Nine Parts of Desire: The Hidden World of Islamic Women

Very eye-opening and extremely well written.

I loved how insightful the book is on Islam and what that means for the women who practice it. It opened my eyes to what their world is like and how they deal with it.

I enjoyed this candid book because the author seemed to write from her own place of truth. I actually dislike many of the assertions of the book: about how women in Islam are basically second class citizens but the fact is that whilst I don't agree with every contention, interesting points are raised. It is true that in Muslim majority communities, Muslim women are not given full rights and...more

I enjoyed this candid book because the author seemed to write from her own place of truth. I actually dislike many of the assertions of the book: about how women in Islam are basically second class citizens but the fact is that whilst I don't agree with every contention, interesting points are raised. It is true that in Muslim majority communities, Muslim women are not given full rights and that all the advances of 1400 years ago is not a reason to stop advancing the opportunities of half the population NOW. The reason I'm wary of this book as much as I like it, is that it could easily become fodder for those who look to discredit Islam by saying "see, I told you so!" but I guess that can be the case with anything really. Let's hope readers of this book are well rounded on Islam.   hide

I have always had a great interest in Islamic women outside of the United States, this was the last of many books that I read on this topic. Geraldine Brooks immersion into the culture provides fascinating insight into what could have been just another "perspective based" book otherwise. Her experiences as she traveled brought forth a variety of topics that I would love to see her address in a...more

I have always had a great interest in Islamic women outside of the United States, this was the last of many books that I read on this topic. Geraldine Brooks immersion into the culture provides fascinating insight into what could have been just another "perspective based" book otherwise. Her experiences as she traveled brought forth a variety of topics that I would love to see her address in a new book with a greater focus on Afghanistan and Muslim women living in European countries.   hide

extremely interesting - unfairly bias? maybe.

great insight by a wonderful author, she also writes fantastic historical fiction

A frightening picture of Islamic oppression - well researched, though the author's opinions sometimes overshadow the facts. Opened my eyes to the difficult and often hypocritical societal/religious/political views in the Mid East. Could be viewed as a portrait of modern-day slavery.

I thought this was pretty comprehensive look at women in Islam. Brought a lot of understanding to me.

This book written by Geraldine Brooks, an international journalist that covered the middle east for a long period of time, was very accurate and intelligently written. The book stated facts and personal insight based on situations the author had witnessed and experienced as a journalist by traveling different parts of the middle east. Geraldine Brooks had an opportunity to meet with many...more

This book written by Geraldine Brooks, an international journalist that covered the middle east for a long period of time, was very accurate and intelligently written. The book stated facts and personal insight based on situations the author had witnessed and experienced as a journalist by traveling different parts of the middle east. Geraldine Brooks had an opportunity to meet with many Muslim women from different countries, interview and befriend in some cases some of these amazing individuals who through the author's eyes strength and perseverance is sensed through each of them. An inner strenght that is needed to endure extreme situations due to cultural and religious purposes. The author also succeeds in differentiating treatments and attitudes, rules and laws towards Muslim woman in different countries. It was an excellent study of real life situations and awareness of how most Muslim women are treated in other countries.   hide