The Invisible People is a compelling work of narrative nonfiction about Somali refugee
women living in exile across Western countries. More than a story of displacement, it
explores exile as a condition of the human spirit-a life suspended between memory and
belonging, loss and hope.
Through deeply personal and moving stories, Qaali Schmidt-Sørensen gives voice to
women whose lives have been shaped by war, forced migration, and separation from their
homeland.
Their stories reveal not only suffering, but also extraordinary resilience, dignity, and quiet
courage. They preserve their history through memory, nurture their families despite
profound hardship, and carry their culture across borders and generations.
Living between two worlds, these women navigate unfamiliar societies while holding on to
the traditions and values that define who they are. Their lives are often invisible to those
around them, yet they embody remarkable strength, perseverance, and an enduring hope
for peace and belonging.
With compassion and insight, The Invisible People offers a rare and powerful perspective
on the emotional realities of refugee life. It is a testament to the resilience of women, the
enduring power of identity, and the universal search for home.
Excerpt from the book
Western societies often place expectations on refugees that are unfamiliar and difficult to
meet. Many struggle to adapt to systems and cultures vastly different from those they once
knew, leaving them vulnerable to exclusion and marginalization. Some remain in exile for
decades, hoping one day to return to Somalia-particularly men who continue to believe
that peace may eventually come.
While writing this book, I found myself returning to memories of the Somalia I once knew.
Before the civil war, much of the country lived in relative peace and security. Bringing
shame upon one's family by stealing or harming others was considered unthinkable.
Today, however, years of conflict have transformed society. Many young men have grown
up knowing only war and instability, without the traditional values and unwritten social
codes that once guided Somali life. The consequences of that loss continue to shape
generations.

About the author
Qaali Schmidt-Sørensen is a Somali-Danish author, poet, and playwright whose work has
been published internationally in several languages. Her writing explores themes of exile,
migration, identity, human rights, and the lasting impact of war.

Drawing on both personal experience and extensive research, she writes with empathy,
clarity, and literary depth. Her fiction and nonfiction illuminate lives often overlooked, giving
voice to those living between cultures, and revealing the resilience that endures even in
the face of displacement and loss.