This is not the first book by Senait Mehari. She was born in Eritrea and now lives in Germany. In her first book she wrote about her experiences a a childsoldier in her country of origin. 

In this book she relates her search for her past and her relatives in Eritrea and neighbouring countries. During her search she realizes more and more how Germanized she has become. She clashes with civil servant who are not afraid of blockading her way. Her search for relatives left behind is a true discovery. She looking for paternal and maternal relatives. She gets to know new familymembers. Senait gets to know her brother. She visits the children’s home to find traces of her youth. When she sings in a nightclub in Asmara she enjoys it very much. 

A very nice book. 

Senait Mehari – Wüstenlied – Droemer Verlag 2006