Catalogue

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Title:	Infidel; My Life
Authors:	Ali, Ayaan Hirsi
Genre:	Non Fiction
Pages:	353
Year:	2007
Language:	English
Description:	Born in Somalia and raised a Muslim, Ayaan Hirsi Ali escaped an arranged marriage and made a new life as a Dutch parliamentarian, championing the reform of Islam and its attitude to women's rights. She recounts her extraordinary transition from a third-world upbringing to her current status as one of Time magazine's one hundred most influential people in the world. [Small font] Comments from Groups: Universal approval of the book. Everyone thought it well written and compelling and the themes generated great discussion. Several people had read other books about Muslim women, female circumsion etc and these added interesting comparison and depth to the discussion. Martinborough 003 This book produced quite a broad discussion. It was an alarming story on many levels especially on how women are treated in the Muslim culture and also interesting debate on immigration. Wanaka 011 Very good book which led to an animated discussion. We felt everyone should read this book as it made us think about many issues: position of women in Muslim societies, change in their societies and our's over time etc Doyleston 001 All of us found the book fascinating and we learned much about other cultures. It challenged our thinking about assimilation / integration and accepted approaches to immigrant populations. We had a very stimulating discussion based around the themes in this book. Christchurch 319
Categories:	Non fiction, Biography, Culture/Ethnic/Racial, Human Rights, Religion, Small font, Group favourites

Reviews

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By: METH 001		2025-05-28 10:31:51

Amazing book that everyone should read - highly recommended. Daunting read.

By: AUCK 469		2025-01-16 14:56:53

We all found the font to be so small that it put some people off. Amazing book, well-written.

By: BLENH 007		2023-08-21 09:29:49

All of our group found this book to be compelling reading. A wide ranging discussion ensued with some surprising news that the practice of female circumcision is still happening, even in N.Z. in some communities - although not under such brutal conditions. We all agree that cultural and societal change is slower than we would all wish.

By: AUCK 412		2023-04-16 11:10:09

A very enlightening true story of a culture none of us knew a lot about. A real eye-opener on oppression, especially for women, and survival. Some felt it dragged somewhat in the second half but, otherwise, a brilliant read.

By: WHITBY 002		2022-04-13 16:25:52

A great book written by an inspirational woman. We all liked this easy to read book and felt we learnt a lot about different cultures, immigration and Islam, and the ways it can be interpreted. Highly recommended.

By: CHCH 449		2021-03-26 16:00:20

Quite long with some passages that we felt could have been shortened, but overall a book worth reading for the information and enlightenment on a different culture.

By: OPOTI 001		2018-11-02 13:29:30

We loved the book. It created much discussion which was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. The book was well-written. Several members had looked up the internet to get more information on Ayaan.

By: TEURI 001		2018-11-02 13:28:03

A fascinating book on a topic that has to be told. Well-written and easy to read. An amazing woman. Lots of discussion made for an interesting night.

By: MATAM 004		2018-11-02 13:22:27

It was an inspirational read and the reader feels great admiration and sympathy for Ayaan. It was very enlightening about the sufferings of women in Somalia and the trials of civil war and distrust in society. It was uplifting that she made something of her life against all odds.

By: TAIRU 001		2018-11-02 13:11:40

The book generated much intense debate on many important, difficult issues facing the world and was much appreciated for having done so. Only one out of the 10 of us did not find it stimulating and deserving of a much wider readership. It widened our understanding of the Islamic world and its complexity. Some of us thought that the first half of the book could have been significantly edited back to be less emotional but we all found the second half fascinating.

By: LOWER 014		2018-11-02 12:56:52

All found the book most interesting - it challenged the views we had been led to believe. Very enlightening. It generated much discussion about refugees - how they are treated and how we would want to live/ cling to what we know if in the same situation. We discussed how it only takes a generation for major changes - backwards in this case. Also how female circumcision appals us, but how Somali people (women) have it ingrained in their sense of worth/purity.

By: CAMB 001		2018-11-02 12:45:24

One of the best books we have ever read.

By: AUCK 037		2018-11-02 12:44:56

This book was loved by all who read it. Much discussion about the author's courageous life and her determination against a great many odds. Enjoyed as a memoir about a religion that we don't know very much about. Her relinquishing of her Islamic faith and becoming an atheist was a great turning point. An exceptional read.

By: AUCK 302		2018-11-02 12:41:38

We loved the book. It is very timely in this age of "political correctness" and "Islamophobia". Highly recommended to other groups.

By: CHCH 050		2018-11-02 12:39:51

All members thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. We found it excellent, and it created a lot of discussion, especially about religion and immigration, particularly in New Zealand. Probably one of the best books we've read. The only criticism was the small print.

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