University of Central Missouri. He lives in Kansas City, Missouri.
The Milkweed National Fiction Prize Milkweed Editions awards the Milkweed National Fiction Prize to works of high literary quality that embody humane values and contribute to cultural understanding. For more information about the Milkweed National Fiction Prize or to order past winners, visit our Web site (www.milkweed.org) or contact Milkweed Editions at (800) 520-6455. Driftless David Rhodes (2008) The Farther Shore Matthew Eck (2007) Visigoth Gary Amdahl (2006) Crossing Bully Creek Margaret Erhart (2005) Ordinary Wolves Seth Kantner (2004) Roofwalker Susan Power (2002) Hell’s Bottom, Colorado Laura Pritchett (2001) Falling Dark Tim Tharp (1999) Tivolem Victor Rangel-Ribeiro (1998) The Tree of Red Stars Tessa Bridal (1997) The Empress of One Faith Sullivan (1996) Confidence of the Heart David Schweidel (1995) Montana 1948 Larry Watson (1993) Larabi’s Ox Tony Ardizzone (1992) Aquaboogie Susan Straight (1990) Blue Taxis Eileen Drew (1989) Ganado Red Susan Lowell (1988) Milkweed Editions FOUNDED IN 1979, MILKWEED EDITIONS IS ONE OF THE largest independent, nonprofit literary publishers in the United States. Milkweed publishes with the intention of making a humane impact on society, in the belief that good writing can transform the human heart and spirit. 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Paulson Elizabeth Petrangelo and Michael Lundeby Karin and Dean Phillips Jörg and Angie Pierach Margaret and Dan Preska Hilary Reeves and Douglas Armato Deborah Reynolds Wilson and Juanita Reynolds Cindy and Bill Schmoker Cindy and Stephen Snyder Larry and Joy Steiner Patrick and Susan Stevens Barbara Gregg Stuart and Dr. David D. Stuart Ellen and Sheldon Sturgis Tom and Jeanne Sween Moira and John Turner Joanne and Phil Von Blon Winston and Maxine Wallin Kathleen and Bill Wanner Serene and Chris Warren Betsy and David Weyerhauser Jamie Wilson and David Ericson Eleanor and Fred Winston Margaret and Angus Wurtele Gary and Vicki Wyard Kathy and Jim Zerwas Interior design by Ann Sudmeier. Typeset in Dante MT by Prism Publishing Center. Printed on acid-free Rolland Enviro (100% postconsumer waste) by Friesens Corporation. The characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author. © 2007, Text by Matthew Eck All rights reserved. Except for brief quotations in critical articles or reviews, no part of this book may be reproduced in any manner without prior written permission from the publisher: Milkweed Editions, 1011 Washington Avenue South, Suite 300, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55415. (800) 520-6455 www.milkweed.org Please turn to the back of the book for a list of the sustaining funders of Milkweed Editions. The Library of Congress has catalogued the cloth edition of this book as follows: Eck, Matthew, 1974– p. cm. “Milkweed national fiction prize winner.” eISBN : 978-1-571-31859-6 1. Mogadishu (Somalia)—Fiction. 2. Somalia—History—1991—Fiction. I. Title. PS3605.C55F37 2007 813’.6—dc22 2007017509 This book is printed on acid-free, recycled (100% postconsumer waste) paper.
