Commander of the River

Yabar, a young Somali boy, sets out on a journey to discover the truth about his father's abandonment, and along the way, he learns about the Commander of the River, a legendary figure who controlled crocodiles in a Somali village. The novel explores themes of racism, trauma, and adolescent angst.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 184 pages
Publication date: 04 April 2023
Publisher: Indiana University Press

Yabar,a young man of Somali descent,has always been fascinated by the legend of the Commander of the River. According to Somali legend, two wise men were entrusted with creating a river for their country, which had no water and no drinking water. However, their efforts were met with a setback when crocodiles found their way into the water, threatening the safety of the people. In response, the people elected a commander of the river to control the beasts and allow access to the water.
Yabar's aunt, Rosa, has always been a source of inspiration for him. She tells him the story of the Commander of the River from an early age, instilling in him the values of courage, resilience, and selflessness. As Yabar grows older, he sets out on a journey to discover what became of his father, who abandoned him when he was a child. Rosa, sensing Yabar's pain and longing, sends him from his home in Rome to her house in London.
In London, Yabar discovers a terrible family secret that he may want to forget. He meets a young woman named Sarah, who is also searching for answers about her past. Together, they embark on a journey to uncover the truth about their family's history and the secrets that have been kept hidden for generations.
The Commander of the River is a beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the complexities of identity, culture, and the search for belonging. Ubah Cristina Ali Farah's writing is masterful, with vivid descriptions and powerful characters that bring the story to life. The novel also sheds light on the struggles of immigrants and the challenges they face in a new country.
Overall, The Commander of the River is a must-read for anyone who loves coming-of-age stories, historical fiction, or stories that explore the complexities of the human experience. It is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that will leave readers feeling inspired and moved.
From an early age, Yabar listened to Aunt Rosa's story of the commander of the river. Somali legend tells of how two wise men were entrusted with creating a river, because their country had none and had no drinking water. But when crocodiles found their way into the water, the people elected a commander of the river to control the beasts and allow access to the water. To know Good, you must live with necessary Evil. After his father abandoned him, Yabar sets out on a journey to discover what became of him. Sent from his home in Rome to his aunt's house in London, Yabar will discover a terrible family secret, which he may want to forget.

The Commander of the River is a timeless and compelling coming-of-age story set in contemporary Italy. The second novel by acclaimed Somali Italian writer Ubah Cristina Ali Farah, it explores themes of racism, trauma, adolescent angst, and the rebellious torments of the young.
Yabar, a young man of Somali descent, has always been fascinated by the legend of the Commander of the River. According to Somali legend, two wise men were entrusted with creating a river for their country, which had no water and no drinking water. However, their efforts were met with a setback when crocodiles found their way into the water, threatening the safety of the people. In response, the people elected a commander of the river to control the beasts and allow access to the water.
Yabar's aunt, Rosa, has always been a source of inspiration for him. She tells him the story of the Commander of the River from an early age, instilling in him the values of courage, resilience, and selflessness. As Yabar grows older, he sets out on a journey to discover what became of his father, who abandoned him when he was a child. Rosa, sensing Yabar's pain and longing, sends him from his home in Rome to her house in London.
In London, Yabar discovers a terrible family secret that he may want to forget. He meets a young woman named Sarah, who is also searching for answers about her past. Together, they embark on a journey to uncover the truth about their family's history and the secrets that have been kept hidden for generations.
The Commander of the River is a beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that explores the complexities of identity, culture, and the search for belonging. Ubah Cristina Ali Farah's writing is masterful, with vivid descriptions and powerful characters that bring the story to life. The novel also sheds light on the struggles of immigrants and the challenges they face in a new country.
Overall, The Commander of the River is a must-read for anyone who loves coming-of-age stories, historical fiction, or stories that explore the complexities of the human experience. It is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that will leave readers feeling inspired and moved.

Weight: 258g
Dimension: 139 x 217 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780253065506