Moving, insightful, linked stories about the determination of Somali immigrants — despite duty, discrimination, and an ever-dissolving link to a war-torn homeland.

In the insular rooms of The Private Apartments, a cleaning lady marries her employer’s nephew and then abandons him, a depressed young mother finds unlikely support in her community housing complex, a new bride attends weddings to escape her abusive marriage, and a failed nurse is sent to relatives in Dubai after a nervous breakdown. These captivating and compassionate stories eloquently showcase the intricate linkages of human experience and the ways in which Somalis, even as a diaspora, are indelibly connected.

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Idman Nur Omar’s new subtle short story collection … begins in 1991 and features multi-layered stories of Somali women dispersed to Europe and Canada by [civil war]. … Fans of Elena Ferrante would do well to seek out this collection.

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Much to both marvel at and puzzle over. … Idman Nur Omar presents a vibrant diasporic culture of resilient individuals whose significance isn’t premised on their interactions with those in their adoptive place, whether that’s Rome, London, Amsterdam, Dubai or Toronto.