- Hardcover: 359 pages
- Publisher: Bantam Press (2 May 2005)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0593054415
- ISBN-13: 978-0593054413
- Product Dimensions: 23 x 15.2 x 2.8 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 138,024 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
From My Sisters' Lips
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Product Description
Telegraph, May 2005
‘An extremely thought-provoking book that challenges
Western preconceptions of Islamic women.’
Western preconceptions of Islamic women.’
Product Description
Covered from head to toe with only her eyes visible, the sight of a Muslim woman on a western city street rarely fails to provoke a strong reaction. Feelings of shock, horror, repulsion, pity or even fear are not uncommon. But have you ever wondered who it is behind the veil and what makes her tick? Ever wondered what her life is really like and whether her dreams, hopes and aspirations differ from yours? Now, in FROM MY SISTERS' LIPS, Na'ima B Robert offers a rare glimpse into the lives of a community of women, most of whom are converts to Islam, and invites you to share their joys, sorrows, convictions and faith. When Na'ima B Robert abandoned her western lifestyle and embraced Islam six years ago, it was not a decision taken lightly. Yet soon after she took the first tentative steps towards covering, she felt empowered; no longer judged on physical appearances alone, no longer seeking the approval to feel beautiful - or using her looks to wield power over men - the experience effected her greatly. Before long she grew in confidence and courage. As she says, 'Something just clicked. I thought, Good, don't look; don't compare me with your latest squeeze, don't try and guess my measurements - my body is my own business!' As Na'ima recounts the compelling story of her conversion to Islam, she also offers first-hand accounts of just some of the extraordinary Muslim women she has come to know in recent years - women like herself who have chosen to live behind the veil. What emerges is a vivid and intimate portrait of a sisterhood; as they speak candidly and with conviction on a diverse range of subjects ranging from marriage to motherhood, stereotypes, submission and self-image, we hear the strong, proud voices of those who are seldom heard. Controversial and surprising, FROM MY SISTERS' LIPS is an invitation to a world usually seen only by those priviledged enough to be admitted to it's inner circle. It is also a celebration of womanhood - a celebration of those who have chosen to live behind the veil.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
44 of 46 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
At long last, the day is breaking,
By
This review is from: From My Sisters' Lips (Hardcover)
'From My Sisters' Lips' may seem like an unusual choice of book for a practising Christian who hopes to become a vicar to read, but the fact that I am firmly rooted in one faith doesn't mean that I fail to appreciate the wisdom of another. Na'ima has shattered every misunderstanding and every uncomfortable stereotype that seem to stick like burrs to the abaayat [gown-like coverings] of Muslim women. In a lively, informal style, she describes how she discovered Islam and made a conscious, educated choice to live as a Muslim. Her own story is interwoven with anecdotes and insights provided by other Muslim women (most of them converts) who hail from a bewildering myriad of cultures and countries.
They candidly talk about all kinds of topics, ranging from arranged marriage to covering their faces to Islamic education. But the sad thing is, will people listen to them? I once read an article by one Saraji Umm Zaid, who wryly commented, "Because people assume that Muslim men long ago robbed us of a voice, they don't trouble themselves by listening for one." I know several Englishwomen who will happily fill their Amazon baskets with Jean Sasson's books (which are speckled liberally with cultural and theological errors) because they are promisingly gory and lurid and shocking - and, ultimately, deeply satisfying. But although they claim to be 'interested' in Islam, they would never read 'From My Sisters' Lips' because it doesn't tell them exactly what they want to hear. All the same, I wish Na'ima Robert and her friends the best of luck as they delve deeper into their chosen faith. They have chosen a tough path to walk. I pray that anyone who reads their book will appreciate the depths of their courage and devotion.
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
My Sisters' Lips,
This review is from: From My Sisters' Lips (Hardcover)
Ms. Roberts does a very good job of showing her own transition from an outsider to a revert's point of view. She marks considerable changes in her thinking. She notes how Islam has impacted her thinking wherein she used to place a huge amount of weight on what others think. Islam allowed her to correct her thought processes and now the importance of what she thinks is magnified as opposed to what society thinks. I applaude her for her writing. It is an inspiration for young women to read everywhere and for them to know that it is more important what they think rather than for them to listen to the ill thoughts of society where 'sexy' rules the majority and 'smart' is the minority.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A must for anyone intrigued by Islam!,
By
This review is from: From My Sisters' Lips (Hardcover)
This book was an excellent find! I'm so glad that someone has finally put across our side of the story as Muslim women and as reverts in such a concise and articulate way. The author tackles all of the meaty topics that the non-Muslims always ask about Islam and presents the Islamic faith as something rational and beautiful but also as something challenging.In defense of the author (in reference to the above review), she has taken on an enormous challenge in writing a book about Muslim women and a book can only be so long. I found the book extremely comprehensive and I don't think it would do justice to subjects such as FGM to give it a couple of pages, rather those issues need a separate book altogether. She also mentions at the beginning that these stories only represent a slice of the Muslim woman experience.It cannot be expected of one author to represent every type of Muslim woman out there. In summary a brilliant effort. For anyone who knows someone interested in Islam and in women's issues in particular then this is a great place to start. The author knows where the Western reader is coming from and the style of this book caters fully for that readership.
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