Book: Why Do You Dance When You Walk? by Abdourahman Waberi

This simple question, posed by a 10-year-old girl in Paris to her father, prompts him to share the story of his childhood. He grew up in Djibouti, formerly a French colony, and recounts how he acquired his disability. He reflects on the bullying he endured from his peers and the love and affection he longed for from his busy extended family. He also shares his childhood crush on his mother’s maid and his obsession with books, which seems to be a recurring theme among writers.

That one question opened the door for him to reveal secrets he had kept, even from himself.

If I remember correctly, I found this book in a bargain bin at Waterstones for just £1, and it turned out to be a delightful short read. Because it is so slim, I took it with me on my travels and read it during a few train journeys.

It delightful short read.