn’t a thing I can’t take. I need to talk about this. I want to find some meaning in this. I want to know how much I know. I need to put this story on paper. I need to find my mother, too. And you are my only source.” Ayeyo’s eyes moisten. She’d already said quite a bit on a tape for Hana, kept long ago with Mulki for safekeeping. Ayeyo closes her eyes, her hands pressed on the armchair, as if rocking herself to sleep, Wade Aaliya, wade, she goads herself into action. Wade and wobble through the mud, wade and rake up the dirt, and talk until there's nothing to tell. It’s her life. Her painful life. Let her write. It’s all she’s got. It’s her heritage, a fallen nation’s legacy to her own; let the poor citizen record. Then Ayeyo isn’t rocking anymore. “We never talk about your father’s death, do we?” she says, abrupt, suddenly inspired.

Professional Reviews
Molly's Reviews
Title: Offspring of Paradise
Genre war fiction
Author: Safi Abdi
Line/Publisher Authorhouse
ISBN: 1410794091
Available as print and eBook
Interesting read … Happy to Recommend 4 stars
Offspring of Paradise .......... Molly's Reviews
By m j hollingshead
Tuesday, January 06, 2004
good book for a quiet afternoon
Hana is only six when her world is turned upside down. Clan wars have begun in Somalia. Her father is dead by only hours, her brothers are taking part in the rampaging, her uncle is trying to spirit his mother and his brother’s pregnant wife and young child away from danger when they are ambushed. Hana and her grandmother spend two years on the run before finally reaching the faint sanctuary of ‘the wall’ where they will live for a time. Hana becomes a school girl, the pair meet Mulki and Rune who offer hope, her grandmother dies, life goes on. First one then another apparent friend surface, prove themselves true or false and perhaps disappear again. At last Hana is on her way home to meet the mother lost to her when her sad journey began.
Writer Abdi states that the characters and specific narrative in her work are fictional as she details with clarity of one who has seen much of the horror of war and desperation of the refugees living in Somalia during the ethnic cleansing that took place during the last century. The Somalian Civil war lasted for over a decade, Abdi brings to life some of the thousands who were killed, raped and maimed in the process and the thousands more were uprooted and left to try to make some type of life for themselves.
From the opening lines found in the pages of Offspring of Paradise Writer Abdi has created a gripping if chilling work. As we follow Little Hana and her family making their desperate try for escape right on to the last paragraph when we find a more grown up Hana hopeful that she will have a better future Abdi outlines the desperation of a whole body of people. Those who were facing discrimination were willing to use any means available for escape from the destruction and spoliation that becomes a reality in the country that was once the Somalia Democratic Republic. Reading Offspring of Paradise brings the reader right into the plight of the downtrodden; writer Abdi skillfully presents the notion that you are in the thick of what may well have taken place during that troublesome time.
On the pages of Offspring of Paradise Writer Abdi has crafted a startling, potent work filled with generously drawn characters, perilous story line, near to overwhelming state of affairs, prejudice and at times pleasantly puzzling discord in this powerful read. Offspring of Paradise is the second book from this talented writer who is already hard at work on her next offering. Abdi also writes poetry and short stories which she posts on various writing sites on the internet.
Some minor language issues for the American reader are easily resolved. Offspring of Paradise includes a glossary of terms to aid those who might not be conversant with some of the terms.
Offspring of Paradise is a good book for a quiet, thoughtful afternoon, happy to recommend.

Reader Reviews for "Offspring of Paradise"

Reviewed by Somali Community Access Network SomaliCAN	3/20/2007
Offspring of Paradise is a recorded statement of the horrors that took place in Somalia due to the civil war. This book is a treasure for the current generation and heritage for future generations. Thank you Ukhti Safi. I appreciate your hard work and cherish your wisdom. Your brother, Abdullahi
Reviewed by R.D. Pounds	9/30/2004
Safi, you have a special talent for writing in an immediate style that grips your reader and you never waste it on the frivolous. You choose topics that tug at the heart, waken compassion, point out the need for attention and knowledge, and rattle the complacent. This book is no exception and I recommend your work whole-heartedly. Much success to you on every level! Gina
Reviewed by OnepoetGem *	12/27/2003
Your book sounds interesting, especially because of my heritage. I sometimes wonder about the mother country and all the turmoil that goes on there. It's always depressing to see the people suffer, especially the little kids. take care GEM
Reviewed by Paul Bruce	11/11/2003
I am intrigued, and must find time to read more.

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