Adua & regina di saba wellness & beauty

See also: adua and ádua

Contents

  • 1 Italian
    • 1.1 Pronunciation
    • 1.2 Proper noun
  • 2 Latin
    • 2.1 Pronunciation
    • 2.2 Proper noun
      • 2.2.1 Declension

Italian[edit]

Pronunciation[edit]

  • IPA(key): /ˈa.dwa/
  • Rhymes: -adwa
  • Hyphenation: À‧dua

Proper noun[edit]

Adua f

  1. Adwa / Adowa
  2. a female given name

Latin[edit]

Pronunciation[edit]

  • (Classical) IPA(key): /ˈa.du.a/, [ˈäd̪uä]
  • (Ecclesiastical) IPA(key): /ˈa.du.a/, [ˈäːd̪uä]

Proper noun[edit]

Adua m sg (genitive Aduae); first declension

  1. Alternative form of Abdua

Declension[edit]

First-declension noun, singular only.

Case Singular
NominativeAdua
GenitiveAduae
DativeAduae
AccusativeAduam
AblativeAduā
VocativeAdua

Adua & regina di saba wellness & beauty

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 ·  605 ratings  ·  73 reviews

Adua & regina di saba wellness & beauty

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Adua & regina di saba wellness & beauty

This is more of a 3.5 star read for me, rounded up. I loved the approach of the novel with the three historical periods and a woman who has experienced massive changes in her life between growing up traditionally as a Somali Muslim girl and then transitioning to film stardom in Italy. I liked the techniques of the rotating narrative perspective between Adua, her father as a younger man, and the sections addressed to her, correcting her behavior. Very unique! But it just wasn't long enough. I onl This is more of a 3.5 star read for me, rounded up. I loved the approach of the novel with the three historical periods and a woman who has experienced massive changes in her life between growing up traditionally as a Somali Muslim girl and then transitioning to film stardom in Italy. I liked the techniques of the rotating narrative perspective between Adua, her father as a younger man, and the sections addressed to her, correcting her behavior. Very unique! But it just wasn't long enough. I only get a taste! I wanted so much more of her father's experience (perhaps too narrow of a view of his life, I needed more background to understand his choices), her childhood, and the time between her film career and marrying young immigrant men who need homes. And more about the modern Somalia with houses selling for millions.

The writing, even in translation, shines in its casual approachability and the ability to pull the reader into the setting through brief but evocative descriptions of smells and sounds.

I appreciated how the author provided a brief overview of the historical context of the three periods of her novel at the end, but I think I would have preferred to learn it inside the novel. I will look for more from her.

Thanks to the publisher for providing access to this title through Edelweiss.

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Adua & regina di saba wellness & beauty

I was excited to read Igiaba Scego this #WomenInTranslationMonth, an Italian author of Somali origin. Although she is prolific in Italian, sadly only two of her books have been translated into English so far - this one, and Beyond Babylon. I really enjoyed reading Adua, and I hope more of her work will be translated in the future, especially her autobiographical book, La Mia Casa è Dove Sono (if I get desperate I'll have to brush off my Italian and read it in the original!)
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Adua follows two main
I was excited to read Igiaba Scego this #WomenInTranslationMonth, an Italian author of Somali origin. Although she is prolific in Italian, sadly only two of her books have been translated into English so far - this one, and Beyond Babylon. I really enjoyed reading Adua, and I hope more of her work will be translated in the future, especially her autobiographical book, La Mia Casa è Dove Sono (if I get desperate I'll have to brush off my Italian and read it in the original!)
.
Adua follows two main storylines. That of Adua, a so-called 'Old Lira' woman who has lived in Italy for more than 40 years after she fled Somalia in the 70s to escape her father and the restrictive regime. And then we also hear her father's story, when he also lived in Italy before he became a husband and a father, working as an interpreter and translator under Mussolini's fascist regime. Although the two storylines don't really come together, they are insightful on their own.
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When Zoppe came to Italy, he was met with hostility and violence, the only kindness he was shown was from a Jewish family who were also suffering discrimination at the time. Adua's POV, especially when she was still a child in Somalia, was interesting. As a child, Adua had no idea what fascism or colonialism was; all she knew was that Italy, especially Rome, was painted as some sort of paradise. Needless to say when she arrived there with promises of becoming a movie star, the reality was altogether different.
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As well as those two waves of immigration, Scego also touches on more current issues: migrants resorting to dangerous crossings of the Mediterranean to escape their country. Adua's husband is one such person, but we don't hear that much about him. However, Scego's afterword is helpful to understanding her aim with this book, as she said she didn't want to perform an analysis of these three periods in time, but transform them into experiences and emotions lived by her characters.
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You don’t often hear about Italy’s colonial past in literature (The Shadow King addresses it, still on my TBR!), so I'm grateful to Scego for illuminating us. I do wish it had been a bit longer though!
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Adua & regina di saba wellness & beauty

