Book Review: Infidel by Ayaan Hirsi Ali

Infidel by Ayaan Hirsi Ali

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This book is not an easy read, but it's a good read. The story of Ali's life and her journey from poverty and an abusive childhood and adolescence in Somalia, Saudi Arabia, and Kenya, to her position as a member of the Dutch Parliament, would be enough. But her insights as a woman raised in Islam are equally fascinating. Based on intense, repeated study of the Q'uran, Ali determines that, unlike the fashionable "line" would have people believe, Islam is not at heart a peaceful, tolerant religion that has been interpreted or twisted to oppress women and girls and to lead to wars and death threats (some carried out) against Muslims and non-Muslims who preach against it or portray it in a negative light. Instead, Ali determines, the basic tenets of the religion allow the oppression of women and children and their subjection to men in the name of submission to Allah's will, as well as the other violence--moderation, peace, and tolerance are the "interpretations," although of course there are Muslims who try to live in the latter way. But Ali says they are not following the "true" version of Islam, which she determines is not for her, or anyone who wants to do more than "submit." 60 Minutes did a segment on Ali after the murder of Theo Van Gogh, the Dutch film producer who was murdered by Muslim fanatics after he and Ali made a film that showed Islam as oppressive to women, so her story may sound familiar, but the book is a great deal more than a short TV segment could show. Highly recommended, but not for the faint of heart.



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