Publisher's Synopsis
'Maana-faay' was the first and most popular modern novel written in the Somali language. It distinguished itself in its use of highly developed literary techniques such as retrospection, interior dialogue, and evocative descriptions of the range of physical spaces through which the story moves. Moreover, Afrax's masterful use of dialogue in the spoken tongue, with all the nuances of region, urban quarter, age, and gender, remains unequalled even today. Afrax's unique and pioneering prose fiction truly captured the spirit of Mogadishu and Somali urban life of the time. Immediately and impressively popular when it appeared, 'Maana-faay' has remained iconic for this moment in Somali urban history and a milestone in the development of the Somali language and Somali-language literature. While no translation can do full justice to it, Ahmed Ismail Yusuf's endeavour should be admired.
