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Shining: The Story of a Lucky Man
A remarkably warm-hearted, uplifting and inspiring story of one boy's survival against the odds.
Abdi's world fell apart when he was only fifteen and Somalia's vicious civil war hit Mogadishu. Unable to find his family and effectively an orphan, he fled with some sixty others,heading to Kenya. On the way, death squads hunted them and they daily faced violence, danger and starvation. After almost four months, they arrived in at refugee camps in Kenya - of the group he'd set out with, only five had survived.
All alone in the world and desperate to find his family, Abdi couldn't stay in Kenya, so he turned around and undertook the dangerous journey back to Mogadishu. But the search was fruitless, and eventually Abdi made his way - alone, with no money in his pockets - to Romania, then to Germany, completely dependent on the kindess of strangers. He was just seventeen years old when he arrived in Melbourne. He had no English, no family or friends, no money, no home. Yet, against the odds, he not only survived, he thrived. Abdi went on to complete secondary education and later university. He became a youth worker, was acknowledged with the 2007 Victorian Refugee Recognition Award and was featured in the SBS second series of Go Back to Where You Came From.
Despite what he has gone through, Abdi is a most inspiring man, who is constantly thankful for his life and what he has. Everything he has endured and achieved is testament to his quiet strength and courage, his resilience and most of all, his warm-hearted, shining and enduring optimism.
'Powerful and uplifting' Bookseller + Publisher
Abdi's world fell apart when he was only fifteen and Somalia's vicious civil war hit Mogadishu. Unable to find his family and effectively an orphan, he fled with some sixty others,heading to Kenya. On the way, death squads hunted them and they daily faced violence, danger and starvation. After almost four months, they arrived in at refugee camps in Kenya - of the group he'd set out with, only five had survived.
All alone in the world and desperate to find his family, Abdi couldn't stay in Kenya, so he turned around and undertook the dangerous journey back to Mogadishu. But the search was fruitless, and eventually Abdi made his way - alone, with no money in his pockets - to Romania, then to Germany, completely dependent on the kindess of strangers. He was just seventeen years old when he arrived in Melbourne. He had no English, no family or friends, no money, no home. Yet, against the odds, he not only survived, he thrived. Abdi went on to complete secondary education and later university. He became a youth worker, was acknowledged with the 2007 Victorian Refugee Recognition Award and was featured in the SBS second series of Go Back to Where You Came From.
Despite what he has gone through, Abdi is a most inspiring man, who is constantly thankful for his life and what he has. Everything he has endured and achieved is testament to his quiet strength and courage, his resilience and most of all, his warm-hearted, shining and enduring optimism.
'Powerful and uplifting' Bookseller + Publisher
302 pages, Paperback
First published May 25, 2015
About the author
Abdi Aden
3 books4 followersAbdi Aden was a teenager when he arrived in Melbourne as a refugee to begin a new life. Until recently he was a Youth Worker for Hume City Council in Melbourne and he recently completed postgraduate studies in adolescent mental health. He is married to the daughter of British immigrants and has three young sons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
September 26, 2024
I met Abdi when he visited my workplace. We had his book in the school library so I borrowed it to read. Abdi’s story is a remarkable one of courage and resilience.
Leaving Somalia as an unaccompanied 15 year old to escape war, Abdi found his way to Romania, Germany and finally Australia. Arriving in Australia with no family, no money and no English, Abdi relied on a loose network of Somalians for help until he was awarded asylum.
Abdi has since graduated from university and carved out a career as a community worker and motivational speaker.
This book sharply displays the plight of a refugee.
Leaving Somalia as an unaccompanied 15 year old to escape war, Abdi found his way to Romania, Germany and finally Australia. Arriving in Australia with no family, no money and no English, Abdi relied on a loose network of Somalians for help until he was awarded asylum.
Abdi has since graduated from university and carved out a career as a community worker and motivational speaker.
This book sharply displays the plight of a refugee.
August 3, 2015
‘Shining: The Story of a Lucky Man’ is the biography of Abdi Aden, written with Robert Hillman.
Abdi Aden’s story begins like any other – he’s a happy kid from a loving family, living in soccer-mad Somalia. Then in 1991 civil war breaks out in Mogadishu, and Abdi’s world falls apart.
What follows next is Abdi’s harrowing story of survival when, at just 15-years-old, he’s forced to flee the violence and death squads and make his way to Kenya.
