Characters

Download PDF PDF Page Citation Cite Share Link Share

Last Updated September 5, 2023.

Secrets is Somalian writer Nuruddin Farah's 1998 novel about relationships in a closely knit group of Somalians from Mogadiscio (Mogadishu) prior to the Somalian Civil War.

The principal character and protagonist is Kalaman, who is a young man during the story's early episodes and—later, when the story line jumps forward—owns his own computer store. He occupies a singular and metaphorical role at the center of the tale. Tormented by minor psychological neuroses, obsessions, and conflicts, he lacks confidence but nonetheless exhibits a determination to uncover what he suspects are secrets hidden in his family history. He later learns that he is the product of a gang rape.

Kalaman's mother, Damac, appears early in the story to juxtapose Kalaman's own lack of confidence. She displays a prescience about the coming social and political collapse. In one episode, gunmen attempt to carjack her vehicle; she refuses to hand-over the truck to them and instead accelerates, betting that the would-be thieves are afraid of speed.

Though older than Kalaman, Sholoongo is an on-again, off-again romantic interest of his. She travels to America where she becomes a practitioner of traditional magic, only to return many years later to attempt to reunite with Kalaman. She is mistrusted by both Damac and, to a certain degree, Kalaman himself.

Other important characters in the story include Kalaman's grandfather; his father, Yaqut; and his nursemaid.

See eNotes Ad-Free

Start your 48-hour free trial to get access to more than 30,000 additional guides and more than 350,000 Homework Help questions answered by our experts.

Get 48 Hours Free Access
Previous

Themes

Next

Analysis