Diriye Osman is a Somali-born, British writer whose work delves into the complexities of identity, migration, and the search for belonging. His prose is characterized by a unique blend of magical realism, sharp wit, and profound empathy, painting vivid portraits of characters navigating cultural divides and personal landscapes. Osman's distinctive voice invites readers into worlds where the ordinary meets the extraordinary, exploring themes of displacement and connection with lyrical precision. His storytelling offers a powerful and imaginative exploration of the human experience.
The story follows Migil Bile, a vibrant queer British-Somali journalist navigating the complexities of life in South London. As a working-class twenty-something juggling multiple gig jobs and grappling with schizoaffective disorder, Migil offers a candid exploration of pressing issues such as immigration, Brexit, gentrification, and mental health. Through his experiences, he reflects on family dynamics within the LGBT spectrum, the challenges of digital work, and the essence of community and kinship during a global pandemic, providing a thought-provoking meditation on modern life.
FAIRYTALES FOR LOST CHILDREN is narrated by people constantly on the verge of self-revelation. These characters - young, gay and lesbian Somalis - must navigate the complexities of family, identity and the immigrant experience as they tumble towards freedom. Set in Kenya, Somalia and South London, these stories are imbued with pathos, passion and linguistic playfulness, marking the arrival of a singular new voice in contemporary fiction. Praise for FAIRYTALES FOR LOST CHILDREN: 'Fantastic writing. I am most highly impressed. I've read some of the stories more than once and saw in each of them plenty of talent everywhere - in every sinew and vein.' - NURUDDIN FARAH 'There is nothing more humbling than good writing except when the author is fiercely beautiful and ferociously generous of heart. That Diriye Osman should possess so much talent is only fair in light of his goodness. Read this book.' - MESHELL NDEGEOCELLO -The characters in these fairy tales are displaced in multiple, complicated ways. But Osman's storytelling creates a shelter for them; a warm place which is both real and imaginary, in which they find political, sexual, and ultimately psychic liberation.' - ALISON BECHDEL 'East Africa. South London. Queer. Displaced. Mentally Ill. My excitement over Osman and his writing comes, in part, out of delight at the impossibility of categorisation.' - ELLAH ALLFREY The Telegraph