Mar 10, 2021 Emmkay rated it liked it

I don’t think I’ve read anything substantive about Italian colonialism before, and I’m glad that this novel has now given me some exposure to it. Translated from the Italian, the novel focuses on Adua, a Somali woman who has lived in Italy since arriving there in her teens with (later cruelly dashed) hopes of movie stardom. Now, she is married to a younger man, a recently arrived migrant to whom she is an “Old Lira” woman, having arrived before the adoption of the Euro. Chapters in Adua’s voice I don’t think I’ve read anything substantive about Italian colonialism before, and I’m glad that this novel has now given me some exposure to it. Translated from the Italian, the novel focuses on Adua, a Somali woman who has lived in Italy since arriving there in her teens with (later cruelly dashed) hopes of movie stardom. Now, she is married to a younger man, a recently arrived migrant to whom she is an “Old Lira” woman, having arrived before the adoption of the Euro. Chapters in Adua’s voice alternate with the story of her father, Zoppe, who travelled to Italy as a translator in the 1930s. As well, short chapters headed “Talking-To” voice Zoppe’s admonishments to his daughter. It was a lot to take in - voices, cultural and historical context, disturbing racial and sexual violence, and some magical realism - within a short novel. Consequently I spent some of it feeling disoriented, and not all of it feeling fully engaged. But nonetheless it was powerful and I’ve continued to think it over afterwards. ...more

Adua & regina di saba wellness & beauty

Reading "Adua" can be compared to a cake: some ingredients are quite tasty and can be eaten separately, like sugar or the backstory of the protagonist, Adua, while others cannot be, causing one to cringe, like salt or the first-person chapters in which Zoppo chastises Adua. The most disappointing though is that fact that this novel, in the cake analogy, makes for a very lopsided overall finished product that is more likely to elicit a feeling of sympathy for its creator, who had only the best in Reading "Adua" can be compared to a cake: some ingredients are quite tasty and can be eaten separately, like sugar or the backstory of the protagonist, Adua, while others cannot be, causing one to cringe, like salt or the first-person chapters in which Zoppo chastises Adua. The most disappointing though is that fact that this novel, in the cake analogy, makes for a very lopsided overall finished product that is more likely to elicit a feeling of sympathy for its creator, who had only the best intentions in mind, than for a true appreciation of the creation itself. There were many parts of "Adua" where I felt like Scego could have elaborated and rounded off the writing some more, especially with the jumping around and the particularly confusing setting of the present. In the end, while I felt saddened and angry at the way Adua was treated, I didn't feel like I truly knew her or her story, as she lacked that final breath of life that would make her feel real. ...more

Adua & regina di saba wellness & beauty

I’m not sure who upset the other reviewers, but I believe their lack of ability of relating to the realities discussed in this novel made it so that they were not able to connect with the narrative. Regardless of the poor reviews still pick up the book. Especially if you are aware of the true atrocities Italian colonialism had and still has on Somalian people. How the Italian white gaze deemed women from the continent as exotic sexual creatures. It’s a wonderful tale which jumps between the gene I’m not sure who upset the other reviewers, but I believe their lack of ability of relating to the realities discussed in this novel made it so that they were not able to connect with the narrative. Regardless of the poor reviews still pick up the book. Especially if you are aware of the true atrocities Italian colonialism had and still has on Somalian people. How the Italian white gaze deemed women from the continent as exotic sexual creatures. It’s a wonderful tale which jumps between the generations and describes the real pain of people who were indeed: people. The story jumps between a father and daughter and their relationship with their family and society around them. A tearjerker at times but nevertheless a well written story which should be read by all especially during the so called ‘immigration crisis’. ...more

Adua & regina di saba wellness & beauty

Sep 17, 2017 Jeanette rated it it was ok

Poignant personal story told in a disjointed way. It is excellent for certain points and passages, and then so jumpy it becomes almost, for me, time and motives incomprehensible.

