This book is very uneven and would benefit from some serious editorial attention. The style sometimes attempts self-consciously to be 'literary', and even allowing for the fact it is aimed at the American market, there are some strange turns of phrase employed. The constant references to designer labels and premium brands are a lazy form of description and assume a common interest in high-ticket price consumerism.

These concerns aside, Ahmed gives a surprisingly vivid and accessible glimpse of what life in Saudi Arabia was like at the end of the 20th century and in the immediate aftermath of 9/11. While the book will appeal more to women than men, it seems clear that the only way for a Westerner to begin to understand Saudi culture is through the eyes and experiences of women. At its best, the book portrays warm and engaging characters who are well rounded and frequently betray any stereotypes that might be assumed by the reader.

The book contains a thorough if personal critique of Islam from the perspective of one of its adherents, and does much to encourage an understanding of moderate Islam. The author's own religious experience brings an emotional and spiritual depth to her faith which is challenging to those of us who tend to see Islam as a rather dry and legalistic religion.

One hopes that this book will encourage Westerners of whatever religious background to engage with their Muslim neighbours and colleagues, and that greater understanding and acceptance will result on both sides.

Despite the reservations I have about some aspects of this book, I would recommend everyone to read it so they can appreciate that Islam comprises a wide range of beliefs and practices, most of which are moderate, compassionate and inculcate values many of us share. ( )

I received this book as an early reviewer pdf file and I read it while ill at a medical conference in Chicago last year. I should have reviewed it then, because it made a very strong impression on me. Far from being the expected scathing commentary about the human rights abuses of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Dr. Ahmed's book reads like the diary of an earnestly optimistic young woman who is struggling to maintain equilibrium in very different environment. Her comments often reminded me of a dear friend who, after an ominous visit from the FBI, told me that one of the agents had very masculine hands. Dr. Ahmed, like that friend, does not seem to view the people with the same world weary cynicism that the rest of us have acquired. As a result, she sees things that we would miss. Her experience as a visiting female doctor in Saudi Arabia is fairly unique and well worth writing about, but her personal viewpoint, as an individual who sees potential and goodness where others do not, is what makes this book worth reading.

One minor thing that confused me, however, was her unerring ability to tell what brand of clothing people were wearing. Outside of a page six reporter, I am not sure that I have met anyone, particularly physicians, who can actually do this as consistently as she did in this book. This occasionally led to amusing mental images of a young doctor appearing at social gatherings with a reporter's notepad asking everyone, red carpet style, who they are wearing. ( )

An interesting but uneven book, In the Land of Invisible Women is the account of two years spent by Ahmed—a woman born in Britain of Pakistani parents and trained in the USA—as a doctor in a Saudi hospital. As an insight into what it is like for a woman who both is and is not part of the prevailing culture—a Muslim from birth, she is more moderate in the expression of her religious beliefs than the Wahhabis who hold power in Saudi Arabia, and more used to living in multicultural societies—it is fascinating. Ahmed is quick to describe the oppressive laws and traditions which constrain life for Saudi women, while at the same time acknowledging their strengths and achievements, and that certain concepts which may seem alien and constricting to many women in the West—such as veiling—are regarded as liberating by many Saudi Muslim women.

Where the book falls down, and what made me give it only two stars, is how poorly it is written. The narrative meanders rather aimlessly, the description can be florid, and the dialogue hopelessly clunky. That, combined with the author's description of homosexuality in Saudi—there seem to be no lesbians, and gay male behaviour is motivated by the appeasement of an 'uncomfortable libido by seeking acquired homosexual behaviours'—made the book an interesting read, but not an engrossing or a trustworthy one. ( )

In the Land of Invisible Women is a bold and honest look at, what some may consider, radical Islam through Western eyes. Ms. Ahmed guides the reader through the complicated dichotomy which is Saudi Arabia. She sheds light on the beauty of what is supposed to be true Islam and also on the sad and ugly creation into which many have twisted its path. But mostly she speaks for the many silenced women and the daily issues they face-veiling, marriage, lack of access to education and singular travel, the illegality of driving.
Books like In the Land of Invisible Women make me wish this site wasn't "unadorned." There is so much I could say; this book covered a broad spectrum of topics. It was oftentimes quite fascinating and the author did a very good job of explaining her often contradictory experiences. I especially enjoyed the account of her Hajj. In this post 9-11 world it was wonderful for someone to showcase the goodness behind Islam. It also warmed my heart to read of the progress Saudi Arabia has made in correcting their societal inequities. Though I feel it's important to note that all the author experienced is, unfortunately, considered mild in many parts of the Arab world. Hopefully this new Saudi Arabia will positively influence those around them.
My only two complaints are these. Ms. Ahmed really likes adjectives, I sometimes found the prolific use of them distracting...not to mention the author is very well educated and I had to look up many of these adjectives, the dictionary was my friend. Also, while reading, I sometimes felt a slight emotional disconnect between the author and her friends. I don't know if this was me, the author's writing style or a testament to the guarded nature of life in the Saudi Kingdom. Whatever it was, it did not diminish this book, it was fascinating and incredibly enlightening. I highly recommend In the Land of Invisible Women. ( )

An unbelievable memoir. We so often have no idea how other people live their lives. I loved the way Qanta Ahmed was so willing to share the good and the bad. I loved her positive attitude surrounded by sometimes painful occurrences. Her friendships were special and her experiences were life changing. I don't think that I could have had the positive outlook that Qanta maintained throughout her experience in Saudi Arabia as a highly educated, independent Saudi woman, who was raised in England and educated in America. It is a wonderful memoir and I am a better person to have read it! ( )