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Pourquoi tu danses quand tu marches ?
Un matin, sur le chemin de l’école maternelle, à Paris, une petite fille interroge son père : « Dis papa, pourquoi tu danses quand tu marches ? ». La question est innocente et grave. Pourquoi son père boite-t-il, pourquoi ne fait-il pas de vélo, de trottinette… ? Le père ne peut pas se dérober. Il faut raconter ce qui est arrivé à sa jambe, réveiller les souvenirs, retourner à Djibouti, au quartier du Château d’eau, au pays de l’enfance. Dans ce pays de lumière et de poussière, où la maladie, les fièvres d’abord puis cette jambe qui ne voulait plus tenir, l’ont rendu différent, unique. Il était le « gringalet » et « l’avorton » mais aussi le meilleur élève de l’école, le préféré de Madame Annick, son institutrice venue de France, un lecteur insatiable, le roi des dissertations.
Abdourahman Waberi se souvient du désert mouvant de Djibouti, de la mer Rouge, de la plage de la Siesta, des maisons en tôles d’aluminium de son quartier, de sa solitude immense et des figures qui l’ont marqué à jamais : Papa-la-Tige qui vendait des bibelots aux touristes, sa mère Zahra, tremblante, dure, silencieuse, sa grand-mère surnommée Cochise en hommage au chef indien parce qu’elle régnait sur la famille, la bonne Ladane, dont il était amoureux en secret. Il raconte le drame, ce moment qui a tout bouleversé, le combat qu’il a engagé ensuite et qui a fait de lui un homme qui sait le prix de la poésie, du silence, de la liberté, un homme qui danse toujours.
Abdourahman Waberi se souvient du désert mouvant de Djibouti, de la mer Rouge, de la plage de la Siesta, des maisons en tôles d’aluminium de son quartier, de sa solitude immense et des figures qui l’ont marqué à jamais : Papa-la-Tige qui vendait des bibelots aux touristes, sa mère Zahra, tremblante, dure, silencieuse, sa grand-mère surnommée Cochise en hommage au chef indien parce qu’elle régnait sur la famille, la bonne Ladane, dont il était amoureux en secret. Il raconte le drame, ce moment qui a tout bouleversé, le combat qu’il a engagé ensuite et qui a fait de lui un homme qui sait le prix de la poésie, du silence, de la liberté, un homme qui danse toujours.
250 pages, Paperback
First published August 21, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
March 24, 2024
Read Around the World: Djibouti
September 22, 2022
Why Do You Dance When You Walk? was an interesting book for me on many levels, not least because, prior to reading, I knew nothing about Djibouti and nothing about the migration of Jews from Africa to Israel. The story was short but intense, the narration style engaging, and I definitely came to care about the characters and their journeys along the way. It certainly provided a lot of thought-provoking ideas that stuck with me after I had closed the final page. It gets four stars from me.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 2, 2022
gostei da história mas não muito da forma como ela foi contada. no mais, vale sim a leitura.
December 26, 2020
« Oui j’aime danser.
Alors je danse.
Je danse même en marchant.
Sans préméditation.
C’est une seconde nature.
C’est ma signature. »
Une histoire qui se lit comme une lettre, remplie de poésie et d'images de l'Afrique.
Chronique complète sur mon Blog
Alors je danse.
Je danse même en marchant.
Sans préméditation.
C’est une seconde nature.
C’est ma signature. »
Une histoire qui se lit comme une lettre, remplie de poésie et d'images de l'Afrique.
Chronique complète sur mon Blog
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April 15, 2022Este libro nos relata un acto de amor. Un padre intenta responder a una pregunta, en apariencia simple, que su hija le hace: "Papá, ¿por qué bailas cuando caminas?" Pero, para responderla, él tendrá que contarle toda su historia, una historia marcada por la enfermedad, la negligencia parental, el bullying, el amor que se encuentra en las historias contadas por la abuela, y después en los libros, las marcas históricas y sociales de la colonización en Yibuti, África.
