Tish O. (tish) -
Helpful Score: 5
the author spent 6 years covering the Middle East and this is her story of learning about the Islamic women. it is a difficult at times but fascinating when she speaks of women's rights,education and marriage.
Karin J. (gringa76) reviewed Nine Parts of Desire: The Hidden World of Islamic Women on + 48 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
Fascinating book about women in the Islamic world. I would highly recommend it to anyone! It was a great read packed with a lot of information that was given in an easy to read format.
Marykaye M. (pawprints) reviewed Nine Parts of Desire: The Hidden World of Islamic Women on + 92 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
A disturbing look at the Middle Eastern Muslim countries and their treatment of women. The author presents as balanced an account as is possible. If you're a woman or if you have a woman who is significant in your life, then you need to read this book. Highly recommended!
Bobbie L. (nascargal) reviewed Nine Parts of Desire: The Hidden World of Islamic Women on + 352 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
This is an incredible book about how some Muslim women are oppressed. A very eye-opening read.
Mg N. (reading-voraciously) -
Helpful Score: 3
Nine Parts of Desire was Geraldine Brooks' first book. I wish she would write an update of it, but there is so much which has not changed in these last 17 years that this is still very timely.
It is written in her very readable award-winning style. This goes deeply into the Islamic culture and tells why both men and women want this covered dress style to continue. She is an excellent researcher and reporter. The people she has encountered are very interesting. I highly recommend this.
Of interest just this last week was a news story of Saudi women who hold international drivers' licences who staged another "demonstration". It is strange that women can not drive but have unrelated hired male drivers. So many countries require women to be chaperoned by a male relative in public.
It is written in her very readable award-winning style. This goes deeply into the Islamic culture and tells why both men and women want this covered dress style to continue. She is an excellent researcher and reporter. The people she has encountered are very interesting. I highly recommend this.
Of interest just this last week was a news story of Saudi women who hold international drivers' licences who staged another "demonstration". It is strange that women can not drive but have unrelated hired male drivers. So many countries require women to be chaperoned by a male relative in public.
Libby S. (Libratsie) reviewed Nine Parts of Desire: The Hidden World of Islamic Women on + 344 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Wonderful, thought provoking, educational, exciting ... everything I love in a great book and found in this one. Prizewinning foreign journalist Geraldine Brooks examines the daily life of Muslim women.
Vicki S. (curledupwithabook) -
Helpful Score: 2
I'll admit up front that Geraldine Brooks is one of my favorite authors. This non-fiction book is never dry or dull. She obviously knows her subject and shares the information in a way that makes you feel as if you're having an intimate conversation over a glass of wine or two.
The book provides several interesting perspectives on the role of women under Islam. Through relationships built over years and scores of interviews, Ms. Brooks gives voice to the women who have been impacted by the varying interpretations of the Koran. And the voices are not all opposed to what we might consider appalling violations of human rights (at a minimum) - not at all. This diversity of opinions and experiences is what makes the book so fascinating and frustrating at the same time. The book is full of information about how the Koran is interpreted by Muslims and non-Muslims and how the interpretation of a single word can mean the difference between freedom and devastating powerlessness for women and girls.
It is a book that leaves you with so much to think about and feeling somewhat torn - what we see as heinous, others embrace as their culture or, even stronger, as the word of God. At times difficult to read due to Ms. Brooks' journalistic commitment to the truth, but well worth reading and sharing.
The book provides several interesting perspectives on the role of women under Islam. Through relationships built over years and scores of interviews, Ms. Brooks gives voice to the women who have been impacted by the varying interpretations of the Koran. And the voices are not all opposed to what we might consider appalling violations of human rights (at a minimum) - not at all. This diversity of opinions and experiences is what makes the book so fascinating and frustrating at the same time. The book is full of information about how the Koran is interpreted by Muslims and non-Muslims and how the interpretation of a single word can mean the difference between freedom and devastating powerlessness for women and girls.
It is a book that leaves you with so much to think about and feeling somewhat torn - what we see as heinous, others embrace as their culture or, even stronger, as the word of God. At times difficult to read due to Ms. Brooks' journalistic commitment to the truth, but well worth reading and sharing.
Helpful Score: 2
People will say how much things have changed since 9/11, and this book was written before that. But I still learned a LOT about the world of Islamic women and, as with her other books, Geraldine Brooks does a great job researching her topics. I liked the way each chapter focused on a different aspect, e.g., education, employment, etc. I recommend this book if you are willing to be open-minded and learn about this vital segment of the Islamic culture.
