"Politically courageous and often gripping...
Crossbones provides a sophisticated introduction to present-day Somalia, and to the circle of poverty and violence that continues to blight the country." -
The New York Times Book Review "Mesmerizing... A searing look at individuals caught in the chaos of anarchy." -
The Daily Beast"A fiercely critical, ruefully funny, profoundly compassionate portrait... [that] humanizes the dire complexities inherent to a place fractured by perpetual violence, corruption, outside exploitation, bone-deep poverty, and fanaticism. A writer of charm, wit, conscience, and penetrating vision, Farah is a commanding and essential global writer." -Booklist
"Often reads like a taut, tense thriller... a thought-provoking read as well as an absorbing look into a culture and a people in extreme circumstances." -The Philadelphia Inquirer
"Farah has become the voice of the Somalian diaspora, telling stories of political, religious, and family conflict without sentimentality... Like Conrad, Farah proves a master of his adopted language, enhancing his narratives with proverbs and instances of institutionalized irrationality." -Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"Harrowing without resorting to sensationalism... It is dense, complex stuff, but [Farah's] brave and imperfect characters are a pleasure to follow. [A] gripping but utterly humane thriller set in one of the least understood regions on earth." -Kirkus Reviews
"Combines an intimate dissection of power within the family with a strong dose of skepticism about the machinations of national and global power." -The Economist
"Farah's accomplishment is, through art, showing us both the value and the devaluing of life through the machinations of historical, political and social power." -The Minneapolis Star-Tribune
"Adopts an almost thriller-like realism to give an account of modern-day Somalia... Crossbones is well worth the read." -The Boston Globe
"Vivid and detailed... [Farah's] understanding of human relationships is spot on, as are the twists and turns in this suspenseful drama." -Ebony
"Farah writes enthrallingly about his native Somalia... Expect sharp insight into both human nature and secretarian strife, told in illuminating language free of cant." -Library Journal
"[Farah] writes beautifully and prolifically about his native Somalia." -TheMillions.com