Summary

Chapter 1 opens in Mogdiscio, the capital of Somalia. Askar is 18 years old and is recalling his past. Askar, an orphan, lived in a small village called Kallafo under the care of a woman named Misra. Askar’s mother died alone, giving birth to him, and Misra discovered him shortly after he was born. Misra raised Askar and treated him with maternal kindness. Askar’s father had fought in the Western Somali Liberation Movement and had died in combat fighting against the Ethiopians. Misra had a relationship with Aw-Adan, a local Muslim priest. Misra and Askar are Muslim as well. Misra’s first language is Amharic, which is not widely spoken in the village, as she originally comes from a place some distance to the north.

On page 13, Askar’s Uncle Qorrax is introduced. Askar has always disliked Uncle Qorrax. Qorrax was attracted to Misra...