An engagingly perplexing book that represents different cultures as more syrtic than solid, and individual identity as a process of life-long struggle between these cultures. While focusing on Somali experiences within London…it has relevance for anybody affected by frictions between age and group loyalties. That must include all of us. - Books for Keeps
The strong story of Safia's quest to discover who she is means that From Somalia With Love, will, I am sure strike a resonance with many of today's teenagers. - School Librarian
The story proceeds as a sensitive, sometimes painful, examination of this coming to terms [with her father coming home] and the disturbances it makes, both domestically and in wider society, for Safia and her family... Warm engaging and intensely thought-provoking [with] the power to widen horizons and increase understanding of the richness of contemporary Britain's various cultures. It should be widely read. - Carousel
A vivid and sympathetic novel written from the view point of a teenage girl who has many different perspectives to intergrate into her life: not only those of her own personal development and identity, but also those of her Somali family following their reunion after a long separation caused by civil war. The adjustments to be made of settling in a country that is not their homeland are clearly described and also the importance of maintaining cultural, traditional and religious ways of life. The integration into the general narrative of unfamiliar words and phrases gives authenticity to the reader's experience, comprehension being assured by the provision of an extensive glossary. - Ibby Link
This book will engage teenagers of all cultures. The author, Na'ima B. Robert, succeeds in maintaining the suspense about which pathway Safia will choose and gives a valuable insight into the family-centric Somalian culture. Safia is an engaging heroine with whom girls will idenntify. This is an excellent debut novel which should become a firm favourite. - Ink Pellet
Does a good job of showing the richness of Somali culture as something positive and separate from the war that has torn the country apart for decades. A unique title. - School Library Journal
Encourages Muslim teens living in Western societies to be proud of their differences and to embrace Islam as part of their individuality, and through Safia's story, readers will come to see Islam not just as a set of practices but instead as a way of life.
- Muslim Voices (USA)
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