Adua & regina di saba wellness & beauty

A bitingly honest, sometimes funny, sometimes brutal, account of Italian Colonialism, racism and xenophobia told through the memories of Adua and her father. It’s an important perspective on understanding the recent past, especially given the current geopolitical climate & the rise of far right politics.

Adua & regina di saba wellness & beauty

The plot line was confusing. Three voices, and vagueness, combined with a reader ignorant of the historical significance of the backstory made this a challenge to understand.

Adua & regina di saba wellness & beauty

3.5 Stars, Rounded

I wasn’t wholly sure what to expect from this story: from the blurb it is clearly a tale of a woman who emigrated from Somalia and a difficult life, only to find more and different challenges in her new city of Rome. Opening with an uncomfortable start, the protagonist, Adua, is bearing up under a series of berating commentary which harken back to her own difficulties with her relationship with her father. Her choice to leave Somalia was based partly in this relationship, and

3.5 Stars, Rounded

I wasn’t wholly sure what to expect from this story: from the blurb it is clearly a tale of a woman who emigrated from Somalia and a difficult life, only to find more and different challenges in her new city of Rome. Opening with an uncomfortable start, the protagonist, Adua, is bearing up under a series of berating commentary which harken back to her own difficulties with her relationship with her father. Her choice to leave Somalia was based partly in this relationship, and partly to follow her dreams of being an actress, not a possibility in the post-colonial governmental regime. For forty years she has been struggling against those who would seek to oppress or deny her opportunity, some based in her difference, others in the legacy of issues surrounding the us v them debates when discussing refugees and immigrants, and when you add in the overwhelming attitudes about Africa and the lack of potential therein, there is plenty of food for plot here.

And while Adua’s story is harrowing and sad, one takes heart in the fact that she continues on: perhaps because there are no other choices, perhaps just a testament to the strength of her own character and dreams, but she continues. Day after day as dreams become further from reach as doors close and the queue of those willing to accept her in positions that will exploit her skills and person while still managing to set limitations on her forward progress.

What emerges is an interesting, if not wholly flushed out character: notable for her story, but much of it felt “done” to her, without any real reasons for her to continue. If I were to find the cause for that – I would point to the many threads and elements brought into the plot: ambitious elements that did provide some history, background and information needed to understand some of what she faced, but so many pieces and time spent to that, without giving a clear or direct correlation to the characters, or even providing dialogue that offered some sort of contrast between what is and what should be helped to bog the story down, at least where developing a connection to Adua was concerned. It’s not difficult to feel sorry for her struggles, or wonder why things couldn’t have been different, but it was as if that emotion wasn’t tied to her as a person, but to the populations in transition as a whole, those hoping for new and better lives in countries far from their homes and all that is familiar.

Not a bad read by any sense of the word, and the history presented brought me a whole new perspective with discoveries about the colonial ambitions of yet another European nation, as well as the fallout when colonial powers leave and countries self-rule. Another book that highlights the variety of perspectives, viewpoints and lesser-known histories of the world we inhabit: some with legacies that we are still battling now to varying degrees of success.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via Edelweiss for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at I am, Indeed

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Adua & regina di saba wellness & beauty

In 2013, Somali, Adusa, former actress, who lived in Rome, discovered the deed to Labo Dhegax—two stones, home of her deceased father, Mohamed Ali Zoppe, in Magalo, Somalia. She had been estranged from her father at an early age, and at seventeen, in the 1970s, she ran away to Italy with the help of Italian B-movie producers. Adua married a much younger Somali, a refugee; however, she conversed with and confided in her miniature, marble elephant.

In 1934, Adua’s father, known as Zoppe, was maste

In 2013, Somali, Adusa, former actress, who lived in Rome, discovered the deed to Labo Dhegax—two stones, home of her deceased father, Mohamed Ali Zoppe, in Magalo, Somalia. She had been estranged from her father at an early age, and at seventeen, in the 1970s, she ran away to Italy with the help of Italian B-movie producers. Adua married a much younger Somali, a refugee; however, she conversed with and confided in her miniature, marble elephant.

