Two questions dominate this ethnographic, literary, and historical study of Somali society through its orature. First, in what ways do Somali oral texts provideinformation about women and gender relations in Somalisociety? Second, how do these oral texts present theconcepts of "tradition" and an authentic culturalheritage and identity, particularly as these conceptsaffect women and gender relations? In seeking to answerthese questions, Kapteijns has gathered a considerablenumber of Somali oral texts and popular songs. The firstpart of the book focuses on the texts from the colonialperiod and develops a critical ethnography of women andgender relations while the second part considerscontemporary love songs as important cultural sites fordebate about women and "tradition." Kapteijns' book will enlighten readers unfamiliar with the wit and spirit of Somali culture. Somali readers will find the book essential for critically engaging the received notions of their past and traditions.