April 7, 2024
This short autobiographical novel is an answer to a curious daughter's question to her immigrant father: Why he dances when he walks. The narrative is addressed directly to her with a second-person perspective. For me, it felt like eavesdropping into their conversations as they unfold during their walks along the bustling streets of Paris. The story explores the father's childhood in Colonial Djibouti, the dynamics of his family, his experiences with disability and the companionship of books; revealing not just the events of his life but also his evolving emotions and understanding of those events.
The storytelling is not confined to a single sitting; rather, it unfolds organically over time. As she grows older, the tales he shares with her carry deeper emotional weight and heavier topics. While the novel lacks a traditional plot, it introduces a diverse cast of characters, each meticulously crafted with a distinct humanity that resonates throughout the narrative.
Overall, an enjoyable and insightful read.
The storytelling is not confined to a single sitting; rather, it unfolds organically over time. As she grows older, the tales he shares with her carry deeper emotional weight and heavier topics. While the novel lacks a traditional plot, it introduces a diverse cast of characters, each meticulously crafted with a distinct humanity that resonates throughout the narrative.
Overall, an enjoyable and insightful read.
March 16, 2024
Poetic, personable and powerful.
July 25, 2019
Pourquoi tu danses quand tu marches c’est ce que demande une petite fille vive , espiègle à son papa , elle a remarqué qu’il ne marchait comme tout le monde et elle lui pose la question avec ses mots d’enfants qui vont faire mouche .
Le père raconte alors son enfance dans ce pays d’enfance qui est Djibouti alors encore sous protectorat français , les premières années d’école , les brimades faites par le plus fort jusqu’à la chute dans la cour de l’école le premier jour de la rentrée , la souffrance du genou blessé mais surtout l’humiliation subie qui ne s’effacera jamais .
Des années plus tard la maladie s’installe , le diagnostic sera posé , polyo mais c’est trop tard le mal est incurable faute de médecine préventive, pas de vaccin .
Les souvenirs continuent , après la révolte due à son état , plus de jeux d’enfants , pas de vélo , il y a la découverte des mots , de la langue française, le jeune garçon lit tout ce qui lui tombe sous la main , bande dessinée en piteux état , publications diverses comme des pages de journaux , même des Nous deux , et cette évocation m’a fait sourire car j’en ai lu en cachette chez une de mes grands mères .
L’auteur rend un bel hommage à la langue française , à son amour inconditionnel à la lecture , bel hommage également à ses racines africaines surtout à sa grand mère conteuse née , qui sans savoir lire ou écrire l’a bercé de mots , d’histoires .
Avec le temps vient l’apaisement et quel meilleur exercice que s’adresser à sa fille pour qu’elle comprenne mieux ce père qui a définitivement choisi la vie , la vie qui se danse comme la fameuse chanson de Stromae .
Vous l’aurez compris , ce livre est un coup de cœur , je n’ai qu’une envie , découvrir l’auteur un peu plus.
Le père raconte alors son enfance dans ce pays d’enfance qui est Djibouti alors encore sous protectorat français , les premières années d’école , les brimades faites par le plus fort jusqu’à la chute dans la cour de l’école le premier jour de la rentrée , la souffrance du genou blessé mais surtout l’humiliation subie qui ne s’effacera jamais .
Des années plus tard la maladie s’installe , le diagnostic sera posé , polyo mais c’est trop tard le mal est incurable faute de médecine préventive, pas de vaccin .
Les souvenirs continuent , après la révolte due à son état , plus de jeux d’enfants , pas de vélo , il y a la découverte des mots , de la langue française, le jeune garçon lit tout ce qui lui tombe sous la main , bande dessinée en piteux état , publications diverses comme des pages de journaux , même des Nous deux , et cette évocation m’a fait sourire car j’en ai lu en cachette chez une de mes grands mères .