In 1934, Adua’s father, known as Zoppe, was master of a half dozen languages, and worked in Rome as a translator for an Italian contractor. Zoppe attempted to break up a fight between two co-workers who argued over the texture of his curly hair. Instead of the employees being jailed, the police convicted Zoppe of a crime. He was released not to his employer, but to Count Anselme, who considered Zoppe his slave and translator when he returned to Africa.

Years later, Zoppe saw a movie that starred Adua. He was taken aback at how the movie producers exploited his daughter. He realized she too had suffered exploitation at the hands of people who had once colonized their country before the Second World War.

Unfortunately, Zoppe and Adua never reunited; however, I believe if Adua had gave in, they would have bridged the gap of alienation before his death. Zoppe wasn’t always kind in his approach toward Adua; sometimes he was unfairly or destructively critical. Adua never forgave him.

The chapters move back and forth over time, with Adusa in first person point of view, and her father, Zoppe, in third person point of view. In addition, the book briefly describes the current refugee crisis. The author wrote backstories on each character. Noting timelines with each chapter’s character would have been helpful, as sometimes the chronological storyline appeared unclear.

I believe Adua suffered and had not released her past, which is sometimes difficult to do, nor did she know how to nourish her happiness. Her younger husband didn’t offer much friendship, so she had the illusion of companionship with an inanimate object. I honestly enjoyed reading Zoppe’s point of view more than Adua’s; his character had more depth.

Historically, I was surprised Ethiopia wasn’t the only country colonized by Italy. Eritrea and Somalia suffered under colonization in the late 1800s, which lasted until the 1940s and early 1950s. The author suggests books concerning East Africa’s former colonization. In addition, she provides a glossary in the back of the book.

I gave this book 3.5 stars.

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Adua & regina di saba wellness & beauty

This book was just average to me. It had the potential to be great, but fell flat.

Adua & regina di saba wellness & beauty

Fantastic book. It wasn't really what I expected it to be in terms of storyline, but... Wow. Full review coming soon Fantastic book. It wasn't really what I expected it to be in terms of storyline, but... Wow. Full review coming soon ...more

Adua & regina di saba wellness & beauty

May 18, 2021 Faith Gathigia rated it really liked it

I've been meaning to read at least one book from every country in Africa but I've never really made much effort towards the resolution. So, when the opportunity came to read this book, I was very excited. I realized that there's a lot I didn't know about Somalia, despite it sharing a border with Kenya. I was fascinated by the rich culture from both Adua and Zoppe's perspectives, although I was saddened by the occasional discussion about infibulation. It's such a traumatizing process that it pain I've been meaning to read at least one book from every country in Africa but I've never really made much effort towards the resolution. So, when the opportunity came to read this book, I was very excited. I realized that there's a lot I didn't know about Somalia, despite it sharing a border with Kenya. I was fascinated by the rich culture from both Adua and Zoppe's perspectives, although I was saddened by the occasional discussion about infibulation. It's such a traumatizing process that it pains me to imagine some communities still practice it. Scego sheds so much light on the struggles of Africans before, during, and after colonialism. I also loved how the book tackled themes surrounding parenting; fatherhood in particular.
Would definitely recommend.
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Adua & regina di saba wellness & beauty

Poignant with a symbolic parallel story of a Adua's life and her father's. A lot of horrific instances shape these characters into who they make themselves to be and what they end up chasing. The novel is set up in a fractured way, but once I understood the pattern, I latched on quickly and flew through the book. The narrative was not done in that gimmicky POV fad I've been seeing so much recently, but rather with purpose and artistic value.

There's a lot of sadness here, but the stories allow yo

Poignant with a symbolic parallel story of a Adua's life and her father's. A lot of horrific instances shape these characters into who they make themselves to be and what they end up chasing. The novel is set up in a fractured way, but once I understood the pattern, I latched on quickly and flew through the book. The narrative was not done in that gimmicky POV fad I've been seeing so much recently, but rather with purpose and artistic value.

There's a lot of sadness here, but the stories allow you to watch humanity unfold -- The good, the bad, the persevering, and finally the understanding. The way the author involves us in the relationships and minds of these characters is beautiful. I really enjoyed reading this book -- It's so different from the mainstream books in America and really opens up the mind to new stories and how they're told.

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Adua & regina di saba wellness & beauty

I have read this book in Italian, but my Italian is not good enough to write the review that it deserves. So it will be a review in English.