I am lonely, I am exhausted. But for the fact that I desperately want to remain alive, I would be happy to die.
From there the journey takes a sickening twist, as the refugee camp turns out to be as dangerous as what Abdi has been fleeing from. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees sets up the camp in north-east Kenya, and it becomes the world’s biggest refugee camp; an indication of the scale of violence breaking out across Somalia. The camp was too dangerous for UNHCR and so abandoned, which left the refugees effectively looking at starvation and slow death – so Abdi fled again.
What follows is both an incredible story, and an incredible reminder of why stories like Abdi’s and those portrayed on SBS shows like ‘Go Back to Where You Came From’ are so important. Abdi’s story highlights the breakdown of the “system” when people get caught up in wars and violence – then the imaginary “queue” goes out the window, and the absolute breakdown of organisations designed to help refugees and asylum seekers buckles under the pressure and people are forced to survive any way they can.
Abdi’s survival story sees him searching for his family by making his way back to the Mogadishu he had run from – on the slim chance that he has not been left alone in this world. The story then tracks all over the globe – from Europe to Australia, where Abdi eventually settles into an extraordinary life and he makes the inspiring most of his freedom.
This is a remarkable story and a gripping read. I began reading, knowing the happy ending that awaits Abdi in Austraila (as he’s been doing a fantastic media turn, promoting his book) I still found myself riveted to the page, desperate to know what happened next in the chapters of his life …
The book also has quietly powerful moments of reflection, like when Abdi sees Frankfurt airport for the first time and is struck by the sheer wealth and hope in such a display of prosperity, in stark contrast to his Somalia;
Sure, I knew that Big Europe was rich, but this rich? No, no. When can Somalia be as rich as this? In a thousand years? That’s what’s so scary. Right now, our main industry is murder. Or maybe I’m too pessimistic. A few decades ago, Germany’s main industry was murder, to – more murders than in Somalia, many, many, many more. And the whole country was smashed to pieces, like Somalia. Maybe there’s hope for us.
And it’s probably a reflection of how much time Abdi spent in transit as a refugee, that one of his most powerful reflections upon arriving in Australia also happens at Melbourne airport, when he encounters racism for the first time and is made to feel like a criminal for the colour of his skin;
I’m going to learn in the years ahead that the whole of this continent of Australia once belonged to people whose skin colour was much darker than my own, and that they were considered (for the most part) to be of no importance to the white people who took their ancestral lands from them. And I will learn, too, of what was known as the ‘White Australia Policy’ and slogans such as ‘Australia for the white man’. But I come from a country where everyone is black or brown, coffee-coloured, chocolate-coloured, some blacker than boot leather. There is no discrimination in Somalia, not against dark-skinned people or fair-skinned people.
I appreciated that fact that Abdi spoke about his troubles in Australia – he was missing home and his family and this country wasn’t always welcoming. His side of the story rings so true, and makes those calls of “If you don’t like it – go back to where you came from!” all the more infuriating, because they fail to acknowledge how racist (sometimes even subversively so) Australia is, that those fleeing from extremely multi-cultural and diverse countries are made to always feel like outsiders in this country which should be their safe haven.
I’ve been saying ever since I finished this book that I’d like to see it on reading lists in high schools all over Australia. It’s such a powerful story – harrowing, of course – but also brimming with hope and celebration and important reflections on contemporary Australia culture.
Then I look around me at this big country I’ve come to, and I’m okay. I’m happy. I’m Nuurow, the Shining One. Parties, music, good food to eat, of course I’m happy. The last time I even glimpsed a soldier was in Bucharest. Where are the Australian soldiers? Haven’t seen one.
I loved this book, I cannot recommend it highly enough – it’s one of those books I want to get up on a soapbox about!
Abdi Aden’s story begins like any other – he’s a happy kid from a loving family, living in soccer-mad Somalia. Then in 1991 civil war breaks out in Mogadishu, and Abdi’s world falls apart.
What follows next is Abdi’s harrowing story of survival when, at just 15-years-old, he’s forced to flee the violence and death squads and make his way to Kenya.
I am lonely, I am exhausted. But for the fact that I desperately want to remain alive, I would be happy to die.
From there the journey takes a sickening twist, as the refugee camp turns out to be as dangerous as what Abdi has been fleeing from. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees sets up the camp in north-east Kenya, and it becomes the world’s biggest refugee camp; an indication of the scale of violence breaking out across Somalia. The camp was too dangerous for UNHCR and so abandoned, which left the refugees effectively looking at starvation and slow death – so Abdi fled again.