L’auteur rend un bel hommage à la langue française , à son amour inconditionnel à la lecture , bel hommage également à ses racines africaines surtout à sa grand mère conteuse née , qui sans savoir lire ou écrire l’a bercé de mots , d’histoires .
Avec le temps vient l’apaisement et quel meilleur exercice que s’adresser à sa fille pour qu’elle comprenne mieux ce père qui a définitivement choisi la vie , la vie qui se danse comme la fameuse chanson de Stromae .
Vous l’aurez compris , ce livre est un coup de cœur , je n’ai qu’une envie , découvrir l’auteur un peu plus.
June 24, 2023
A father walks his daughter to kindergarten in Paris one morning, when she asks "Why do you dance when you walk?" What follows is a beautiful, complex story of a childhood in Africa, and the challenges of a child with a disability.
An autobiographical fiction telling of a childhood in village Djibouti, facing poverty, physically and emotionally absent parents, and his layered and influenced understanding of his body and disability. The people who love and nurture him. The bullies who harm and torment him. The pivot from wanting to play sport with his class, to finding reading, the library, and the gift of writing.
Such beautiful writing, a tale lovingly told to a daughter by her father. Of a world away, about his experiences and how it has been for him. From unsettled baby, to the fever that damaged his body, to the vivid first day of school and a moment etched into his memory forever.
The tender reminiscing of the nurturing people in his life. His love of the household maid. The idea that his oral storytelling grandmother was a library, which was lost when she died. The descriptive moments of meeting her mother.
This is a poignant, delightful read, filled with truth and hardship, love and resilience, leaving an overwhelming sense of joy.
An autobiographical fiction telling of a childhood in village Djibouti, facing poverty, physically and emotionally absent parents, and his layered and influenced understanding of his body and disability. The people who love and nurture him. The bullies who harm and torment him. The pivot from wanting to play sport with his class, to finding reading, the library, and the gift of writing.
Such beautiful writing, a tale lovingly told to a daughter by her father. Of a world away, about his experiences and how it has been for him. From unsettled baby, to the fever that damaged his body, to the vivid first day of school and a moment etched into his memory forever.
The tender reminiscing of the nurturing people in his life. His love of the household maid. The idea that his oral storytelling grandmother was a library, which was lost when she died. The descriptive moments of meeting her mother.
This is a poignant, delightful read, filled with truth and hardship, love and resilience, leaving an overwhelming sense of joy.
May 11, 2023
O livro é bom, a história é muito boa. Eu realmente fiquei interessada em saber mais da vida do protagonista.
Maaaaas...
A forma que ele ia inserindo outros assuntos meio que saindo da história principal não me prendeu muito. Me vi pulando alguns parágrafos do meio pro fim.
É um livro bom, mas não para mim.
Maaaaas...
A forma que ele ia inserindo outros assuntos meio que saindo da história principal não me prendeu muito. Me vi pulando alguns parágrafos do meio pro fim.
É um livro bom, mas não para mim.
July 10, 2020
Intéressant, mais j,aurais aimé avoir plus de détails au sujet de différents événements.
July 5, 2024
Read around Africa : Djibouti
I love a book set on the backdrop of colonialism and African Independence. Idk it scratches an itch for me.
Aden is the first born son of a Djiboutian family navigating the city while he navigates his own disability. The book is dedicated to his daughter as he tells her about the country of his childhood and all the women who raised him.
His mother a nervous woman who’s first child had battled illness and second had succumb to death was wholly unprepared for how to treat a child with a disability. Aden mistook this discomfort for hatred and this sets the book into motion.
The book follows a linear narrative starting with his childhood as he faces bullying and the silence of his house. “I had to stay put, without moving, without shedding a single tear. But it was impossible. I was born with moist red eyes. ” only finding comfort in his grandma Cochise and her stories of the unyielding nomadic landscapes of Djibouti. We follow him as he grows from a feverish child to an imaginative and excited learner who philosophies life.
