In this profoundly affecting memoir from the internationally renowned author of The Caged Virgin, Ayaan Hirsi Ali tells her astonishing life story, from her traditional Muslim childhood in Somalia, Saudi Arabia, and Kenya, to her intellectual awakening and activism in the Netherlands, and her current life under armed guard in the West.
One of today's most admired and controversial political figures, Ayaan Hirsi Ali burst into international headlines following an Islamist's murder of her colleague, Theo van Gogh, with whom she made the movie Submission.
Infidel is the eagerly awaited story of the coming of age of this elegant, distinguished -- and sometimes reviled -- political superstar and champion of free speech. With a gimlet eye and measured, often ironic, voice, Hirsi Ali recounts the evolution of her beliefs, her ironclad will, and her extraordinary resolve to fight injustice done in the name of religion. Raised in a strict Muslim family and extended clan, Hirsi Ali survived civil war, female mutilation, brutal beatings, adolescence as a devout believer during the rise of the Muslim Brotherhood, and life in four troubled, unstable countries largely ruled by despots. In her early twenties, she escaped from a forced marriage and sought asylum in the Netherlands, where she earned a college degree in political science, tried to help her tragically depressed sister adjust to the West, and fought for the rights of Muslim immigrant women and the reform of Islam as a member of Parliament. Even though she is under constant threat -- demonized by reactionary Islamists and politicians, disowned by her father, and expelled from her family and clan -- she refuses to be silenced.
Ultimately a celebration of triumph over adversity, Hirsi Ali's story tells how a bright little girl evolved out of dutiful obedience to become an outspoken, pioneering freedom fighter. As Western governments struggle to balance democratic ideals with religious pressures, no story could be timelier or more significant.
Never underestimate the power of Nancy Drew. Ayaan Hirsi Ali read not only Nancy Drew mysteries as a child, but also English classics from the 19th century. They planted a seed of freedom that later gave her the inner strength to break away from an Islamic upbringing. This book is the story of that journey to inner freedom, which resulted in her fleeing to Europe and settling in Holland. I posted this same review on my blog at hungerisgood.blogspot.com.
This book is captivating, because it is a window into the Islamic pattern of thinking. It causes me to ask questions. How would I as a man react if I were raised in that environment? Would I view women as second class citizens? In the Islamic culture men have all the power. Being part of the power base, would I be content in my power, or would I have compassion for the weak?
Are there any parallel situations in my culture? Are there any citizens that have no power? Women seem to be making progress in the work force today, although we read about the "glass ceiling" that they bump against in the business world. Racism seems to be on the wane, although there is still plenty of it around. Abortion is probably the most obvious example, since there is nothing more helpless than an unborn child.
Are there any patterns of thinking in Western culture that prevent me from clearly discerning the truth? Islamic culture certainly has preconceived ideas about life that causes them to make what we consider erroneous decisions. They are apparent throughout this book. What are my preconceived ideas, and what actions do they lead to?
Have you ever had your eyes suddenly opened to an error in your priorities or lifestyle? Did you change, or would the cost have been too great? For Ayaan Hirsi Ali, it was worth leaving her family and her culture. Would you do the same?
This is a fascinating and compelling memoir of growing up as a Somali Muslim girl in East Africa (mostly Kenya). It's also the intriguing account of the author's first encounters with life in the West when she moved to the Netherlands. The book goes far to answer the question how a young woman from a traditional Muslim family who didn't speak a word of Dutch rose in just a few years to become a member of the Dutch Parliament. There's a surprising twist at the end, when it turns out that Hirsi Ali's path has led her to work for the conservative think tank, American Enterprise Institute. Her ferocious attacks on Islam as inherently fanatical and cruel fit right into AEI's agenda. I was left wondering if she had not overlooked the existence of moderate Islam that was actually right there in her own life experience. Her parents, both of whom were devout and traditional Muslims, did not want to circumcise her, insisted on her getting an education, preferred political persuasion to violence, and abhorred honor killing (luckily for her). Reading this book is a rich and thought-provoking experience.
Ayaan Hirsi Ali autobiography "Infidel" chronicles her journey from a Muslim girl living in Somalia to her life as a Member of Parliament in Holland. This was an amazing story of how Ayaan survived beatings, mental abuse, and genital mutilation because she was living in a society where women's rights were virtually non-existing. She gave a detailed description of how life was for Muslim women in Somalia and how religion played a crucial role in the Somali society. When her father made an arranged marriage for her, Ayaan ran away and she started a life for herself in Holland.
What an amazing story this was. This was a story of one woman's struggle to overcome and defy traditional customs to seek the truths for herself. I feel that I have learned a lot about the Somali culture and values, particularly in regards to Islam. In addition, the book is well-written and very conversational, making it an extremely engaging read. Ayaan was also successful in bringing these complex issues revolving Islam to the public.This was one of the most memorable books that I have ever read and it is definitely one that makes me want to learn more about the subject of Islam and women. Highly recommended!
