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More About the Author
Product Description
Review
"Despite the restrictive customs of Saudi's religious rule, Ahmed found a vibrancy that left her hopeful. 'Saudi is much more heterogeneous than one would expect, ' she says. 'Muslims themselves feel fairly lost in a country so caricatured and vilified for its severe austerity and Wahhabi theocracy, but it's also the cradle of Islam and the site of the Hajj-a symbol of what Islam could be.'"
Product Description
This is the story of both the terrifying and electrifying journey of Dr. Qanta Ahmed, a Pakistani Muslim woman, trained in four medical specialties in the United States, and her personal two-year quest and journey deep into the Islamic world of Saudi Arabia. For two years, she worked in one of the world s most modern hospitals, in a society where women are not only not allowed to drive cars, but cannot wear seatbelts because they make their breasts more prominent. She evokes lands more exotic than she could ever imagine, and the moments where she finds tenderness and beauty where she would least expect it, at the tattered, curled edges of extremism. Towards the end, the reader joins Dr. Ahmed and two and a half million other Muslims on a Hajj, an electrifying and deeply moving pilgrimage to Mecca. As Azar Nafisi brings alive what it means to live in Iran in Reading Lolita Tehran, Qanta Ahmed reveals the mysteries that shroud the exotic and strange world of Saudi Arabia.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
26 of 28 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
After reading just a few pages of this book, I was drawn in. Qanta Ahmed has quite a talent for describing her experiences, painting a vivid picture of her time in Saudi.
The author tackles a fascinating subject, revealing a side to Arabia that is usually hidden from Western view: a people suppressed by those who manipulate religion to serve their own narrow and contradictory ideals; a people who underneath it all try to carry on with their lives like any modern westerner.
And just as you begin to understand and build up an affinity with the people Ahmed describes, the latter chapters throw in a twist that reveals a sad and grotesque side to them, a side governed by cultural conditioning without logic that flies in the face of their modern and pragmatic thinking.
Another reviewer comments about Ahmed's limited knowledge of Islam, something the author herself clearly states throughout the book. That is not important. Ahmed's personal journey as she discovers Saudi Arabia and rediscovers herself will take you on a journey of your own and leave you craving for more. A fantastic read.
The author tackles a fascinating subject, revealing a side to Arabia that is usually hidden from Western view: a people suppressed by those who manipulate religion to serve their own narrow and contradictory ideals; a people who underneath it all try to carry on with their lives like any modern westerner.
And just as you begin to understand and build up an affinity with the people Ahmed describes, the latter chapters throw in a twist that reveals a sad and grotesque side to them, a side governed by cultural conditioning without logic that flies in the face of their modern and pragmatic thinking.
Another reviewer comments about Ahmed's limited knowledge of Islam, something the author herself clearly states throughout the book. That is not important. Ahmed's personal journey as she discovers Saudi Arabia and rediscovers herself will take you on a journey of your own and leave you craving for more. A fantastic read.
27 of 32 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This book is both informative and compelling. It is the account of a British-born Pakistani female, schooled in medicine in Britain and America, signing a contract to work in Saudi Arabia. The journey she recounts comprises her work, her relationships, her colleagues, friends and her faith.
It is fascinating to see the contradiction in the Kingdom, from the dust-stained peasant-boys to the flashy cars and glitzy restaurants; from a repressed society to flesh-baring women - the Kingdom has it all.
It is an engaging journey portrayed from the perspective of the author's uniquely privileged viewpoint, littered with seemingly scripted events and complex characters.
This book has gone some distance toward unveiling the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the precariously balanced society which pervades there - and as a British-born Muslim myself, I find it refreshing and heartening that another moderate voice has the courage to join in the debate.
I recommend to all those who are remotely interested in the subject - and who isn't these days?
It is fascinating to see the contradiction in the Kingdom, from the dust-stained peasant-boys to the flashy cars and glitzy restaurants; from a repressed society to flesh-baring women - the Kingdom has it all.
It is an engaging journey portrayed from the perspective of the author's uniquely privileged viewpoint, littered with seemingly scripted events and complex characters.
This book has gone some distance toward unveiling the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the precariously balanced society which pervades there - and as a British-born Muslim myself, I find it refreshing and heartening that another moderate voice has the courage to join in the debate.
I recommend to all those who are remotely interested in the subject - and who isn't these days?
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I purchased this book after it was chosen by our book club due to one of its members being posted out to Saudi Arabia for 3 years in the New Year. On the whole the book is well written, interesting and informative, but some of it is so long winded it goes on and on.....
I now have a good knowledge of what my friend will be facing on her visit so it has been worth reading for that alone, but wouldn't be my first choice of a holiday read
I now have a good knowledge of what my friend will be facing on her visit so it has been worth reading for that alone, but wouldn't be my first choice of a holiday read
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Fascinating
I found this book incredibly interesting and illuminating. Having spent time in Saudi Arabia in the early 1990s, I had several experiences similar to Dr Ahmed's, but without the... Read more
Published 29 days ago by H. J. D.
The Land of Invisible Women
EVERY woman should read this book! This fanscinating novel takes you on an amazing journey to the Saudi Kingdom giving the reader a wonderful insight into the Muslim culture. Dr. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Anne Tattersall
In the Land of Invisible Women
Fascinating insight into the lives of Saudi women. Also very educational about Islamic culture within Saudi. A fascinating and educational read.
Published 1 month ago by Sue
A compelling must-read
I spotted this book by Dr Qanta Ahmed - a British-born Pakistani Muslim who had spent much of her professional life in the United States, becoming qualified in four specialties -... Read more
Published 1 month ago by VPeanuts
A must read
I have long been fascinated with stories involving women in Islam and this one did not disappoint! Qanta reveals a country of major contradictions and literally lifts the veil on... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Kate
A book that will make you reflect and think about your own views
This book initially started quite slow for me, but once the main character had begun to fall into an unknown world it really drew me in. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Mrs. D. HANSON
A tragedy or truth and female oppression in Afghanistan.
The book was sent as a Christmas present and proved to be a superb choice and compelling reading too. Read more
Published 5 months ago by rieffan2@aol.com
Brilliant book
I bought this book off the reccomendation of a friend, i was not at all disapointed, i haven't yet been able to finish the book but i haven't been able to put it down either. Read more
Published 8 months ago by Cradle_babe
Excellent read
This book was great from start to finish. It gave a heartfelt and honest opinion of living as a woman in Saudi Arabia from a Westernised Muslims point of view. Read more
Published 9 months ago by KatieB
Inside the Kingdom
This well-written book accurately captures the essence of life in Saudi Arabia. Qanta's insight delivers an informed view of a world unknown to many. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Published 12 months ago by K. J. Jennings
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