As he enters school and learns from French from France teachers his imagination and ideas broaden and he finds solace and escape from the bullying and torment of his classmates in his head and his reading and writing. He imagines a world outside his little country dotted by the Red Sea. He imagines a world outside of his impoverished neighbourhood. He imagines life in France.
Aden writes this book as if it were a journal, rather than describing specific moments in detail he instead shows the readers how he felt in each stage of his life and he captures it beautifully. He writes not from a place of hurt but rather acceptance and understanding for everyone in his life. We understand his parents, his grandma and the maid despite the few glimpses we get of them. His writing style is nostalgic and draws you in. “ Memories pour in from all over. Memory is an imperious force, a current that carries everything away in its path. Impossible to control, impossible to escape from. At this very moment, it makes me relive what I saw and experienced then, and my heart bleeds and I’m soaked in sweat.”
I think the most beautiful moment in the book was when Aden had been dancing all night long and decades after he left home for France he “Suddenly, I thought of my parents. My mother’s features came into focus on my retina, like a non-digital photo fresh out of the stop bath. I think she was encouraging me to keep on clapping. My father looked hieratic, silently staring at me with his watery, old man’s eyes. Our non-verbal exchange stretched out and deepened. At his sides, my Grandma Cochise and my aunt were conferring. They were blessing me, I think. In the background, Ladane was there, too. Luminous. She winked at me and then sent me a burst of positive vibes, to use one of your favourite expressions.” And even though they had all passed he felt that they were blessing him and were proud of the life he had lived so far almost patting him on the back which was so heartwarming. He was able to let go his his painful past and accept it and remember those who had loved him warmly. The ending felt peaceful and reassuring. He found his way and place in the world.
I love a book set on the backdrop of colonialism and African Independence. Idk it scratches an itch for me.
Aden is the first born son of a Djiboutian family navigating the city while he navigates his own disability. The book is dedicated to his daughter as he tells her about the country of his childhood and all the women who raised him.
His mother a nervous woman who’s first child had battled illness and second had succumb to death was wholly unprepared for how to treat a child with a disability. Aden mistook this discomfort for hatred and this sets the book into motion.
The book follows a linear narrative starting with his childhood as he faces bullying and the silence of his house. “I had to stay put, without moving, without shedding a single tear. But it was impossible. I was born with moist red eyes. ” only finding comfort in his grandma Cochise and her stories of the unyielding nomadic landscapes of Djibouti. We follow him as he grows from a feverish child to an imaginative and excited learner who philosophies life.
As he enters school and learns from French from France teachers his imagination and ideas broaden and he finds solace and escape from the bullying and torment of his classmates in his head and his reading and writing. He imagines a world outside his little country dotted by the Red Sea. He imagines a world outside of his impoverished neighbourhood. He imagines life in France.
Aden writes this book as if it were a journal, rather than describing specific moments in detail he instead shows the readers how he felt in each stage of his life and he captures it beautifully. He writes not from a place of hurt but rather acceptance and understanding for everyone in his life. We understand his parents, his grandma and the maid despite the few glimpses we get of them. His writing style is nostalgic and draws you in. “ Memories pour in from all over. Memory is an imperious force, a current that carries everything away in its path. Impossible to control, impossible to escape from. At this very moment, it makes me relive what I saw and experienced then, and my heart bleeds and I’m soaked in sweat.”
