- Hardcover: 256 pages
- Publisher: John Murray (6 Mar 2008)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0719564603
- ISBN-13: 978-0719564604
- Product Dimensions: 23.6 x 16 x 2.8 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 483,250 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
Belonging
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More About the Author
Product Description
Review
'The very real threat of an honour killing. Misery rating 4 stars'
(Eve )In Belonging, Sameem Ali describes her experience of forced marriage, a subject that is rarely written about by those who have been involved in it. It is a powerful and courageous account and offers a unique perspective on this important issue
(Lord Ahmed of Rotherham, Co-Chairman of the HM Government's working group on forced marriage 2001 )'Sam Ali's story is a moving, human one which puts a real person into the often sensationalised media story of forced marriage. Sam has told her own life story in a way which will evoke variously, sympathy and sadness from people from all backgrounds. In the end though, Sam's history is an affirmation of her own ability to come to terms with her background and to rise above it all'
(Tony Lloyd MP, Manchester Central )Product Description
Abandoned by her parents, Sameem Ali spent six and a half years growing up in a children's home. When she was told that her family wanted to take her back she couldn't wait to start her new life with them. Instead, she returned to a dirty house where she was subjected to endless chores. Her mother began to beat her and her unhappiness drove her to self-harm. So Sameem was excited when she boarded a plane with her mother to visit Pakistan for the first time. It was only after they arrived in her family's village that she realised she wasn't there on holiday.
Aged just thirteen, Sameem was forced to marry a complete stranger. When pregnant, two months later, she was made to return to Glasgow where she suffered further abuse from her family.
After finding true love, Sameem fled the violence at home and escaped to Manchester with her young son. She believed she had put her horrific experiences behind her, but was unprepared for the consequences of violating her family's honour . . . Belonging is the shocking true story of Sameem's struggle to break free from her past and fight back against her upbringing.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Inspirational,
By
This review is from: Belonging (Hardcover)
Sameem's book is a source of inspiration not just for those who have suffered abuse at the hands of their family or who have experienced forced marriage but for all women.
Read it, love it and approach your life with a renewed sense of purpose and determination inspired by this wonderful woman's story.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A shocking but ultimately uplifting story,
By
This review is from: Belonging (Hardcover)
So shocking to think that Sameem Ali's appalling story of mistreatment by her family as a child belongs to this country and my generation. Of course it shouldn't be happening anywhere, to anyone, but being so close to home does give her account an extra impact. The tragedy of course is that this is still going on, here and in other countries - an ongoing abuse of the young and vulnerable which Sameem Ali is now working to combat.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A touching read...,
By Blossom 786 "Book Worm" (London, UK) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Belonging (Paperback)
Belonging is a touching real life story of Sameem Ali. I found it to be a great book, very well written in my opinion. Sameem describes the events from her childhood and during the years she was growing up very well. There were times where she could not remember the exact details, it was still a very good read. I read the book in 12 hours, by the time I had finished it, I had tears rolling down my face. It is such a touching story. I felt sorry for her mother and in particular for her father who was mentally ill and therefore was kept away from the kids. I would also say Sameems mother was ill as well because I don't think any mother in their right mind would behave in such a way with their child.
Sameem was going to school and doing the household chores at a young age. Should she make a mistake or forget to add something in the cooking, she would suffer from horrific beatings from her mother and elder brother. Sameem was taken to Pakistan in her early teens and was the victim of a forced marriage to a man in his late 20's. I felt happy when Sameem finally found happiness and was able to leave the nightmare she was living. I would definately recommend this book because it is an eye-opener of what goes on in British Muslim families behind closed doors. Of course not every Muslim family is like this but there are some still out there that have a life like Sameem once had.
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