What follows is both an incredible story, and an incredible reminder of why stories like Abdi’s and those portrayed on SBS shows like ‘Go Back to Where You Came From’ are so important. Abdi’s story highlights the breakdown of the “system” when people get caught up in wars and violence – then the imaginary “queue” goes out the window, and the absolute breakdown of organisations designed to help refugees and asylum seekers buckles under the pressure and people are forced to survive any way they can.
Abdi’s survival story sees him searching for his family by making his way back to the Mogadishu he had run from – on the slim chance that he has not been left alone in this world. The story then tracks all over the globe – from Europe to Australia, where Abdi eventually settles into an extraordinary life and he makes the inspiring most of his freedom.
This is a remarkable story and a gripping read. I began reading, knowing the happy ending that awaits Abdi in Austraila (as he’s been doing a fantastic media turn, promoting his book) I still found myself riveted to the page, desperate to know what happened next in the chapters of his life …
The book also has quietly powerful moments of reflection, like when Abdi sees Frankfurt airport for the first time and is struck by the sheer wealth and hope in such a display of prosperity, in stark contrast to his Somalia;
Sure, I knew that Big Europe was rich, but this rich? No, no. When can Somalia be as rich as this? In a thousand years? That’s what’s so scary. Right now, our main industry is murder. Or maybe I’m too pessimistic. A few decades ago, Germany’s main industry was murder, to – more murders than in Somalia, many, many, many more. And the whole country was smashed to pieces, like Somalia. Maybe there’s hope for us.
And it’s probably a reflection of how much time Abdi spent in transit as a refugee, that one of his most powerful reflections upon arriving in Australia also happens at Melbourne airport, when he encounters racism for the first time and is made to feel like a criminal for the colour of his skin;
I’m going to learn in the years ahead that the whole of this continent of Australia once belonged to people whose skin colour was much darker than my own, and that they were considered (for the most part) to be of no importance to the white people who took their ancestral lands from them. And I will learn, too, of what was known as the ‘White Australia Policy’ and slogans such as ‘Australia for the white man’. But I come from a country where everyone is black or brown, coffee-coloured, chocolate-coloured, some blacker than boot leather. There is no discrimination in Somalia, not against dark-skinned people or fair-skinned people.
I appreciated that fact that Abdi spoke about his troubles in Australia – he was missing home and his family and this country wasn’t always welcoming. His side of the story rings so true, and makes those calls of “If you don’t like it – go back to where you came from!” all the more infuriating, because they fail to acknowledge how racist (sometimes even subversively so) Australia is, that those fleeing from extremely multi-cultural and diverse countries are made to always feel like outsiders in this country which should be their safe haven.
I’ve been saying ever since I finished this book that I’d like to see it on reading lists in high schools all over Australia. It’s such a powerful story – harrowing, of course – but also brimming with hope and celebration and important reflections on contemporary Australia culture.
Then I look around me at this big country I’ve come to, and I’m okay. I’m happy. I’m Nuurow, the Shining One. Parties, music, good food to eat, of course I’m happy. The last time I even glimpsed a soldier was in Bucharest. Where are the Australian soldiers? Haven’t seen one.
I loved this book, I cannot recommend it highly enough – it’s one of those books I want to get up on a soapbox about!
May 23, 2015
'People who have seen me on Go Back to Where You Came From ask me: Abdi, when people tell you to go back home, what do you say? And this is my answer. I say: no thanks. Madmen with AKs will kill me. And then I say: don't you want me here? Really? With these good looks?'
Amazing story, amazing person. Full of heart and survival.
Amazing story, amazing person. Full of heart and survival.
August 4, 2016
Abdi Aden, I honour your story, you, your journey, your strength, your belief in self, and that you are now a citizen of Australia. I was moved by your story and I felt for your and your family, your country of birth and your personal struggle to find peace in chaotic world. My heart was open and I was deeply touched. I feel so, so saddened and yes ashamed of the way Australia treats people seeking refuge here. It distresses me over and over again. In the end you are indeed a lucky man. So many others are not so. Blessed be.
August 9, 2015
I would like to thank Goodreads and Harper Collins for providing me with a copy of this book. Shining brings back the message to me how lucky I am that I can live freely. Abdi is a very brave man and I cannot imagine what he endured as a child. He stayed optimistic all through his life no matter what danger or injustice was thrown his way. He is a role model to all of those that have or are facing tradegy.