The generation of the less than 50 years old in Italy seems more inclined than their parents to uncover the colonial past and the ties that bind Italy to North-East Africa. I have already hugely enjoyed Francesca Melandri’s Sangue giusto and was curious to discover Igiaba Scego.
Igiaba Scego is an Italian writer of the above-mentioned generation and of Soma

I have read this book in Italian, but my Italian is not good enough to write the review that it deserves. So it will be a review in English.

The generation of the less than 50 years old in Italy seems more inclined than their parents to uncover the colonial past and the ties that bind Italy to North-East Africa. I have already hugely enjoyed Francesca Melandri’s Sangue giusto and was curious to discover Igiaba Scego.
Igiaba Scego is an Italian writer of the above-mentioned generation and of Somali origin; I thus felt that her voice would shed yet another light on Italy’s past. And it did. More than that, though, it tells a story about Somalia, and about its people and their different destinies over the last century.

Adua is a Somali girl who managed to come to Italy in the late 70s as a young adult.
The reader not only learns about her past and her childhood at foster parents’ whom she took to be her real parents, about her life with her father in the Somali port of Magalo, her rebellion against this life that she had no chosen and her way into Italy, but also about the hardships for a Somali woman at that time in Italy and finally about the life of refugees these days.

But Adua is not only about Adua herself. Intertwined with her story is the story of her father, Zoppe. The reader gets to know him from two perspectives, i.e. as a young man going to Italy himself and as the father of Adua.
Coming from a well-off traders’ family, Zoppe managed to go to Italy in the 1930s as a translator, suffering discrimination and violence in Italy, only to return to Somalia as a slave in the service of the colonial masters. He assists and translates between the colonial powers and thus, simply by “opening and closing his mouth” contributes to the Italian occupation.
While I felt compassion for Zoppe as a young man and his pursuit of his dreams that are so easily swept off the table by the Italians whenever it suits them, my opinion about Zoppe the Father changed dramatically. I hated him, I hated what he did to Adua, I hated how he talked about Adua’s mother, whom he loved in the beginning for her different way of being but then only wanting to make her as submissive as all the other woman. He failed with Adua’s mother and he fails with Adua again, but the price is being paid by the women.

Adua is an intense and compelling story.
Igiaba Scego managed to make me feel with every singly character at certain moments while also managing to complete her characters with their dark sides. The way how she explains how these dark sides came to be part of her characters is brilliantly done.

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Adua & regina di saba wellness & beauty

Adua is a tale of a father and daughter. It is a tale about colonialism, immigration, racism, and patriarchal relations and experiences. The book focuses on Adua who came to Italy from Somalia during the 1970s. It flashes between Adua in her present as she contemplates returning to Somalia and touches on the current migrant crisis in the Med. Her father and his time in Italy and Ethiopia, when he was a translator for the colonial regime before her birth. And finally, her youth when she came to l Adua is a tale of a father and daughter. It is a tale about colonialism, immigration, racism, and patriarchal relations and experiences. The book focuses on Adua who came to Italy from Somalia during the 1970s. It flashes between Adua in her present as she contemplates returning to Somalia and touches on the current migrant crisis in the Med. Her father and his time in Italy and Ethiopia, when he was a translator for the colonial regime before her birth. And finally, her youth when she came to live with her father in Magola and her ensuing movie career. I really enjoyed the alternating chapters but found Adua's narratives the most interesting and compelling of the book.

The novel is short, just under 200 pages but it feels a very intense read. Adua handles some heavy topics throughout as there is racial violence, female genital mutilation (FGM), sexual assault, racism, war and more. These topics are broken up across the novel and some more explicitly covered than others, but they weigh heavily on the narrative and the reader and for that reason this book is not to be taken lightly. However, it is an excellent exploration of power dynamics between individuals and how power is abused and used to control others. It explores the historical context through emotion and relations rather then straight up depictions of war and violence. It has a very clever narrative style.

I also really liked the various Somalian terms used throughout which had a glossary at the back to help readers understand what they mean. These served to strengthen the characters roots to their Somalian heritage and culture. In addition to this, there was a historical context section for readers at the back about Somalia's history and the colonial legacy of Italy. This was really helpful given the novel does not go into detail about specific historical events, it helps to round out the readers understanding.

Overall I thought Adua blossomed into a thought-provoking and compelling read despite it being not quite how I initially expected. I liked the style and approach Scego crafted and it made the experiences and history feel more real and emotional.