Susan M. (petvet) reviewed Nine Parts of Desire: The Hidden World of Islamic Women on + 76 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
interesting and depressing :-(
Lenka S. reviewed Nine Parts of Desire: The Hidden World of Islamic Women on + 829 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This book is likely the best introduction to the world of women under islam. It has a bit of everything, well balanced and written with clarity of thought. From history to modern times, Geraldine looks at the world with critical but unbiased mind and reports on the lives of women in S.Arabia, Iran, Kurdistan, Syria, Kuwait, Lebanon, Jordan......
She interviews men and women, villagers, guerrillas, rulers... people of all background, all in an attempt to give a reader a window into this world which often fascinate westerners. But she goes a bit further and puts the little stories into context of culture, history and politics, a westerner is unlikely to see or comprehend because they are so far from their norm.
She does not shy away from touchy subjects and yet keeps her book fairly short, which makes this book great read for anyone, man, woman, teen. Enjoy!
She interviews men and women, villagers, guerrillas, rulers... people of all background, all in an attempt to give a reader a window into this world which often fascinate westerners. But she goes a bit further and puts the little stories into context of culture, history and politics, a westerner is unlikely to see or comprehend because they are so far from their norm.
She does not shy away from touchy subjects and yet keeps her book fairly short, which makes this book great read for anyone, man, woman, teen. Enjoy!
Shaine H. reviewed Nine Parts of Desire: The Hidden World of Islamic Women on + 25 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This book was an eye-opener.
I thought I had an idea of what life was like for Muslim women.
My knowledge can only be described as the "tip of the iceberg"
I knew very little.
I can only say - Thank G-d I'm an American.
By the way as usual the author, Geraldine Brooks, leaves not a stone unturned.
Amazing detail and explanations.
I thought I had an idea of what life was like for Muslim women.
My knowledge can only be described as the "tip of the iceberg"
I knew very little.
I can only say - Thank G-d I'm an American.
By the way as usual the author, Geraldine Brooks, leaves not a stone unturned.
Amazing detail and explanations.
Amanda W. (mimiwal) reviewed Nine Parts of Desire: The Hidden World of Islamic Women on + 4 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This book is one of the best I have read about middle eastern culture. I could not put it down. Wonderful read!!! Very Informative!! I would read it again!!
Connie A. (jazzysmom) -
Absolutely one of the most mesmerizing & informative books I've read on rituals, conditions, & THE HIDDEN WORLD of ISLAMIC WOMEN. I found a high percentage of no tenderness, caring, or love, (defined by those of us living outside of Islam). Where it seems again, the woman exists with no way out of this oppressive cultural tradition and warped original message of faith.
Ms. Brooks has lived her research for this book and has shared what she has learned with those of us who are curious about the Hidden World of Islamic Women. I actually feared for her being there so long that she would face harm herself. All the while knowing of course, she did come home safely to share what she has learned. Being the good, the bad, & the ugly.
This book was quite a fascinating experience & I'm glad that I read it. It was a thought provoker that's for sure. Made me thankful over and over again for the most minute privileges I take for granted every day.
Nine Parts of Desire covers the religious cultures, expectations, and daily lives of females of Islam. Old and modern. The book is upsetting, and sad, but will leave you oh so glad to live in America.
Ms. Brooks has lived her research for this book and has shared what she has learned with those of us who are curious about the Hidden World of Islamic Women. I actually feared for her being there so long that she would face harm herself. All the while knowing of course, she did come home safely to share what she has learned. Being the good, the bad, & the ugly.
This book was quite a fascinating experience & I'm glad that I read it. It was a thought provoker that's for sure. Made me thankful over and over again for the most minute privileges I take for granted every day.
Nine Parts of Desire covers the religious cultures, expectations, and daily lives of females of Islam. Old and modern. The book is upsetting, and sad, but will leave you oh so glad to live in America.
raconteur reviewed Nine Parts of Desire: The Hidden World of Islamic Women on + 168 more book reviews
I liked this quite a lot. Of course, Geraldine Brooks is a brilliant writer. I had only ever read her fiction, previous to this. This book read as easily as a fictional novel, but was ever more compelling due to the fact that these stories, experiences, people, etc. were real. An excellent book.
Savannah F. reviewed Nine Parts of Desire: The Hidden World of Islamic Women on + 4 more book reviews
A good read. Very well-written with a great deal of very interesting primary research. Although it doesn't veil itself as being such, it does not hold up to ethnographic research standards because of its biased slant.