February 6, 2016
This book will stay with me. Aden's straightforward account of how his childhood world transformed into one of pointless mindless violence that morphed him into an asylum seeker is told with pragmatism and humor. In his descriptions of the worst times, he cleverly foreshadows who he becomes later as a Melbournian. We need these stories to break down the fear that has us regarding asylum seekers so cruelly.
September 20, 2015
What an amazing story about a truly remarkable human being. This is a wonderful story. The truth in this story is both horrific but also wonderful. That someone could live through so much yet still have a pure heart, full of joy and life is potentially life changing.
June 27, 2015
Amazing story of strength but more importantly optimism!
August 17, 2020
One day, everything is normal. You live with a nice family, go to school, play sport with your friends. Then your whole life changes and you are alone, aged 15 and you no longer recognise your own country, your own life. From fed to starving, from safe to dangerous, from familiar to alien, from a home to homeless, Suddenly you are a refugee, forced onto the road to escape crazy men with guns, the brutality of war. Suddenly Abdi is living off his wits and nothing much more than air and a bit of hope. How would any of us cope? In this true story we hear from Abdi, how he coped, and how somehow he managed to live off his wits and connections. His observations and straight forward manner make for enjoyable reading. There is one thing that puzzles me, and that is, that it appears he never attempted to pay back money to the man he tricked into supplying him with transport to Australia. I fully expected that to be the case at some point.
I listened on audio and I very nearly gave up during the first few chapters. They were read by Abdi, and was hard going, not because of the story, but because of his reading pace and inflection (English,is after all, his second language), but by the third chapter, the narration of Abdi’s story was taken over by Robert Hillman and listening became a lot easier. I mention this so that anybody else experiencing the same feelings knows not to give up on the book if they are also struggling with the initial audio.
I have read another of Roberts books and he really tells the story from the perspective of the subject in a straight forward manner that I like. I will read more of his work.
For Abdi, he came out the other side of war and upheaval alive and thriving, a miracle Really- but for every miracle, as he notes in the last chapter, there are a million who did not receive such a miracle. That fact always makes me sad.
I listened on audio and I very nearly gave up during the first few chapters. They were read by Abdi, and was hard going, not because of the story, but because of his reading pace and inflection (English,is after all, his second language), but by the third chapter, the narration of Abdi’s story was taken over by Robert Hillman and listening became a lot easier. I mention this so that anybody else experiencing the same feelings knows not to give up on the book if they are also struggling with the initial audio.
I have read another of Roberts books and he really tells the story from the perspective of the subject in a straight forward manner that I like. I will read more of his work.
For Abdi, he came out the other side of war and upheaval alive and thriving, a miracle Really- but for every miracle, as he notes in the last chapter, there are a million who did not receive such a miracle. That fact always makes me sad.
September 16, 2024
4.5 stars
I am always drawn to a human story of survival, of hardship, of overcoming insurmountable obstacles to find your happiness, especially when that happiness is just being alive, being free, pursuing your dreams, things that most of us take for granted.
This is a remarkable story of a 15 year old boy who leaves Somalia when the country erupts in civil war, leaving his family and country behind, to seek refuge first in Kenya. His pursuit of freedom and opportunity took him to Romania, Germany and eventually Australia. He arrived in Melbourne at 17 with no family, no money, no English but a desire not only to survive but to thrive. His resourcefulness is remarkable, his resilience and perseverance admirable. Eventually he is able to track down and reunite with his surviving family members.
Abdi became a counselor who worked with at-risk-youths, feeling especially grateful to be able to give back to the community. What an inspiring story!
I am always drawn to a human story of survival, of hardship, of overcoming insurmountable obstacles to find your happiness, especially when that happiness is just being alive, being free, pursuing your dreams, things that most of us take for granted.
This is a remarkable story of a 15 year old boy who leaves Somalia when the country erupts in civil war, leaving his family and country behind, to seek refuge first in Kenya. His pursuit of freedom and opportunity took him to Romania, Germany and eventually Australia. He arrived in Melbourne at 17 with no family, no money, no English but a desire not only to survive but to thrive. His resourcefulness is remarkable, his resilience and perseverance admirable. Eventually he is able to track down and reunite with his surviving family members.
Abdi became a counselor who worked with at-risk-youths, feeling especially grateful to be able to give back to the community. What an inspiring story!