I think the most beautiful moment in the book was when Aden had been dancing all night long and decades after he left home for France he “Suddenly, I thought of my parents. My mother’s features came into focus on my retina, like a non-digital photo fresh out of the stop bath. I think she was encouraging me to keep on clapping. My father looked hieratic, silently staring at me with his watery, old man’s eyes. Our non-verbal exchange stretched out and deepened. At his sides, my Grandma Cochise and my aunt were conferring. They were blessing me, I think. In the background, Ladane was there, too. Luminous. She winked at me and then sent me a burst of positive vibes, to use one of your favourite expressions.” And even though they had all passed he felt that they were blessing him and were proud of the life he had lived so far almost patting him on the back which was so heartwarming. He was able to let go his his painful past and accept it and remember those who had loved him warmly. The ending felt peaceful and reassuring. He found his way and place in the world.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2024
Récit autobiographique d’Aden, un garçon grandissant à Djibouti, né dans les années 1960. Son père, très travailleur, est surtout absent. Aden est chétif, maladif, et sa mère ne le comprend pas, et lui témoigne peu d’affection. Il est proche surtout de sa grand-mère, Cochise, qui le comprend tout en étant exigeante, et, bien qu’analphabéte, a une culture immense. Il est souffre-douleur à l’école, et à 7 ans il se fait cogner par le voyou de la classe, à la suite de quoi il attrape le polio.Il a la jambe estropié, ce qui explique pourquoi il “danse quand it march”. Il s’évade dans la lecture et, plus tard, l’écriture, grâce à la protection de profs qui voient son talent et son potentiel. Arrivé au bac, il obtient une bourse pour aller en France, où il réussit.
Éctit sous la forme d’une lettre à sa fille Béa, qui lui pose la question titulaire, le livre se concentre sur son enfance malheureuse, et passe très rapidement sur son passage au lycéé et la fac, ne disant rien sur son parcours professionel par la suite.
C’est un beau récit qui met en scène la tension éternelle pour tous les immigrés entre son pays d’origine et son pays d’adoption. Ça illustre aussi la difficulté de contrer la fuite des cerveaux. Aden est très attaché à son pays et son quartier d’origine, mais ils ne le lui rendent pas, et finalement c’est en France qu’il est acceuilli et choyé, et qu’il réussit. Mais nous restons un peu sur notre faim pour une réfléction plus approfondie sur ces questions, cruciales pour l’Afrique francophone.
Éctit sous la forme d’une lettre à sa fille Béa, qui lui pose la question titulaire, le livre se concentre sur son enfance malheureuse, et passe très rapidement sur son passage au lycéé et la fac, ne disant rien sur son parcours professionel par la suite.
C’est un beau récit qui met en scène la tension éternelle pour tous les immigrés entre son pays d’origine et son pays d’adoption. Ça illustre aussi la difficulté de contrer la fuite des cerveaux. Aden est très attaché à son pays et son quartier d’origine, mais ils ne le lui rendent pas, et finalement c’est en France qu’il est acceuilli et choyé, et qu’il réussit. Mais nous restons un peu sur notre faim pour une réfléction plus approfondie sur ces questions, cruciales pour l’Afrique francophone.
January 30, 2024
This journey takes us through past of a man as he recounts his childhood experiences and trauma, to explain his life to his daughter. The themes i found in this book include : love, loss, stigmatization, resilience, poetry, neglect, colonialism & independence.
✰
The writing style adapted in this book is different from what i am familiar with, but i had no difficulty getting accustomed. The main character, Aden, went through neglect and stigmatization due to his disability. He narrates to his young daughter, how he was the subject of ridicule among his peers and often felt isolated in his family. This story is set in Djibouti at the edge of colonization, and the gain of independence.
I found the blend of christianity and islam interesting as Aden was on a quest to make meaning of life by drawing similarities between religious stories and reality. This story highlighted the liberating power of literature and it made me, as a reader, feel really good.
✰
final notes :
I was confused at the beginning of this book, but it all started to make sense. The vivid descriptions also helped my imagination as i could picture what the author meant, easily. This book has also given me some sort of exposure to Djibouti’s history : a part of the world i didn’t know about till i read this book.
✰
The writing style adapted in this book is different from what i am familiar with, but i had no difficulty getting accustomed. The main character, Aden, went through neglect and stigmatization due to his disability. He narrates to his young daughter, how he was the subject of ridicule among his peers and often felt isolated in his family. This story is set in Djibouti at the edge of colonization, and the gain of independence.
I found the blend of christianity and islam interesting as Aden was on a quest to make meaning of life by drawing similarities between religious stories and reality. This story highlighted the liberating power of literature and it made me, as a reader, feel really good.