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Adua & regina di saba wellness & beauty

"That's how things began with my father. That's how I met him, little elephant. That was the last happy day of my life. I was seven or eight years old at most." (p. 36).

"I looked at Papa with a silent plea for help. He broke eye contact and at that moment I realized he was rejecting me." (p. 38).

"Zoppe had never known how to distinguish between reality and fantasy. He had never learned to manage what he saw very well. Haji Safar had taught him, but he lacked the soul. The second soul that Haji S

"That's how things began with my father. That's how I met him, little elephant. That was the last happy day of my life. I was seven or eight years old at most." (p. 36).

"I looked at Papa with a silent plea for help. He broke eye contact and at that moment I realized he was rejecting me." (p. 38).

"Zoppe had never known how to distinguish between reality and fantasy. He had never learned to manage what he saw very well. Haji Safar had taught him, but he lacked the soul. The second soul that Haji Safar had, the one that allows you to enter into empathy with time." (p. 42).

"I don't remember much about that fateful first night. Except omen detail. On the ground I saw a female lion skin. It seemed alive and so proud of being the most beautiful. The coat was intact. A perfect shade of gold. I felt sorry for her. I had seen many in the bush. They were vicious and blood-thirsty. But there was something magical in their wandering. Nothing like the dirty, vulgar hyenas we always had to deal with. The lionesses' stride was that of precarious nobility fighting against scarcity and bullets. The stride of a queen whose crown had been stolen by a male." (pp. 53-54).

"'There'll be war just like the papers say, you know?' the Frenchman said with a certain enthusiasm. 'But the Italians can relax. France won't get in the way of Benito Mussolini's imperial plans. We have Tunisia and they'll get Ethiopia. Seems like a fair deal, wouldn't you say?'" (p. 87).

"Addis Ababa was in ferment. The city was fatefully preparing for defense, and every spot, even the holy Cathedral of St. George, had become a trench. In order to keep his people's spirits high, Haile Selassie organized parade after parade. And to show how industrious Ethiopia was, he had foreigners taken around to its hospitals, its prisons, its schools." (p. 91).

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Adua & regina di saba wellness & beauty

There was a lot to admire in this book. Once I got a hang of the prosaic style, and different narrations, I really enjoyed the experimentation of it. The story itself is also so unique - looking at the life of Somali immigrants in Italy. The book tackles issues like racism, sexism, racist fetish, etc. with a lot of nuance, and often in a really heartbreaking way.

But then there were some things that didn't quite fit as well. The book jumped so much from time to time, story to story, character to

There was a lot to admire in this book. Once I got a hang of the prosaic style, and different narrations, I really enjoyed the experimentation of it. The story itself is also so unique - looking at the life of Somali immigrants in Italy. The book tackles issues like racism, sexism, racist fetish, etc. with a lot of nuance, and often in a really heartbreaking way.

But then there were some things that didn't quite fit as well. The book jumped so much from time to time, story to story, character to character, that a lot of things felt underdeveloped. For example, Zoppe in the past talks about how much he loves Asha. How he's essentially surviving just to go back to her. But after Adua is born, he seems to loathe Asha. Talking about how she was stupid and love was stupid. Presumably something has happened in-between, but this isn't 'explained' until way later in the book. And when it is 'explained,' it's not much of an explanation at all. It feels lacklustre and tacked on.

There was also the 'elephant' that Adua kept referring to in her narrative. Like she was speaking to someone whose pet name is 'elephant.' And it was suggested that this was a child - presumably her child. But we never hear about her having a child. We never meet said 'elephant,' so it seems like a strange and confusing narration.

Despite some flaws though, I really enjoyed this book!

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Adua & regina di saba wellness & beauty

Oct 05, 2020 Savannah rated it really liked it

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Another translated book by a very well known Italian author of Somali descent who (unfortunately) has only had two books translated into English. Her writing is incredible and she manages to blend so many complex issues into a short novel without glossing over any important bits. She addresses the Somali regime, Italian fascism, racism, sexism, and Italian (+ European) colonialism wrapped into a fictional narrative.

This story follows two main characters: Adua & her father Zoppe set decades apar

Another translated book by a very well known Italian author of Somali descent who (unfortunately) has only had two books translated into English. Her writing is incredible and she manages to blend so many complex issues into a short novel without glossing over any important bits. She addresses the Somali regime, Italian fascism, racism, sexism, and Italian (+ European) colonialism wrapped into a fictional narrative.

