I don't know that this book is a great book, but I consider it a must read. While some of the details seem contrived, the essence of Ali's store rings true. Her physical struggles growing up are heart rending and eye opening. Her mental and theological struggles as a woman and a Muslim later in life are thought provoking for people of any faith. I would (and do) whole heartedly recommend this book to almost anyone. ( )

This book challenged me to look at my own views of Islam and my tendencies to try and avoid criticising other religions and cultures in fear of prejudice and racism. It brought up many interesting and important questions about the state of the world, particularly the muslim world, and gave me a fresh and convincing perspective from which to start my own research and thinking. She is a very inspirational woman. ( )

i expected more details. got lost in the Dutch politics. Had hope for the more details human side. ( )

Review of Infidel by Ayaan Hirsi Ali
A deeply absorbing book about the culture and practices of the people of Somalia, in whom tribal identities are still the primary motivators of loyalty and trust. It is a true story of a very brave woman in a time of upheaval and violence caused by civil war and unrest amongst the tribes.
Ayaan talks at length about how conflicts arose between her and her father, her and her mother, and also between her parents during her growing years. A chauvinistic and staunchly patriarchal society refused to allow girls to grow up into thinking, independent persons. The culture expected the bonsai-fication of their minds and thoughts. They were not allowed ownership of their bodies, leave alone their thoughts and ideas.
My only quarrel with the perspective of the book, as well as with the foreword written by Christopher Hidgins is that what is basically part of Somali tribal culture has been reflected as emanating from Islam. Female circumcision is rampant in Africa and preceded the arrival of Islam in these countries. The patriarchal setup indicated in the by hearting of the names of forefathers, the freedom given to her brother, which the sisters never enjoyed, are aspects of a society that did not view the female as sex as worthy of being considered as thinking, feeling individuals. However, there is an insidious twist in the narrative to make it appear as if these barbaric practices, ideas and attitudes emerge out of Islam. The foreword is more blatant on this score.
Apostasy is frowned in every religion, not just in Islam. The anger showed by her father at her rejection of the groom chosen by him, is not exclusive to Muslims; such instances are available in Hinduism, Sikhism and Christianity and Judaism too. Such responses are triggered not only by religious affiliations but also by social and communal identification. There are fanatics in every religion. Honour killings are common in South Asia, and male relatives of the girl indulge in ruthless murders in the name of family honour.
So while I sympathise with Ayaan Hirsi Ali, and admire her courage and resistance, I feel it is simplistic to lay the blame for her troubles at the door of Islam. The foreword to the book also is extremely biased. ( )

It's difficult for me to review this book.

On the one hand, it is an autobiography. At times it was inspiring; at other times, it was horrifying. Sometimes the pacing was too slow for my taste; I had a difficult time getting through the first fifty pages or so, but then I was mostly riveted until she began speaking of her political life in Holland (which dragged again).

On the other hand, this is much more than an autobiography. There is a definite political message ...more It's difficult for me to review this book.

On the one hand, it is an autobiography. At times it was inspiring; at other times, it was horrifying. Sometimes the pacing was too slow for my taste; I had a difficult time getting through the first fifty pages or so, but then I was mostly riveted until she began speaking of her political life in Holland (which dragged again).

On the other hand, this is much more than an autobiography. There is a definite political message here, and the author doesn't attempt to hide that. Is she biased against Islam? I suppose the case could be made for that. Is she very critical of the religion? Yes, indeed she is, and considering her experiences, I don't see why that should be a surprise. Will some of the things she says in the book offend Muslims? Without a doubt.

A reader might come away from this book thinking that all Muslims are misogynistic or racist. I think that would be a grave injustice.

However, the fact is that these things did happen. This book is not fiction. Theo van Gogh was murdered. Ayaan Hirsi Ali's life was threatened repeatedly. There were death threats. There are honor killings. Females are being excised, although it can be argued that it is a tribal custom and not a religious one. This isn't fiction.

It can be argued that there are extremists of other faiths. This is also true. I do believe that Ms. Ali's views of Christianity are rather simplistic; at one point she says that the religion is not a master-slave relationship like Islam is, and yet I've known plenty of Christian fundamentalists who go through life hating others - and themselves - because it's "god's will" for them to do so. And I've certainly heard the term "slave for Christ" enough for this lifetime.

So, no matter what one's personal beliefs about Islam, or even religion as a whole, I think that this book has drawn a lot of attention to how some Muslim women are being treated in the name of their faith. ( )