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Infidel
Infidel
Author: Ayaan Hirsi Ali
Readers with an eye on European politics will recognize Ali as the Somali-born member of the Dutch parliament who faced death threats after collaborating on a film about domestic violence against Muslim women with controversial director Theo van Gogh (who was himself assassinated). Even before then, her attacks on Islamic culture as "brutal, big...  more »
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ISBN-13: 9780743289696
ISBN-10: 0743289692
Publication Date: 4/1/2008
Pages: 361
Rating:
  • Currently 4.2/5 Stars.
 96

4.2 stars, based on 96 ratings
Publisher: Free Press
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

mahbaar avatar reviewed Infidel on + 111 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 23
I must admit that I had to force myself through some of this book, but later on I realized that the earlier portion was important to understanding the changes in the author's life (she refers to it as her own personal enlightenment). It wasn't until Chapter 10 (page 183) where things really began to come together. It was really worth the effort.
cmoh avatar reviewed Infidel on + 42 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 13
Amazingsimply amazing.

Infidel is a page turner (even though it is more difficult to read than a fictional story). Ayaan Hirsi Ali captivated me with her ability to keep me in my comfort zone and yet tell the gruesome bits of her life. I find her amazing, more so because she was able to explain to me how Muslims think. She did not write a book that bashes the Muslim religion she wrote a memoir that clearly explains where she comes from and where the Muslims come from.

What I found most intriguing is how she could have such radical thoughts about her religion at such a young age with no one around her feeding her questions.

The one caution I would give other potential readers is that this book is highly political. I liked it a lot because I believe a lot of the things that Ayaan believes. However, for those readers that do not agree with those views this could be a very frustrating and maybe even enraging book.

I do highly recommend it to anyone even if they do not follow my beliefs on religion or politics. Everyone can take something away from this work.
reviewed Infidel on + 19 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 9
This is a beautifully written, incredibly brave and deeply moving autobiography. A must read for anyone!
reviewed Infidel on
Helpful Score: 8
Wonderful book that illustrates this woman's life growing up a Muslim Somalian. Parts of this book will make you want to weep. It's Very interesting to see how other cultures treat women.
reviewed Infidel on + 347 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 6
Although Ayaan's story was fascinating, her main point came later in the book: subsidizing Moslem immigrants in Europe, so that they can support their own parallel sub-culture, has caused the problems we see today.
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reviewed Infidel on
I loved this book! Some parts were difficult to read, but I learned so much from Ayaan's life experience. I knew so little about Muslims and Islam before. She has done so much with her life and I have a great deal of respect for her.
reviewed Infidel on + 22 more book reviews
This is a book I reviewed for my local bookclub. I have to say I chose it to shock the ladies of my club. I was shocked also. I kept having to check back and make certain the dates I had were correct. I simple could not believe that women are subjected to the things Ayaan went thru. I kept thanking God that I was born in the USA and not a country that practiced female mutilation and forced marriages.
reviewed Infidel on
Fascinating and horrifying. I was impressed by Ayaan's courage in questioning the entrenched beliefs of her family and in boldly making a new life for herself in Europe. This book has really affected the way that I understand Islam's treatment of women. It is impossible not to respond to Ayaan's life story. Her insider's perspective and criticisms speak volumes. A must-read for those interested in religious issues and human rights.
reviewed Infidel on
Mind changing. Realized the fallacy of being "open-minded" and accepting of all cultures in the face of injustice.


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