Home > Categories > Books > Non-Fiction > Nomad review
Nomad is a philosophical memoir, telling how Ayaan Hirsi Ali came to America in search of a new life, and the difficulties she faced in reconciling her two worlds. With vivid anecdotes and observations of people, cultures, and political debacles, this narrative weaves together Hirsi Ali's personal story -- including her reconciliation with her devout father who had disowned her when she denounced Islam -- with the stories of other women and men, high-profile and not, whom she encounters.
With a deep understanding and intimate perspective of the situation of Muslim women and moderates in the world today and her singular, unwavering intellectual courage, Hirsi Ali offers her always notable, often controversial analysis of Islam vis a vis the superiority of Western democratic values.
Product reviews...
Highly recommended reading.
'Nomad' is candid, revealing and well written - a very readable and thoughtful account and call to action.
Hirsi Ali presents a very personal insight into Islamic culture and world view, having been brought up a Muslim. She does not really touch on religion, but focuses on cultural issues. It is primarily about her experiences as she grew up, and those around her - in particular, her mother and father, brother, sister, and some other key individuals in her life. She gives a very frank insight into their cultural world-view, the stark realities, the fears and denials and the hypocrisies that arise.
This is an intelligent and insightful wake-up call to guard the freedom and values we enjoy in Western culture. It is a plea to understand the cultural struggles of Muslim immigrants in Western societies and to implement procedures that will help them to fully integrate. In this, Hirsi Ali draws from her own experiences trying to integrate into Dutch society as well as helping with other immigrants.
'Nomad' reveals some of the inner struggles and issues faced when Muslim immigrants attempt to 'find their own way' to embrace Western society. In this book, Hirsi Ali sounds a warning about the increasing threat Islam poses from within to Western societies and their values, especially the rights of women.
Some of the cultural views and outcomes that Nomad reveals are frankly quite shocking - which only emphasises the importance of understanding 'the other side' and how better to respond to their needs (and to our own), so that we can move forward and not backward within our own society in regard to fundamental human rights and equality.
Overall, this book has a rather disturbing yet vitally important message to share. It is not suitable, or intended, for very young readers - but might be a good contender for study at high school level, and required reading for certain political policy makers.
Random listing from 'Books'...
A grim secret. A life in danger. When a crazy old man leaps out of the bushes at Conrad on his way to swimming training, he gets the fright of his life. And when he discovers the man's granddaughter is that weird horse-riding girl from school, he decides to steer clear of them. But fate has other ideas ...and he is drawn into a grim secret. What's the old man's connection to a death from long ago? And whose life is in danger now ...
All trademarks, images and copyrights on this site are owned by their respective companies.
KIWIreviews is an independent entity, part of the Knock Out News Group. This is a free public forum presenting user opinions on selected products, and as such the views expressed do not necessarily reflect the opinion of kiwireviews.nz and are protected under New Zealand law by the "Honest Opinion" clause of the Defamation Act of 1992. KIWIreviews accepts no liability for statements made on this site, on the premise that they have been submitted as the true and honest opinions of the individual posters. In most cases, prices and dates stated are approximate and should be considered as only guidelines.
"Before you criticise someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes... That way, when you criticise them, you're a mile away, and you have their shoes."
anonymous