The Lion's Binding Oath and Other Stories
Earn by promoting books
Earn money by sharing your favorite books through our Affiliate program.
Become an affiliate
With their focus on youthful soccer stars or childhood friendships, as well as their simple language and pastoral settings, the tales that begin the loosely linked stories of "Lion's Binding Oath" lull readers into a false sense of security.
But by the end of the collection, it is clear that being young or living in a rural area can't protect Somalians from more than three decades of civil war. Man or woman, adult or child, teacher or reluctant soldier, no one in "Lion's Binding Oath" is safe.
Many stories suggest that if members of Somalia's various factions could learn to live together as its animals have, the world would be a better place. The most arresting example of that is the title story. Reminiscent of Yann Martel's "Life of Pi," it's the last and best story in Yusuf's collection.
"Yusuf draws us in with descriptions that bring beauty to minute details....In tone recalling Maya Angelou's Gather Together in My Name, this work will appeal to readers of literary and African fiction." -- Library Journal
"This mature debut is graphic...as it reveals how children grow up around violence and war. They still play, learn, tell stories, and try to get along despite threats and the police presence in their everyday lives. For readers interested in soccer and international affairs, this thin volume will enhance fiction collections." -- School Library Journal
"While Yusuf's book is fiction, he incorporates significant facts into his storytelling. In this way, The Lion's Binding Oath becomes not just entertainment, but also a creative disclosure about Somalia's people, culture, and history." --New Pages
"...compelling tales covering many recent experiences of [Yusuf's] beleaguered people..." -- Minnesota Alumni Magazine