✰
final notes :
I was confused at the beginning of this book, but it all started to make sense. The vivid descriptions also helped my imagination as i could picture what the author meant, easily. This book has also given me some sort of exposure to Djibouti’s history : a part of the world i didn’t know about till i read this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2019
Pour cette rentrée littéraire 2019, Abdourahman A. Waberi nous livre un roman de transmission avec « Pourquoi tu danses quand tu marches ? » paru chez JC Lattès. Pour répondre à cette question posée par sa fille un jour sur le chemin de l’école, Abdourahman A. Waberi va dérouler les souvenirs de sa jeunesse à Djibouti dans les années 70, dans le quartier du Château d’eau avec ses parents, Papa la tige et une mère un peu jeune et trop fragile, et sa tendre grand-mère Cochise.
Alors lorsque le garçon grandit plus sensible et plus fragile que les autres, avec une patte qui traîne, sa tendre grand-mère Cochise est autour de lui pour l’entourer. L’enfant qui, sans soin minima, aurait pu rabâcher toute sa vie sa rancœur s’il n’avait rencontré la tendresse pour s’ouvrir aux mots. Pas uniquement, ceux de la littérature mais ceux de « Paris Match », de « Nous Deux », des lettres qu’il va écrire, de ces liens épistolaires qu’il va ne cesser de développer. Tous ces mots lui ouvrent des possibles avec la rencontre d’enseignantes qui changeront le regard des camarades sur le petit estropié.
Jusqu’à la réponse à la question posée par sa fille, le rappel des souvenirs m’a semblé un peu long et désordonné.
La suite ici
https://vagabondageautourdesoi.com/20...
Alors lorsque le garçon grandit plus sensible et plus fragile que les autres, avec une patte qui traîne, sa tendre grand-mère Cochise est autour de lui pour l’entourer. L’enfant qui, sans soin minima, aurait pu rabâcher toute sa vie sa rancœur s’il n’avait rencontré la tendresse pour s’ouvrir aux mots. Pas uniquement, ceux de la littérature mais ceux de « Paris Match », de « Nous Deux », des lettres qu’il va écrire, de ces liens épistolaires qu’il va ne cesser de développer. Tous ces mots lui ouvrent des possibles avec la rencontre d’enseignantes qui changeront le regard des camarades sur le petit estropié.
Jusqu’à la réponse à la question posée par sa fille, le rappel des souvenirs m’a semblé un peu long et désordonné.
La suite ici
https://vagabondageautourdesoi.com/20...
June 6, 2023
I wanted to read this book as soon as I came across it. The title felt like something I’ve never read before. And I don’t regret reading it. I’ll treasure it. When you realize the daughter set her father on the journey to recall his life journey and the memories that made his world what it was, it’s emotional and amazing. It’s true that children are curious and they don’t hold back nothing. They don’t filter, they don’t second- guess their thoughts. Her observations had led her to ask questions that elders would have sugarcoated or ignored. But no, she was curious, she was being a child and she gave us a mesmerizing voice, and a journey across Djibouti, Israel and Africa. The journey the author have shared with his family, and the world. Who would have though. Though emotional and personal, it’s an amazing experience to be shared. What a life.
June 5, 2024
Stylistically wonderfully crafted. And for once I did not mind the pop culture moments, primarily since it's a memoir of sorts and they seem to fit quite well.
.
"I dance as I walk.
I walk as I dance.
And so I dance.
So I dance.
We dance, we dance."
.
"When I grow old in my turn, I hope you’ll share your childish fears with me. I would like to have the face of an old, serene, wise man.
I would like to present the forehead, devastated by wrinkles, of my grandmother,
the lean body of my father,
the crumpled face of my short-legged Mama
that holds the sensuality transmitted by the cobblestones of old cities,
slippery from being polished by the hurried steps of pilgrims,
agile steps,
living steps,
dancing steps, Béa, of course."
.
"I dance as I walk.
I walk as I dance.
And so I dance.
So I dance.