November 21, 2022
This is an amazing book, simply because the author has been through so much yet remains so positive.
Abdi’s story is harrowing - he was growing up in Somalia when the tribal warfare broke out and he fled, alone at only 15, to Europe and then Australia. He didn’t know where family was or where he would end up, yet he never gave up.
This should be compulsory reading for Australians - we are so lucky in this country - this book is a reminder that we should be grateful for that. It also provides insight into the life of a refugee - how their hope is to find somewhere safe to live and how stressful the waiting and hoping can be.
I loved the stories of how willing all the Somalis that Abdi met in his journey were willing to help him. Aussies could learn a bit about that too.
Highly recommended.
Abdi’s story is harrowing - he was growing up in Somalia when the tribal warfare broke out and he fled, alone at only 15, to Europe and then Australia. He didn’t know where family was or where he would end up, yet he never gave up.
This should be compulsory reading for Australians - we are so lucky in this country - this book is a reminder that we should be grateful for that. It also provides insight into the life of a refugee - how their hope is to find somewhere safe to live and how stressful the waiting and hoping can be.
I loved the stories of how willing all the Somalis that Abdi met in his journey were willing to help him. Aussies could learn a bit about that too.
Highly recommended.
June 20, 2018
I LOVED THIS BOOK. I loved that it was written by equally and Australian, and a Somali, you can hear both voices very clearly - beautiful. The book is written so perfectly, capturing with wise observation, humour and candor a very difficult journey. I worked for many years with refugees and asylum seekers in a variety of roles both here and overseas and this book just hits the mark in so many ways in explaining what to one in a country of safety, finds so hard to understand. Thank you Abdi and good luck to you and all your family, to your community and countries (re the latter, both need the luck!).
The narrator Jacob Warner was the man for the job and you weren't too shabby either Abdi!
The narrator Jacob Warner was the man for the job and you weren't too shabby either Abdi!
May 16, 2017
Abdi tells his story with humour and optimism. An honest account of a boy left alone to find himself become a man on his journey that was fraught with fear and danger. Told in an unsophisticated way this tale should open minds to the understanding that a refugee doesn't choose to take risks. Abdi certainly shows no resentment towards the life he did not choose. He considers himself a lucky man and that is a healthy mind considering what he endured.
June 4, 2018
Such an inspiring and beautifully written memoir. Abdi’s story could and should change hearts, minds and political policy towards refugees and asylum seekers. This book gives me hope and optimism for the future of our country. You are an inspiration Abdi.
January 15, 2019
On my kindle. Refugee story from Somalia to Melbourne. Some terrible pictures of violence that stay in the brain. Well written. Story of wanting to stay alive.
November 12, 2021
An incredible story
May 16, 2024
Enjoyable
May 28, 2024
This is the first novel I have read about the Somalian conflict, so it was interesting. It really gets you thinking about what it would be like to be a refugee.
July 15, 2024
Impressive memoir
March 30, 2020
Abdi is a special person. His strength and optimism is astonishing considering the atrocities he witnessed of his country being torn apart by war.
September 30, 2015
I received this book from Goodreads as a giveaway.
An inspirational story of a young boy's struggle to live under horrific circumstances in Somalia. Heartbreaking accounts of him and many many other ordinary people running from madness and death. He was abandoned by his parents, not knowing where his sister was, and at 15 is left to fend for himself. It's truly upsetting to hear of the hardships he encounters in his travels to find a new life, to find a place of safety and to just stay alive. He makes an incredible journey through many countries, living on his wits and help from fellow travellers, to finally arrive at his chosen destination - Australia. His optimism, endurance and lots of hard work have led him to live permanently in Melbourne. He loves and appreciates his new life and all that it has offered him. He now tries to help people just like him and he can because he fully understands what being a refugee really means. This is not fiction. Abdi is a remarkable and admirable man who has fought hard to overcome a terrible past and has built a bright future .
An inspirational story of a young boy's struggle to live under horrific circumstances in Somalia. Heartbreaking accounts of him and many many other ordinary people running from madness and death. He was abandoned by his parents, not knowing where his sister was, and at 15 is left to fend for himself. It's truly upsetting to hear of the hardships he encounters in his travels to find a new life, to find a place of safety and to just stay alive. He makes an incredible journey through many countries, living on his wits and help from fellow travellers, to finally arrive at his chosen destination - Australia. His optimism, endurance and lots of hard work have led him to live permanently in Melbourne. He loves and appreciates his new life and all that it has offered him. He now tries to help people just like him and he can because he fully understands what being a refugee really means. This is not fiction. Abdi is a remarkable and admirable man who has fought hard to overcome a terrible past and has built a bright future .
