Nuruddin Farah has published 14 novels, beginning with From a Crooked Rib (1970). The latest is North of Dawn (2018).
Updated September 2026
Where to start with Nuruddin Farah
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From a Crooked Rib
Nuruddin Farah's most-read book.
Newest
North of Dawn
Published December 2018.
Nuruddin Farah books in order of publication
From a Crooked Rib (Jan 1970)
A Naked Needle (1976)
Sweet & Sour Milk (1979)
Sardines (1981)
Close Sesame (1983)
Maps (Jan 1986)
Secrets (Dec 1999)
Yesterday, Tomorrow (Jan 2000)
Links (2003)
Knots (2006)
Crossbones (2012)
Hiding in Plain Sight (2014)
Gifts (Feb 2016)
North of Dawn (Dec 2018)
About Nuruddin Farah
Nuruddin Farah is a Somali novelist. His first novel, From a Crooked Rib, was published in 1970 and has been described as "one of the cornerstones of modern East African literature today". Farah has also written plays both for stage and radio, as well as short stories and essays. Since leaving Somalia in the 1970s, he has lived and taught in numerous countries, including the United States, Britain, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Sudan, India, Uganda, Nigeria and South Africa.
Biography from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.
Nuruddin Farah FAQ
- How many books has Nuruddin Farah written?
- Nuruddin Farah has published 14 novels that we list, as of September 2026.
- What order should I read Nuruddin Farah's books in?
- Publication order is a safe choice; the full list is above. Most readers start with From a Crooked Rib.
- What is Nuruddin Farah's latest book?
- North of Dawn (2018).
- What is Nuruddin Farah's most famous book?
- From a Crooked Rib (1970) is Nuruddin Farah's most widely read book.
Authors like Nuruddin Farah
Sources: book lists and dates from Wikidata and Open Library, ratings from Open Library readers. Last updated September 2026.