Somali novelist explores returning to chaos

by Tom Crann, Minnesota Public Radio

St. Paul, Minn. — Peace talks opened in Djibouti, Somalia, today concerning the situation in neighboring Somalia.

The United Nations special envoy to Somalia expressed hope and enthusiasm, as he called for representatives to put peace and security of the Somali people as their first priority.

Earlier this week, the transitional President Abdullahi Yusef returned to the country after traveling abroad for weeks, and violence continued as Islamist insurgents attacked an Ethopian convoy south of the capitol killing three The chaotic events in the cpuntry are followed colsely by Somalis abroad, including Minnesota's sizable Somali community.

They're also of great interest to novelist Nuruddin Farah.

Farah has been called one of Africa's most important writers. His novels portray the human stories amidst the backdrop of strife and chaos in his native Somalia.

Knots, his latest novel, traces what happens when a Somali woman leaves the comfort and security of North America to return to the chaos of Mogadishu.

Nuruddin Farah is in Minnesota for readings and events, including one Thursday night at Amazon bookstore in Minenapolis.

Broadcast Dates

• All Things Considered, 05/13/2008, 6:20 p.m.