April 6, 2016
The shining: story of a lucky man seemed like one of those ordinary books that wouldn't interest me but i was quite surprised when i got to the end of it. I have to say, the first 5 chapters lost me a bit when Aden talks about what his life was like before the war but during the last 15 or so chapters, you learn more and more about Aden and how he is an inspiring and very real person. His story is compelling to read and almost nothing like anything else i've read. It makes you think about your life and what some people have been through. To acknowledge that war is still going on in the world. I read it as a school book and it is one of the best school books I've read, and i'm glad i gave it chance because i've learnt from this book. I feel like it has made me a better person so thank you, Abdi Aden.
July 29, 2015
When a brutal civil war broke out in his native Somalia, Abdi Aden had no choice but to try to escape the slaughter. With a combination of luck, courage and persistence he managed to do so and this book is the powerful and moving account of that escape and his efforts to find safety and a new life – which he eventually achieves in Australia. He now lives there with a wife and children and has forged a successful and meaningful life for himself. What struck me most about the book was how his indomitable spirit shines through at all times. He has refused to be cowed and beaten by the terrible experiences he has had to face and has never lost his humanity. His voice comes over loud and clear and it is indeed a heart-warming story.
September 8, 2015
Thanks to HarperCollins I was lucky enough to win 'Shining' as a Goodreads Giveaway.
This is a story of resilience and hope, of living on one's wits, in at times terrifying circumstances ... where what is not said is as powerful as what is said.
Thank you Abdi Aden for sharing your story, you are 'the Shining One' and I can only agree with your wish that "If God granted me one wish, it would be this: that human beings lost the ability to be cruel to one another; that one morning, everyone in the world woke up and could no longer remember how to torment others, and from that day forward, had to rely on kindness." (Chapter 8)
This is a story of resilience and hope, of living on one's wits, in at times terrifying circumstances ... where what is not said is as powerful as what is said.
Thank you Abdi Aden for sharing your story, you are 'the Shining One' and I can only agree with your wish that "If God granted me one wish, it would be this: that human beings lost the ability to be cruel to one another; that one morning, everyone in the world woke up and could no longer remember how to torment others, and from that day forward, had to rely on kindness." (Chapter 8)
August 11, 2015
This is a remarkable story of survival tackling serious real-life issues with a spirit of optimism. It was such an easy and entertaining read that it reminded me of those stories your father used to tell you when you were young. I really liked the map included detailing Abdi's journey and the photographs placed between chapters, which kept me engaged with the story. Thank you Abdi for giving me insight into the life experiences of a refugee.
Thank you Good Reads, Harper Collins and the author Abdi Aden for this free copy.
Thank you Good Reads, Harper Collins and the author Abdi Aden for this free copy.
November 17, 2015
Shining is an enthralling book - at so many levels. The events that one person can experience are almost beyond belief. Yet despite it all Abdi Aden maintains his optimistic spirit. The book is beautifully written in Abdi's voice which is very appealing. I was totally engrossed in the book and moved by it. Very highly recommended - as a triumphant human story and for appreciating the challenges of refugees who have managed to reach Australia (and other countries). Abdi is obviously a very special human being.
December 8, 2015
I received a copy as part of a Goodreads book giveaway. This is an important read as it gives an individual's first person account of going from a happy go lucky boy in Somalia to someone living by their wits in a civil war. Abdi is a charming fellow despite all he went through in his journey to his final home in Melbourne, Australia. If you wonder why asylum seekers come to Australia this story is a must read.
February 6, 2017
There is a huge market for books like this, but not for me. Shining, apart from having a name guaranteed to confuse it with Stephen King, is a relatively superficial triumph over adversity memoir that reads as if it were being told to a child.
That said, Abdi Aden does sound like a good person, doing good work, and this book could potentially help to enlighten readers other than this one.
That said, Abdi Aden does sound like a good person, doing good work, and this book could potentially help to enlighten readers other than this one.
July 12, 2016
Loved reading Abdi's story of survival, it certainly makes you realise how lucky we are to live in a peaceful country. The book was inspiring and deeply moving. I'd definitely recommend it to others to read.
September 21, 2016
brilliant
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews