Amazing insight to Islamism, 17 Dec 2008
I picked the book up on Friday and had finished it by Monday and loved it. I knew very little about Islam and why people became fanatic and so reading this book was a fabulous insight into the world of fanatics.

From the start we can see how the author was alone in school and the only people who would talk to him were the people who bring him into the radical side. The book then gets very in deph into the Islamist world and why they believe what they do. Once the author leaves that world we see how he realises that all the things he had believed were all lies and the people who preached to them were telling them lies.

What is also worrying about this book is that a book about radical islam that the author read as a child was still on sell in mosques after 9/11 and 7/7. Also when he goes to the middle east to learn arabic he finds so many people against the west and a lot of them wanted to move to Britain to attack Britain.

However even though they were many people that were radical and against the west there were plenty of muslems that loved the country and hated the radical side. I loved this book and enjoyed learning more about Islam. Fantastic read and worth buying.

Comprehensive and readable account of mainstream extremism, 10 Dec 2008
For one that is very interested in the rise of Islam in the UK, this is the best educational book that there is. It is also very readable. I, did not understand the difference between the Islamic faith and the "Islamist" movement before I read this book. What troubles me, is that I do not feel that the government in the UK has much idea of what to do with this. I can only hope that they will read this book. This problem will not "go away". One thing that I would say about Mr Hussain, is that for all his insight and knowledge, and the huge achievement in writing this book, he is terribly egocentric and rather obsessed with his own importance. I suppose that this character trait would be why he was an Islamist to begin with?

Husain-Dog, yo spack mo speech, 08 Nov 2008
Husain-Dog, yo spack it nice, like tha cream-king yo are. International relations, innit. Yo put it down real fine. Word atter word, it maks good sense what yo linguistify. Know fo' sure, yo message taken to heart Husain-Dog.

Ex Shia, 17 Oct 2008
As an ex Shia I enjoyed many of the arguments that Ed presented in his book and it helped in my journey back towards more orthodox beliefs, namely, those of Ahl Sunnah.

I just regret the years of moving around groups and ideologies and hope that writings like this could have been available sooner.

With Salams

Pertinent exposé written for the culturally aware, 11 Oct 2008
Eye-opening, honest and intense. I read 'The Islamist' back when it was first released, curious yet naive to the true picture of radical Islam in the West. As with any religion, there are followers who have their faith exploited and distorted. 'The Islamist' is a fascinating account of one man's membership to an extreme organisation, as he fell victim to a way of life that terrifies those on the outside.

Although I read this memoir to fuel my interest in current affairs, the main reason I picked it up is because I wanted to grasp the underlying differences between the beliefs of traditional muslims and those of Islamic extremists. It truely opened my eyes to a culture that I had only been exposed to through the media. Reading books on the subject written in third person are great for gaining an overall, more academic understanding, but Ed Hussain here offers a much greater insight into how and why these groups behave.

Terrorism is a subject on everyone's lips, which is why Hussain's story is so important. Personally however, I believe everone should read this book to eliminate the prejudice that is experienced by so many British Muslims. It is a terrible shame that in the 21st century, it is wrongly assumed by many that those who believe in the same God and dress the same follow the same way of life.

Amazing insight to Islamism, 17 Dec 2008
I picked the book up on Friday and had finished it by Monday and loved it. I knew very little about Islam and why people became fanatic and so reading this book was a fabulous insight into the world of fanatics.

From the start we can see how the author was alone in school and the only people who would talk to him were the people who bring him into the radical side. The book then gets very in deph into the Islamist world and why they believe what they do. Once the author leaves that world we see how he realises that all the things he had believed were all lies and the people who preached to them were telling them lies.

What is also worrying about this book is that a book about radical islam that the author read as a child was still on sell in mosques after 9/11 and 7/7. Also when he goes to the middle east to learn arabic he finds so many people against the west and a lot of them wanted to move to Britain to attack Britain.

However even though they were many people that were radical and against the west there were plenty of muslems that loved the country and hated the radical side. I loved this book and enjoyed learning more about Islam. Fantastic read and worth buying.

Comprehensive and readable account of mainstream extremism, 10 Dec 2008
For one that is very interested in the rise of Islam in the UK, this is the best educational book that there is. It is also very readable. I, did not understand the difference between the Islamic faith and the "Islamist" movement before I read this book. What troubles me, is that I do not feel that the government in the UK has much idea of what to do with this. I can only hope that they will read this book. This problem will not "go away". One thing that I would say about Mr Hussain, is that for all his insight and knowledge, and the huge achievement in writing this book, he is terribly egocentric and rather obsessed with his own importance. I suppose that this character trait would be why he was an Islamist to begin with?

Husain-Dog, yo spack mo speech, 08 Nov 2008
Husain-Dog, yo spack it nice, like tha cream-king yo are. International relations, innit. Yo put it down real fine. Word atter word, it maks good sense what yo linguistify. Know fo' sure, yo message taken to heart Husain-Dog.

Ex Shia, 17 Oct 2008
As an ex Shia I enjoyed many of the arguments that Ed presented in his book and it helped in my journey back towards more orthodox beliefs, namely, those of Ahl Sunnah.

I just regret the years of moving around groups and ideologies and hope that writings like this could have been available sooner.

With Salams

Pertinent exposé written for the culturally aware, 11 Oct 2008
Eye-opening, honest and intense. I read 'The Islamist' back when it was first released, curious yet naive to the true picture of radical Islam in the West. As with any religion, there are followers who have their faith exploited and distorted. 'The Islamist' is a fascinating account of one man's membership to an extreme organisation, as he fell victim to a way of life that terrifies those on the outside.

Although I read this memoir to fuel my interest in current affairs, the main reason I picked it up is because I wanted to grasp the underlying differences between the beliefs of traditional muslims and those of Islamic extremists. It truely opened my eyes to a culture that I had only been exposed to through the media. Reading books on the subject written in third person are great for gaining an overall, more academic understanding, but Ed Hussain here offers a much greater insight into how and why these groups behave.

Terrorism is a subject on everyone's lips, which is why Hussain's story is so important. Personally however, I believe everone should read this book to eliminate the prejudice that is experienced by so many British Muslims. It is a terrible shame that in the 21st century, it is wrongly assumed by many that those who believe in the same God and dress the same follow the same way of life.

Surprise surprise, 03 Jun 2008
Surprisingly, Muslims don't like this book.....

Seriously, this is an excellent read. Some chapters are a bit hard going, but the conclusions they come to make it worth the slog. Ayaan Hirsi Ali is a woman to be admired for her intellect and her courage. Muslims hate this book because they fear it. They fear it because it may cause them to question aspects of their religion, and their religion (which they must neither question nor leave, on pain of death) will only take a few holes poked in it before it's revealed as a tissue paper facade.

The whole book is brilliant, and the highlight is the screenplay for the film that got van Gogh murdered by a frightened Muslim.

Thank you Ayaan for sharing this with us.



no stars awful read definately do not read, 02 May 2008
comes across as authors personal grudge against islam, recommend the islamist by ed husain a more liberal and broad minded book on islam that challenges western distortions and misunderstandings of the religion in a highly commendable manner as well as the british born authors personal interior journey through islam by visiting different muslim countries suitable for muslims and non muslims alike very easy to read and understand

Excellent, simply and honeslty, 29 Mar 2008
Forget the 1 star reviews, these are just the expected views of Muslims who like to keep their woman in an oppressive world, you should be ashamed!

Islamophobia is a myth, get over it!

boring....., 18 Mar 2008
i found the book quite boring and just couldnt bear to finish it- i wouldnt recommend it 2 anyone- it seems more that she wants to criticise ppl rather thn tell us her story!

Don't Bother, 14 Mar 2008
I first read this author's later book, 'Infidel', first. That is one of the best books I have read. Beautifully written, amazing and informative.

So, I got this book, 'Caged Virgin'. Don't bother. Compared with the later book it is inexpertly written, boring and repetitive.

However, the author is an amazing person.

r0n

Amazing insight to Islamism, 17 Dec 2008
I picked the book up on Friday and had finished it by Monday and loved it. I knew very little about Islam and why people became fanatic and so reading this book was a fabulous insight into the world of fanatics.

From the start we can see how the author was alone in school and the only people who would talk to him were the people who bring him into the radical side. The book then gets very in deph into the Islamist world and why they believe what they do. Once the author leaves that world we see how he realises that all the things he had believed were all lies and the people who preached to them were telling them lies.

What is also worrying about this book is that a book about radical islam that the author read as a child was still on sell in mosques after 9/11 and 7/7. Also when he goes to the middle east to learn arabic he finds so many people against the west and a lot of them wanted to move to Britain to attack Britain.

However even though they were many people that were radical and against the west there were plenty of muslems that loved the country and hated the radical side. I loved this book and enjoyed learning more about Islam. Fantastic read and worth buying.

Comprehensive and readable account of mainstream extremism, 10 Dec 2008
For one that is very interested in the rise of Islam in the UK, this is the best educational book that there is. It is also very readable. I, did not understand the difference between the Islamic faith and the "Islamist" movement before I read this book. What troubles me, is that I do not feel that the government in the UK has much idea of what to do with this. I can only hope that they will read this book. This problem will not "go away". One thing that I would say about Mr Hussain, is that for all his insight and knowledge, and the huge achievement in writing this book, he is terribly egocentric and rather obsessed with his own importance. I suppose that this character trait would be why he was an Islamist to begin with?

Husain-Dog, yo spack mo speech, 08 Nov 2008
Husain-Dog, yo spack it nice, like tha cream-king yo are. International relations, innit. Yo put it down real fine. Word atter word, it maks good sense what yo linguistify. Know fo' sure, yo message taken to heart Husain-Dog.

Ex Shia, 17 Oct 2008
As an ex Shia I enjoyed many of the arguments that Ed presented in his book and it helped in my journey back towards more orthodox beliefs, namely, those of Ahl Sunnah.

I just regret the years of moving around groups and ideologies and hope that writings like this could have been available sooner.

With Salams

Pertinent exposé written for the culturally aware, 11 Oct 2008
Eye-opening, honest and intense. I read 'The Islamist' back when it was first released, curious yet naive to the true picture of radical Islam in the West. As with any religion, there are followers who have their faith exploited and distorted. 'The Islamist' is a fascinating account of one man's membership to an extreme organisation, as he fell victim to a way of life that terrifies those on the outside.

Although I read this memoir to fuel my interest in current affairs, the main reason I picked it up is because I wanted to grasp the underlying differences between the beliefs of traditional muslims and those of Islamic extremists. It truely opened my eyes to a culture that I had only been exposed to through the media. Reading books on the subject written in third person are great for gaining an overall, more academic understanding, but Ed Hussain here offers a much greater insight into how and why these groups behave.

Terrorism is a subject on everyone's lips, which is why Hussain's story is so important. Personally however, I believe everone should read this book to eliminate the prejudice that is experienced by so many British Muslims. It is a terrible shame that in the 21st century, it is wrongly assumed by many that those who believe in the same God and dress the same follow the same way of life.

Surprise surprise, 03 Jun 2008
Surprisingly, Muslims don't like this book.....

Seriously, this is an excellent read. Some chapters are a bit hard going, but the conclusions they come to make it worth the slog. Ayaan Hirsi Ali is a woman to be admired for her intellect and her courage. Muslims hate this book because they fear it. They fear it because it may cause them to question aspects of their religion, and their religion (which they must neither question nor leave, on pain of death) will only take a few holes poked in it before it's revealed as a tissue paper facade.

The whole book is brilliant, and the highlight is the screenplay for the film that got van Gogh murdered by a frightened Muslim.

Thank you Ayaan for sharing this with us.



no stars awful read definately do not read, 02 May 2008
comes across as authors personal grudge against islam, recommend the islamist by ed husain a more liberal and broad minded book on islam that challenges western distortions and misunderstandings of the religion in a highly commendable manner as well as the british born authors personal interior journey through islam by visiting different muslim countries suitable for muslims and non muslims alike very easy to read and understand

Excellent, simply and honeslty, 29 Mar 2008
Forget the 1 star reviews, these are just the expected views of Muslims who like to keep their woman in an oppressive world, you should be ashamed!

Islamophobia is a myth, get over it!

boring....., 18 Mar 2008
i found the book quite boring and just couldnt bear to finish it- i wouldnt recommend it 2 anyone- it seems more that she wants to criticise ppl rather thn tell us her story!

Don't Bother, 14 Mar 2008
I first read this author's later book, 'Infidel', first. That is one of the best books I have read. Beautifully written, amazing and informative.

So, I got this book, 'Caged Virgin'. Don't bother. Compared with the later book it is inexpertly written, boring and repetitive.

However, the author is an amazing person.

r0n

An Amazing Journey , 14 May 2008
This book makes you feel as though you know the author and share with her the experiences as she tells you of both the dreadful and good things that have happened to her. I want to tell everyone to read it and learn how such a lot of people have to struggle to obtain rights that we take for granted in our democracy which is far from perfect but better than the alternative.

Accurate account and beautifully written..., 02 Feb 2008
I was fascinated by Ms Ebadi's account of her life both prior to the Revolution working as a succesful young woman in her own right, then the struggles she faced in the post-Revolution years and how she has corageously battled on to try and improve the Rights of Women and Children in Iran. Ms Ebadi is a credit to our nation and a postive force to be reckoned with!... I hope to read more of her work in the near future....

Women's Iran, 01 Jun 2007
No matter where you are when reading Shirin Ebadi's account of events in the Iran of past three decades, you'll see and feel the vivid streets of Tehran, people's whispers of hope and fear and take a glimpse 'behind the veil'.

Being forced into a career fallback from judgeship to a clerk, Madame Ebadi doesn't allow the authorities the luxury of enjoying the ousting of yet another female intellectual. An activist at heart, she doesn't give up, becomes a human rights defender and in an atmosphere of neverending closures of basic freedoms and rights for women, she nevertheless achieves to awaken her fellow citizens' minds pointing to the absurdity of rules that embed the evryday lives of the women amongst them.

Her account is a fresh reminder for all of the value of democratic rights and freedoms that can co-exist with Islam or any other religion for that matter for it's all about true and moderate interpretation of religious rules that a society can pull itself into a new age appealing to all generations. She earned a Nobel Prize for this unbiased Iranian take on universal values.

A fascinating read... difficult to put down, 14 Jun 2006
Ms. Ebadi's book "Iran Awakening" is one of the best English books about Iran that I have read. The book is essentially a memoir of Ms. Ebadi's life from the time she enters Tehran University and graduates as the top Law student up to a few months ago when she was representing the reporter Akbar Ganji as his lawyer.

The book is concisely and clearly written with detailed first hand accounts of her life in pre and post revolution Iran. Ms Ebadi's work is independent of any political organisation and as such she has pointed out many of the faults she saw and experienced in the Shah's regime, the Islamic Republic and the United States. However, saying that, the majority of the criticism is levelled at the Islamic Republic's poor record of Human Rights and the incredible gulf between rights of men and women.

Reading the book it was more than clear to me that the Nobel Prize committee made the best decision they could have to award the Peace prize to Ms Ebadi. Being a lawyer in Iran is difficult enough, but being female and a lawyer and working for Human Rights is not only an uphill struggle but more like a free climber dangling freely knowing that any minute now consciousness could be taken from you. In addition to this, let's not forget that she is a wife and a mother too which as she writes so passionately about in her book, has provided her with many equally challenging dilemmas.

There are many English books written about Iran but this book is different. This book is authored by an Iranian who has lived every day of her life in Iran; who has got to know the system both from the inside, as a civil servant, and from the outside, as a lawyer for its victims; has specifically written the book for an English audience.

I'm sure there will be critical reviews of the contents for her lack of criticism at the various political factions that have at some point been either popular or held power over the Iranians. Ignore that! This book is written by a woman who has fought discrimination in its ugliest form and has maintained an independent and balanced view of all aspects of Iran. She is a Muslim not blindly loyal to any regime or party and as such I'm sure - as she has recognised - she will be criticised at the same time for being pro-regime or anti-regime by Iranians because of their different political agendas.

Ms Ebadi says that this is her first book aimed at an English audience, but I think Iranians, especially the diaspora, can learn much from this book as well. Lastly, as this book is banned in Iran, I hope people outside will appreciate the risk and effort it has taken for Ms Ebadi to get this published.


Memoir of a Country, 19 May 2006
I have been eagerly awaiting the release of Shirin Ebadi's book, as I have been intrigued by her character and modesty ever since she won the Nobel Prize in 2003.

This is a book that says so much in a simple and classy language; A story of a woman's struggle- a very devotedly stubborn woman's struggle - to stand steadfast at her career, society, and family- in a country that had changed face and direction in a glimpse.

"Fortunately or unfortunately," [Ebadi's favourite opening statement], this is not a much awaited book of scandal, neither it is a recount of tragedy, reproach, or blame. It is a book where Ebadi -despite all she's been through- heralds in the future, and the awakening of Iran. It is a book of fundamentalism in its most beautiful form: of love, of patriotism, of unyielding will, and of upholding principles.

Critical but not offensive, inspiring but not patronizing. It is Shirin Ebadi's "private" memoir of a whole country.

Amazing insight to Islamism, 17 Dec 2008
I picked the book up on Friday and had finished it by Monday and loved it. I knew very little about Islam and why people became fanatic and so reading this book was a fabulous insight into the world of fanatics.

From the start we can see how the author was alone in school and the only people who would talk to him were the people who bring him into the radical side. The book then gets very in deph into the Islamist world and why they believe what they do. Once the author leaves that world we see how he realises that all the things he had believed were all lies and the people who preached to them were telling them lies.

What is also worrying about this book is that a book about radical islam that the author read as a child was still on sell in mosques after 9/11 and 7/7. Also when he goes to the middle east to learn arabic he finds so many people against the west and a lot of them wanted to move to Britain to attack Britain.

However even though they were many people that were radical and against the west there were plenty of muslems that loved the country and hated the radical side. I loved this book and enjoyed learning more about Islam. Fantastic read and worth buying.

Comprehensive and readable account of mainstream extremism, 10 Dec 2008
For one that is very interested in the rise of Islam in the UK, this is the best educational book that there is. It is also very readable. I, did not understand the difference between the Islamic faith and the "Islamist" movement before I read this book. What troubles me, is that I do not feel that the government in the UK has much idea of what to do with this. I can only hope that they will read this book. This problem will not "go away". One thing that I would say about Mr Hussain, is that for all his insight and knowledge, and the huge achievement in writing this book, he is terribly egocentric and rather obsessed with his own importance. I suppose that this character trait would be why he was an Islamist to begin with?

Husain-Dog, yo spack mo speech, 08 Nov 2008
Husain-Dog, yo spack it nice, like tha cream-king yo are. International relations, innit. Yo put it down real fine. Word atter word, it maks good sense what yo linguistify. Know fo' sure, yo message taken to heart Husain-Dog.

Ex Shia, 17 Oct 2008
As an ex Shia I enjoyed many of the arguments that Ed presented in his book and it helped in my journey back towards more orthodox beliefs, namely, those of Ahl Sunnah.

I just regret the years of moving around groups and ideologies and hope that writings like this could have been available sooner.

With Salams

Pertinent exposé written for the culturally aware, 11 Oct 2008
Eye-opening, honest and intense. I read 'The Islamist' back when it was first released, curious yet naive to the true picture of radical Islam in the West. As with any religion, there are followers who have their faith exploited and distorted. 'The Islamist' is a fascinating account of one man's membership to an extreme organisation, as he fell victim to a way of life that terrifies those on the outside.

Although I read this memoir to fuel my interest in current affairs, the main reason I picked it up is because I wanted to grasp the underlying differences between the beliefs of traditional muslims and those of Islamic extremists. It truely opened my eyes to a culture that I had only been exposed to through the media. Reading books on the subject written in third person are great for gaining an overall, more academic understanding, but Ed Hussain here offers a much greater insight into how and why these groups behave.

Terrorism is a subject on everyone's lips, which is why Hussain's story is so important. Personally however, I believe everone should read this book to eliminate the prejudice that is experienced by so many British Muslims. It is a terrible shame that in the 21st century, it is wrongly assumed by many that those who believe in the same God and dress the same follow the same way of life.

Surprise surprise, 03 Jun 2008
Surprisingly, Muslims don't like this book.....

Seriously, this is an excellent read. Some chapters are a bit hard going, but the conclusions they come to make it worth the slog. Ayaan Hirsi Ali is a woman to be admired for her intellect and her courage. Muslims hate this book because they fear it. They fear it because it may cause them to question aspects of their religion, and their religion (which they must neither question nor leave, on pain of death) will only take a few holes poked in it before it's revealed as a tissue paper facade.

The whole book is brilliant, and the highlight is the screenplay for the film that got van Gogh murdered by a frightened Muslim.

Thank you Ayaan for sharing this with us.



no stars awful read definately do not read, 02 May 2008
comes across as authors personal grudge against islam, recommend the islamist by ed husain a more liberal and broad minded book on islam that challenges western distortions and misunderstandings of the religion in a highly commendable manner as well as the british born authors personal interior journey through islam by visiting different muslim countries suitable for muslims and non muslims alike very easy to read and understand

Excellent, simply and honeslty, 29 Mar 2008
Forget the 1 star reviews, these are just the expected views of Muslims who like to keep their woman in an oppressive world, you should be ashamed!

Islamophobia is a myth, get over it!

boring....., 18 Mar 2008
i found the book quite boring and just couldnt bear to finish it- i wouldnt recommend it 2 anyone- it seems more that she wants to criticise ppl rather thn tell us her story!

Don't Bother, 14 Mar 2008
I first read this author's later book, 'Infidel', first. That is one of the best books I have read. Beautifully written, amazing and informative.

So, I got this book, 'Caged Virgin'. Don't bother. Compared with the later book it is inexpertly written, boring and repetitive.

However, the author is an amazing person.

r0n

An Amazing Journey , 14 May 2008
This book makes you feel as though you know the author and share with her the experiences as she tells you of both the dreadful and good things that have happened to her. I want to tell everyone to read it and learn how such a lot of people have to struggle to obtain rights that we take for granted in our democracy which is far from perfect but better than the alternative.

Accurate account and beautifully written..., 02 Feb 2008
I was fascinated by Ms Ebadi's account of her life both prior to the Revolution working as a succesful young woman in her own right, then the struggles she faced in the post-Revolution years and how she has corageously battled on to try and improve the Rights of Women and Children in Iran. Ms Ebadi is a credit to our nation and a postive force to be reckoned with!... I hope to read more of her work in the near future....

Women's Iran, 01 Jun 2007
No matter where you are when reading Shirin Ebadi's account of events in the Iran of past three decades, you'll see and feel the vivid streets of Tehran, people's whispers of hope and fear and take a glimpse 'behind the veil'.

Being forced into a career fallback from judgeship to a clerk, Madame Ebadi doesn't allow the authorities the luxury of enjoying the ousting of yet another female intellectual. An activist at heart, she doesn't give up, becomes a human rights defender and in an atmosphere of neverending closures of basic freedoms and rights for women, she nevertheless achieves to awaken her fellow citizens' minds pointing to the absurdity of rules that embed the evryday lives of the women amongst them.

Her account is a fresh reminder for all of the value of democratic rights and freedoms that can co-exist with Islam or any other religion for that matter for it's all about true and moderate interpretation of religious rules that a society can pull itself into a new age appealing to all generations. She earned a Nobel Prize for this unbiased Iranian take on universal values.

A fascinating read... difficult to put down, 14 Jun 2006
Ms. Ebadi's book "Iran Awakening" is one of the best English books about Iran that I have read. The book is essentially a memoir of Ms. Ebadi's life from the time she enters Tehran University and graduates as the top Law student up to a few months ago when she was representing the reporter Akbar Ganji as his lawyer.

The book is concisely and clearly written with detailed first hand accounts of her life in pre and post revolution Iran. Ms Ebadi's work is independent of any political organisation and as such she has pointed out many of the faults she saw and experienced in the Shah's regime, the Islamic Republic and the United States. However, saying that, the majority of the criticism is levelled at the Islamic Republic's poor record of Human Rights and the incredible gulf between rights of men and women.

Reading the book it was more than clear to me that the Nobel Prize committee made the best decision they could have to award the Peace prize to Ms Ebadi. Being a lawyer in Iran is difficult enough, but being female and a lawyer and working for Human Rights is not only an uphill struggle but more like a free climber dangling freely knowing that any minute now consciousness could be taken from you. In addition to this, let's not forget that she is a wife and a mother too which as she writes so passionately about in her book, has provided her with many equally challenging dilemmas.

There are many English books written about Iran but this book is different. This book is authored by an Iranian who has lived every day of her life in Iran; who has got to know the system both from the inside, as a civil servant, and from the outside, as a lawyer for its victims; has specifically written the book for an English audience.

I'm sure there will be critical reviews of the contents for her lack of criticism at the various political factions that have at some point been either popular or held power over the Iranians. Ignore that! This book is written by a woman who has fought discrimination in its ugliest form and has maintained an independent and balanced view of all aspects of Iran. She is a Muslim not blindly loyal to any regime or party and as such I'm sure - as she has recognised - she will be criticised at the same time for being pro-regime or anti-regime by Iranians because of their different political agendas.

Ms Ebadi says that this is her first book aimed at an English audience, but I think Iranians, especially the diaspora, can learn much from this book as well. Lastly, as this book is banned in Iran, I hope people outside will appreciate the risk and effort it has taken for Ms Ebadi to get this published.


Memoir of a Country, 19 May 2006
I have been eagerly awaiting the release of Shirin Ebadi's book, as I have been intrigued by her character and modesty ever since she won the Nobel Prize in 2003.

This is a book that says so much in a simple and classy language; A story of a woman's struggle- a very devotedly stubborn woman's struggle - to stand steadfast at her career, society, and family- in a country that had changed face and direction in a glimpse.

"Fortunately or unfortunately," [Ebadi's favourite opening statement], this is not a much awaited book of scandal, neither it is a recount of tragedy, reproach, or blame. It is a book where Ebadi -despite all she's been through- heralds in the future, and the awakening of Iran. It is a book of fundamentalism in its most beautiful form: of love, of patriotism, of unyielding will, and of upholding principles.

Critical but not offensive, inspiring but not patronizing. It is Shirin Ebadi's "private" memoir of a whole country.


Haunting, 21 Sep 2008
The most tragic, haunting book ive ever read. Completed it in a day. Reached into my soul and almost tore it out. This womans story is incredible. Her fight for survival and for life.
How there are still people in the world who stoop to such depravity is beyone me.
For a truly emotional tale, it does not get any better than this.

haunting eyes, 11 Sep 2008
I read Sold afew years ago and i could not get it out of my head.I cried when i read it.I've since read Zana's second book and i'm still intrigued what happend to Nadia.You read the book and you want to go Yemen yourself and rescue her.The poor soul.You do not think it happens in this day of age.I've now got "Without Mercy",the mothers story of events.I do not want to glorify a wrong situation but the courage of Nadia to stick by her children and the families determination to get her home.A very sad story which i hope will never be repeated.

couldn't put it down, 06 May 2008
The book is very well written. I read the whole thing in one day, i felt like i was there living the nightmare with Nadia and Zana and my heart completly went out to both of them.
A true insight and eye opener to modern day slavery a book that will have you wanting to know more ...

Couldn't put this book down,,,,,,, gripping read, 31 Mar 2008
I read this book within two days, I just couldn't put it down and when I had to I did so rather grudgingly!

It is a true story, and I remember the publicity when it actually happened. Its a shocking story and I find it so hard to believe that women are still living in this way, it made me so glad to be British living in this century.

One of the reviewers commented on the poor writing but I actually thought it was very cleverly written. It was coloquial but I think that may have been the authors intention, it gave the impression that you were sitting with Zana, actually hearing her tell her story.