This story follows two main characters: Adua & her father Zoppe set decades apart. Their narratives are split with an insight into the two’s relationship while Adua was growing up; I found this to be a really unique and interesting way to blend their stories together despite their physical distance. Adua is a Somali living in Italy for the past 40 years. She fled the regime and her restrictive father where she found a career in movies before turning away from the industry due to her oversexualization and racism that was incredibly prevalent. I loved her character and how she was written throughout her years.

Her father is well written too & his story is very powerful. He served as a translator to the Italians and was left feeling guilty for the rest of his life for supporting the regime & the axis alliance. This greatly impacted how he raised Adua and her sister and why their relationship was fraught with difficulties.

Highly recommend this!

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Adua & regina di saba wellness & beauty

The story of a Somali woman in Italy and the story of her father years before, in Italy and in East Africa. What could be an epic tale is cut down in small segments. We hear about these people little by little as the story winds on. We hear about Adua's childhood in Somalia and her move to Rome. Nothing is superfluous to the narrative of living as a migrant in a country so different to your own, and one that you live in because of colonialism. I didn't know much about the relationship between It The story of a Somali woman in Italy and the story of her father years before, in Italy and in East Africa. What could be an epic tale is cut down in small segments. We hear about these people little by little as the story winds on. We hear about Adua's childhood in Somalia and her move to Rome. Nothing is superfluous to the narrative of living as a migrant in a country so different to your own, and one that you live in because of colonialism. I didn't know much about the relationship between Italy and Somalia before and this gave me good insight. The book is originally written in Italian, a language central the experiences of the main characters. The simplicity of the language belies the heart pounding throughout. ...more

Adua & regina di saba wellness & beauty

Feb 07, 2018 Michelle rated it really liked it

An intense look into the fractured relation of displaced and home
sick immigrants and the ethereal question of can I go home again.

Adua an immigrant from Somalia living in Italy had big dreams of being a film star but they ended in shame now that the civil war is ended in her home land it beckons like a mother, will Adua go hone again.

THE stories are woven together in a multivoice balance taking you yo Somalia before the uprising , during and unto present day and look at Italian Colonialism which

An intense look into the fractured relation of displaced and home
sick immigrants and the ethereal question of can I go home again.

Adua an immigrant from Somalia living in Italy had big dreams of being a film star but they ended in shame now that the civil war is ended in her home land it beckons like a mother, will Adua go hone again.

THE stories are woven together in a multivoice balance taking you yo Somalia before the uprising , during and unto present day and look at Italian Colonialism which is told from a Zoppes up close experience.

A revealing and thought provoking look at the trials and pain experienced by migration and family disconnect.

...more

Adua & regina di saba wellness & beauty

Definitely not what I thought the book was going to be after picking it up from the new arrivals shelf at the library and reading the description on the back. The story line was hard to follow between the 3 different characters narrating as well as jumping between past and present without any real indication that the setting changed. The book did push me to think more about refugees, but had details that were x-rated about rape/abuse/trafficking/porn. The final chapters had some redeeming qualit Definitely not what I thought the book was going to be after picking it up from the new arrivals shelf at the library and reading the description on the back. The story line was hard to follow between the 3 different characters narrating as well as jumping between past and present without any real indication that the setting changed. The book did push me to think more about refugees, but had details that were x-rated about rape/abuse/trafficking/porn. The final chapters had some redeeming qualities, but not enough for me to recommend this book to others. ...more

Adua & regina di saba wellness & beauty

I really wanted to enjoy this story but it just didn't do it for me. Maybe if it was a bit longer with more detail and not so much all over the place I would have enjoyed it more. I don't feel like characters were really developed enough despite the fact that you are reading the story through their thoughts, emotions and experiences. Good concept, really interesting topic, needs to be filled out more. I really wanted to enjoy this story but it just didn't do it for me. Maybe if it was a bit longer with more detail and not so much all over the place I would have enjoyed it more. I don't feel like characters were really developed enough despite the fact that you are reading the story through their thoughts, emotions and experiences. Good concept, really interesting topic, needs to be filled out more. ...more

Adua & regina di saba wellness & beauty

Jun 26, 2018 Karmen rated it liked it

expected so much more.

