Infidel by Ayaan Hirsi Ali Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Infidel
Book Review: A Provacative Picture of the Enslavement of Women
Summary: 5 Stars
Infidel is highly recommended for those who want to know more about the enslavement of women by the Muslim religion. I have read a number of books by Muslim women, but Ali's biography really came through as to the reality of how religion can enslave women. They have no rights and are no better than being a drudge for the male. The Q'uran may say one thing, however the application of it is totally different. I recently attended the Third International Women's Peace Conference in Dallas, Texas and met both Muslim women and also women from Africa who had similar tales as Ayaan Hirsi Ali. Her description of genital mutilation was very vivid. I found it hard to believe that civilized people could cut the clitoris and part of the labia from a young girl and then sew the sides together, leaving only a small opening for the husband to insert his penis. In many cases the scar tissue had to be cut and the young girl bled profusely. Her biography is not a pretty story, but should be read by all men and women. The brutality she suffered should not be condonned by any group, family or culture. This applies to all women. I call her a warrior woman because she had the drive to move away from brutality and enslavement. She should be an icon to all Muslim women and African women of all cultures for her courage. Bettye Johnson, award-winning author, Secrets of the Magdalene Scrolls.Book Review: A beautiful memoir from one of our few remaining heroes
Summary: 5 Stars
Ayaan Hirsi Ali is probably the most heroic political figure today. In Infidel, she narrates her remarkable life with a truly shocking level of honesty. The book is written in a matter-of-fact style that exudes her remarkable level of character.
This is not just an engrossing book, or an entertaining book, or an educational book. Though it's all of those things, this is first and formost an important book. Like no work before it, Infidel gives a window into a culture slowly trending towards radical Islam. It's at once both deeply humanizing of these people, and utterly unsparing in its descriptions of the evil that they can do.
It's ironic that a woman who writes for the emancipation of women from Islamic oppression, now lives in a cage of security due to threats of Islamic violence. This book deserves to be bought, if only as a show of support for a woman living under the terrible threat of an Islamic fatwa. Her filmmaking partner has already been killed for speaking against that faith, and this book is triumphantly unafraid in pronouncing that religious bullying can not murder the voice of people who are truly committed to bettering the world.
Buy this book.
Book Review: A bit slow, but a good read
Summary: 4 Stars
I bought the book after I read some of the review, and I actually genuinely wants to learn more about Islam. Not that I am going to convert, but I want to understand it a bit more. She grew up Muslim, and now she is Athesis. There is, always some bones you can pick on anyone's memory, or the actual account of the details. However, I do think she gave an account for the muslim women who want to be free and question the authority. She had mentioned that is her personal experience and feeling. So, there is no need to question anyone's personal account of details, being that we all look within ourself for answer.
The book is a bit slow, and confusing for the first chapter or two. It was difficult read in the beginning. Once you get through the first few chapters, the author actually grab your attention, that I can not put the book down until I am done reading it.
Whatever she had suffered, and all the Muslim girls and women had suffered should be addressed, however, it is also not right for us to impose our believe and way of life onto the people who do not want it. There will always be people who disagree, the violence should be eliminated. It is easier said than done, if we can not even stop domestic violence, which is clear wrong and against the law, how do we have the moral clearance to point fingers on others?
Book Review: A book you should read
Summary: 4 Stars
No matter where your opinion lies on the subject or if you have no opinion at all you should pick up a copy of Ayaan Hirsi Ali's "Infidel". The story of the strength of this woman and other like her who must endure such trials and cruelties is both heart-wrenching and hope building. We as a society should stand up for each other and what Ayaan is doing for the women of her country is both commendable and heroic. It is easy to watch and say nothing, it is harder to stand up and fight for what is right. This is not about saying a culture is wrong, but about saying that a culture is misunderstood and misinterpreted even by its own people.Book Review: A call for Reformation within Islam
Summary: 5 Stars
This is an extremely important work as it reflects the growing emergence of enlightened women's sensibilities in the world of Islam. It is a clearly written accounting illustrating the kind of intellectual and emotional journey many Muslim women around the world are experiencing as they gain education and freedom of thought. Ali's story will likely be carefully, and eagerly, considered by Muslim women and those of us who want to understand Islam better, from a woman's point of view. Ali's journey is also important for all of us, Muslim or not, women or not. Why? I'm an evolutionary biologist who writes about social conflict and war and the effect that silencing women in matters of war has had on the human history of war ("Women, Power, and the Biology of Peace" by Judith L. Hand (not Latta)). The global empowerment of women and their participation at planning sessions and negotiating tables--women from all sides of our many conflicts--is the necessary, critical catalyst for creating a better, less violent future. By so clearly presenting her own journey, Ali shines a light that clarifies an arguably necessary reformation that must occur within Islam if that better, less violent future, is to be created for the benefit of us all.