This book comes highly recommended!

This book had me sold., 10 Mar 2007
Zana Muhsen and her sister Nadia were thrilled when they learned that their father had paid for them to go on the trip of a life time. Faraway from their native Birmingham, they'd have two blissfull weeks of Sea, sand, and spectacular views in their fathers yemeni homeland. Due to legal discrepancies concerning the then 14 year old Nadia, Zana, 15 went on ahead of her little sister. Expecting blissful views, bare-back dessert camel rides and tropical seas - what she got was the shock of her life. On arriving in the desolate far away land Zana discovered to her horror that her father had literally sold herself and her sister into marriage and that, unable to warn her sister of her impending doom, they were now helplessly trapped! They suffered rape, several beatings and the terrifying ordeal of Child Birth in the raw with no pain relief or hospital care.

It took eight long torturous years for Zana to escape her life of hell, but when she touched back down on to English soil the world was desperate to hear her story. An now here it is, in her own words. This is a remarkable true story of one families fight against red tape, racism and beaurocracy. It is a story that left nations divided, a family torn apart and two cultures to clash head long into each other.

Sadly, though Zana finally made it home, her story does not have a happy ending. Sadly, Nadia did not manage to escape, and Zana was forced to leave her baby behind. (Her story is continued in 'A Promise To Nadia')

This story is utterly unbelievable, how one person can be so callous and unappologetic as their father, selling his own flesh and blood into a live of slavery. But while this book is painful and tremendously tear-jerking to read it make you appreciate how lucky you are to live in a civilization where you have free-will. It really shows you the other side of life, the power of hope, love and belief and above all the strength of the human spirit.

Amazing insight to Islamism, 17 Dec 2008
I picked the book up on Friday and had finished it by Monday and loved it. I knew very little about Islam and why people became fanatic and so reading this book was a fabulous insight into the world of fanatics.

From the start we can see how the author was alone in school and the only people who would talk to him were the people who bring him into the radical side. The book then gets very in deph into the Islamist world and why they believe what they do. Once the author leaves that world we see how he realises that all the things he had believed were all lies and the people who preached to them were telling them lies.

What is also worrying about this book is that a book about radical islam that the author read as a child was still on sell in mosques after 9/11 and 7/7. Also when he goes to the middle east to learn arabic he finds so many people against the west and a lot of them wanted to move to Britain to attack Britain.

However even though they were many people that were radical and against the west there were plenty of muslems that loved the country and hated the radical side. I loved this book and enjoyed learning more about Islam. Fantastic read and worth buying.

Comprehensive and readable account of mainstream extremism, 10 Dec 2008
For one that is very interested in the rise of Islam in the UK, this is the best educational book that there is. It is also very readable. I, did not understand the difference between the Islamic faith and the "Islamist" movement before I read this book. What troubles me, is that I do not feel that the government in the UK has much idea of what to do with this. I can only hope that they will read this book. This problem will not "go away". One thing that I would say about Mr Hussain, is that for all his insight and knowledge, and the huge achievement in writing this book, he is terribly egocentric and rather obsessed with his own importance. I suppose that this character trait would be why he was an Islamist to begin with?

Husain-Dog, yo spack mo speech, 08 Nov 2008
Husain-Dog, yo spack it nice, like tha cream-king yo are. International relations, innit. Yo put it down real fine. Word atter word, it maks good sense what yo linguistify. Know fo' sure, yo message taken to heart Husain-Dog.

Ex Shia, 17 Oct 2008
As an ex Shia I enjoyed many of the arguments that Ed presented in his book and it helped in my journey back towards more orthodox beliefs, namely, those of Ahl Sunnah.

I just regret the years of moving around groups and ideologies and hope that writings like this could have been available sooner.

With Salams

Pertinent exposé written for the culturally aware, 11 Oct 2008
Eye-opening, honest and intense. I read 'The Islamist' back when it was first released, curious yet naive to the true picture of radical Islam in the West. As with any religion, there are followers who have their faith exploited and distorted. 'The Islamist' is a fascinating account of one man's membership to an extreme organisation, as he fell victim to a way of life that terrifies those on the outside.

Although I read this memoir to fuel my interest in current affairs, the main reason I picked it up is because I wanted to grasp the underlying differences between the beliefs of traditional muslims and those of Islamic extremists. It truely opened my eyes to a culture that I had only been exposed to through the media. Reading books on the subject written in third person are great for gaining an overall, more academic understanding, but Ed Hussain here offers a much greater insight into how and why these groups behave.

Terrorism is a subject on everyone's lips, which is why Hussain's story is so important. Personally however, I believe everone should read this book to eliminate the prejudice that is experienced by so many British Muslims. It is a terrible shame that in the 21st century, it is wrongly assumed by many that those who believe in the same God and dress the same follow the same way of life.

