How does the author use repetition in the memoir, When Stars Are Scattered?

The authors repeat several phrases and quotes throughout the memoir in order to make them a mantra of their own, to show how the characters evolve, or to resonate with the various themes of the memoir. For example, the memoir starts and ends with the same quote, “For me the first years are lost” in order to show how Omar and his story has evolved. The phrase “Everything will be ok” is used chronologically first by Fatuma, then by Omar, but then the reader learns this is the last thing Omar’s mother said to him before she told him to run to the neighbors. Other phrases include, “When God gives you a gift, it is your job to use it” which Salan says first, then Omar repeats to himself in order to justify difficult decisions or unfairness (33). These repeated phrases demonstrate the evolution of the story, and help the reader learn and appreciate Somali language.