We dance, we dance."
.
"When I grow old in my turn, I hope you’ll share your childish fears with me. I would like to have the face of an old, serene, wise man.
I would like to present the forehead, devastated by wrinkles, of my grandmother,
the lean body of my father,
the crumpled face of my short-legged Mama
that holds the sensuality transmitted by the cobblestones of old cities,
slippery from being polished by the hurried steps of pilgrims,
agile steps,
living steps,
dancing steps, Béa, of course."
July 6, 2024
Walking with his daughter to school, the author gets a shock when his daughter asks him why he dances when he walks. This prompts him to write his memoir - his story of growing up a sickly child in poverty in Djibouti until finally his ability at writing gets him away from the bullying and hopelessness.
This is well-written in an interesting style and doesn't shy away from negatives, including his own continual crying which alienated even his mother. He tells it like it was. This would have been very difficult to take, as a reader, had we not known that he'd clearly overcome his biggest problems and grown out of the misery.
I felt a couple of jarring notes in the translation - words which didn't fit the tone - but all told this was a book worth reading.
This is well-written in an interesting style and doesn't shy away from negatives, including his own continual crying which alienated even his mother. He tells it like it was. This would have been very difficult to take, as a reader, had we not known that he'd clearly overcome his biggest problems and grown out of the misery.
I felt a couple of jarring notes in the translation - words which didn't fit the tone - but all told this was a book worth reading.
July 15, 2023
Abdourahman A Waberi is a Djiboutian novelist and academic and this short powerful work is an autobiographical novel in which he looks back over his life, a meditation prompted by his 8-year-old daughter asking him one day, “Papa, why do you dance when you walk?” In answering her innocent question, the narrator reflects on his past, his illness and his ultimate escape from his lowly and often traumatic beginnings. It’s a moving tale, but not a sentimental one. Beautifully and clearly written, with never a wasted word, vivid, atmospheric and a joy to discover.
February 4, 2024
Why Do You Dance When You Walk is an autobiographical novel that dives into the life of Aden. He reveals it to his daughter who had been curious about his limp.
Aden reveals his story from birth, his struggles with bullies and his experience growing up with a disability. With his parents showing little care for him, he gets his strength from his grandmother.
As he grows up, he develops a love for reading which blossoms into a career for him, allowing him to become more than his disability and build a successful life
Aden reveals his story from birth, his struggles with bullies and his experience growing up with a disability. With his parents showing little care for him, he gets his strength from his grandmother.
As he grows up, he develops a love for reading which blossoms into a career for him, allowing him to become more than his disability and build a successful life
June 8, 2023
J’ai trouver le sujet flou et vaste on reçoit be coup d’information sur ça vie qui en fin de compte ne nous servent que peu voir pas du tout pour la compréhension du livre. De plus ce livre est extrêmement descriptif or c’est un livre cour donc on s’accroche peu aux personnages.
Je n’ai absolument pas aimé cette lecture
Je n’ai absolument pas aimé cette lecture
June 30, 2023
Boa leitura, leve e ao mesmo tempo instigante para saber mais.
Ao longo do início do livro, criei uma expectativa que acabou não sendo atendida no meio/final.
Contudo, muito interessante explorar a narrativa de um homem vindo do Djibuti mediante todas suas dificuldades, incluindo o motivo pelo qual dança enquanto anda (poliomelite quando criança).
Um retrato gostoso de ler.
Ao longo do início do livro, criei uma expectativa que acabou não sendo atendida no meio/final.
Contudo, muito interessante explorar a narrativa de um homem vindo do Djibuti mediante todas suas dificuldades, incluindo o motivo pelo qual dança enquanto anda (poliomelite quando criança).
Um retrato gostoso de ler.
October 20, 2022
Magnificent autobiography-like novel about growing up in colonial Djibouti in the 60's ; not bitter, just down to Earth with a touch of poetry . Very accessible.
July 7, 2023
A relatable read
September 12, 2024
Djibouti
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