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Infidel

By Ayaan Hirsi Ali

(23)

| Hardcover | 9780743289689

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Book Description

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 herContinue

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.

Critics

Against Submission

In the fall of 2002, Ayaan Hirsi Ali, then a junior researcher for the social democratic party in the Netherlands, was invited to stand for election by the rival conservative party. She thought about it, and decided that if she were to enter politics ... (read full critics)

nytimes published on Sat, 18 Sep 2010

4 Reviews

Inspiring

I just finished reading this book and amazed at Ayaan's life. It was great to read about Islam and how it is interpreted in various countries and how it may affect day to day life for those practicing it.
Ayaan is a courageous figure in dangerous times where the criticism of Islamic faith can be f ... (continue)

I just finished reading this book and amazed at Ayaan's life. It was great to read about Islam and how it is interpreted in various countries and how it may affect day to day life for those practicing it.
Ayaan is a courageous figure in dangerous times where the criticism of Islamic faith can be followed by death threats. She is an inspirational woman and one who will ensure some rationality is injected into debates regarding faith.

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Ladybiblio(philist) said on Aug 15, 2010 | Add your feedback

Not your typical autobiography or even story. Very insightful. I knew that life for women in general was/is rough in that part of the world, never realized just how rough, especially for Muslim woman.

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Vivianrinsc said on Mar 31, 2009 about the Paperback edition | Add your feedback

It's very impressive how well she is able to describe her journey from blind faith to rational thought. Her courage and bravery are admirable.

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Farida said on Jan 30, 2009 | Add your feedback

This is one of my favorite books. It is the amazing, true story of Ayaan Hirsi Ali's life and her strong will to survive. It is an incredible journey, very awe inspiring!

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Jamie Gemuend767 said on Aug 13, 2008 | Add your feedback