From early life in Somalia, Saudi Arabia, Kenya and Ethiopia, to a controversial tenure in Dutch parliament, and finally, to employment at a policy institute in the US, Ayaan Hirsi Ali has come a long way. Her riveting and moving autobiography traces her path, while doubling as a platform from which she explains the politically incorrect views that make her both a popular and despised leader of the Islamic reformation. Raised Muslim, Ali experienced a slow, painful turn away from faith, toward reason. Having undergone ritual genital mutilation as a young girl in Somalia, and having fled to the Netherlands in order to escape an arranged marriage, Ali came to perceive what she considers deep, fundamental flaws in Islam, mostly having to do with the subordinate place of women in Muslim societies. But as her blunt, passionate critiques of Islam became louder, factions of her opposition became more violent and threatening, eventually driving her into hiding, where she remains. Her straightforward and poignant memoir is a testament to reason, gender equality, education and free speech, and offers an informative glimpse into life and politics in both east Africa and the Netherlands. Recommended for adult readers.
1 comment:
I second this recommendation. Ms. Hirsi Ali is truly an independent thinker and her experience sheds light on the plight of women who are repressed by their culture and religion.
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