There was so much in the book. Family, colonialism, fascism, family, exploitation.
I'm in m middling ground as to whether I enjoyed the book. It offered up so much with barely a ripple. Certainly interested in reading more of Italy's foray into empire building.

All the while there is so much to take in, the writing and/or its translation are awkward and lack depth.

expected so much more.

There was so much in the book. Family, colonialism, fascism, family, exploitation.
I'm in m middling ground as to whether I enjoyed the book. It offered up so much with barely a ripple. Certainly interested in reading more of Italy's foray into empire building.

All the while there is so much to take in, the writing and/or its translation are awkward and lack depth.

...more

Adua & regina di saba wellness & beauty

This was an uncomfortable novel to read. Uncomfortable situations, uncomfortable relations, uncomfortable stories. Yet told with a light touch, so that they are only uncomfortable while they shine light on tragedies. It touches so many blindspots from my upbringing, education and early experiences in Italy. An important new (at least for me) voice. I look forward to read more.

Adua & regina di saba wellness & beauty

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I was very confused with the book Adua by Igiaba Scego. Every other chapter was by Adua, some as small as a paragraph. It was about Adua, her relationship with her father, becoming an actress, her father' time in jail and his release to a gay count. It followed some kind of war in Italy. I was very confused with the book Adua by Igiaba Scego. Every other chapter was by Adua, some as small as a paragraph. It was about Adua, her relationship with her father, becoming an actress, her father' time in jail and his release to a gay count. It followed some kind of war in Italy. ...more

Adua & regina di saba wellness & beauty

Her realities of racism and shattered expectations fuse with the fate of Somali immigrants today who find anything but security in the “mother country” the travel to, enduring all manner of dangers and humiliations.

Reviewed on The BookBlast® Diary 2017

Adua & regina di saba wellness & beauty

Feb 27, 2021 Yesenia rated it really liked it

I thought I would chafe at this story, because I'm always wary of books about immigrant pain that sell well. But the characters here are never anything less than perfectly human: they dream and they hurt and they heal and they fuck up and they keep trying regardless. I thought I would chafe at this story, because I'm always wary of books about immigrant pain that sell well. But the characters here are never anything less than perfectly human: they dream and they hurt and they heal and they fuck up and they keep trying regardless. ...more

Adua & regina di saba wellness & beauty

This is a 3.5 star read for me.

Thoughts coming shortly

Adua & regina di saba wellness & beauty

It wasn't an ebook - for whatever it's worth. I wanted to like, it is an interesting topic but ugh on the book. It wasn't an ebook - for whatever it's worth. I wanted to like, it is an interesting topic but ugh on the book. ...more

Igiaba Scego is an Italian writer, journalist, and activist of Somali origin. She graduated with her BA in Foreign Literature at the First University of Rome (La Sapienza) as well as in pedagogy at the Third University of Rome. Presently, she is writing and researching cultural dialogue and migration.

She writes for various magazines that deal with migrant literature, in particular Carta, El-Ghibli

Igiaba Scego is an Italian writer, journalist, and activist of Somali origin. She graduated with her BA in Foreign Literature at the First University of Rome (La Sapienza) as well as in pedagogy at the Third University of Rome. Presently, she is writing and researching cultural dialogue and migration.

She writes for various magazines that deal with migrant literature, in particular Carta, El-Ghibli and Migra. Her work, not devoid of autobiographical references, are characterized by the delicate balance between her two cultural realities, the Italian and Somalian.

In 2003, she won the Eks & Tra prize for migrant writers with her story "Salsicce", and published her debut novel, La nomade che amava Alfred Hitchcock. In 2006 she attended the Literature festival in Mantua.

Scego collaborates with newspapers such as La Repubblica and Il manifesto and also writes for the magazine Nigrizia with a column of news and reflection, "The colors of Eve". In 2007 along with Ingy Mubiayi, she edited the short story collection 'Quando nasci è una roulette. Giovani figli di migranti si raccontano.' It follows the story of seven boys and girls of African origin, who were born in Rome of foreign parents or came to Italy when young: the story of their schooling, their relationship with family and with peers, religion, racism in Italy, and their dreams.

...more

Adua & regina di saba wellness & beauty

Celeste Ng’s new novel, Our Missing Hearts, depicts a disturbing version of the United States, set in the vaguely distant future, rife with...

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Adua & regina di saba wellness & beauty