Surprise surprise, 03 Jun 2008
Surprisingly, Muslims don't like this book.....

Seriously, this is an excellent read. Some chapters are a bit hard going, but the conclusions they come to make it worth the slog. Ayaan Hirsi Ali is a woman to be admired for her intellect and her courage. Muslims hate this book because they fear it. They fear it because it may cause them to question aspects of their religion, and their religion (which they must neither question nor leave, on pain of death) will only take a few holes poked in it before it's revealed as a tissue paper facade.

The whole book is brilliant, and the highlight is the screenplay for the film that got van Gogh murdered by a frightened Muslim.

Thank you Ayaan for sharing this with us.



no stars awful read definately do not read, 02 May 2008
comes across as authors personal grudge against islam, recommend the islamist by ed husain a more liberal and broad minded book on islam that challenges western distortions and misunderstandings of the religion in a highly commendable manner as well as the british born authors personal interior journey through islam by visiting different muslim countries suitable for muslims and non muslims alike very easy to read and understand

Excellent, simply and honeslty, 29 Mar 2008
Forget the 1 star reviews, these are just the expected views of Muslims who like to keep their woman in an oppressive world, you should be ashamed!

Islamophobia is a myth, get over it!

boring....., 18 Mar 2008
i found the book quite boring and just couldnt bear to finish it- i wouldnt recommend it 2 anyone- it seems more that she wants to criticise ppl rather thn tell us her story!

Don't Bother, 14 Mar 2008
I first read this author's later book, 'Infidel', first. That is one of the best books I have read. Beautifully written, amazing and informative.

So, I got this book, 'Caged Virgin'. Don't bother. Compared with the later book it is inexpertly written, boring and repetitive.

However, the author is an amazing person.

r0n

An Amazing Journey , 14 May 2008
This book makes you feel as though you know the author and share with her the experiences as she tells you of both the dreadful and good things that have happened to her. I want to tell everyone to read it and learn how such a lot of people have to struggle to obtain rights that we take for granted in our democracy which is far from perfect but better than the alternative.

Accurate account and beautifully written..., 02 Feb 2008
I was fascinated by Ms Ebadi's account of her life both prior to the Revolution working as a succesful young woman in her own right, then the struggles she faced in the post-Revolution years and how she has corageously battled on to try and improve the Rights of Women and Children in Iran. Ms Ebadi is a credit to our nation and a postive force to be reckoned with!... I hope to read more of her work in the near future....

Women's Iran, 01 Jun 2007
No matter where you are when reading Shirin Ebadi's account of events in the Iran of past three decades, you'll see and feel the vivid streets of Tehran, people's whispers of hope and fear and take a glimpse 'behind the veil'.

Being forced into a career fallback from judgeship to a clerk, Madame Ebadi doesn't allow the authorities the luxury of enjoying the ousting of yet another female intellectual. An activist at heart, she doesn't give up, becomes a human rights defender and in an atmosphere of neverending closures of basic freedoms and rights for women, she nevertheless achieves to awaken her fellow citizens' minds pointing to the absurdity of rules that embed the evryday lives of the women amongst them.

Her account is a fresh reminder for all of the value of democratic rights and freedoms that can co-exist with Islam or any other religion for that matter for it's all about true and moderate interpretation of religious rules that a society can pull itself into a new age appealing to all generations. She earned a Nobel Prize for this unbiased Iranian take on universal values.

A fascinating read... difficult to put down, 14 Jun 2006
Ms. Ebadi's book "Iran Awakening" is one of the best English books about Iran that I have read. The book is essentially a memoir of Ms. Ebadi's life from the time she enters Tehran University and graduates as the top Law student up to a few months ago when she was representing the reporter Akbar Ganji as his lawyer.

The book is concisely and clearly written with detailed first hand accounts of her life in pre and post revolution Iran. Ms Ebadi's work is independent of any political organisation and as such she has pointed out many of the faults she saw and experienced in the Shah's regime, the Islamic Republic and the United States. However, saying that, the majority of the criticism is levelled at the Islamic Republic's poor record of Human Rights and the incredible gulf between rights of men and women.

Reading the book it was more than clear to me that the Nobel Prize committee made the best decision they could have to award the Peace prize to Ms Ebadi. Being a lawyer in Iran is difficult enough, but being female and a lawyer and working for Human Rights is not only an uphill struggle but more like a free climber dangling freely knowing that any minute now consciousness could be taken from you. In addition to this, let's not forget that she is a wife and a mother too which as she writes so passionately about in her book, has provided her with many equally challenging dilemmas.

There are many English books written about Iran but this book is different. This book is authored by an Iranian who has lived every day of her life in Iran; who has got to know the system both from the inside, as a civil servant, and from the outside, as a lawyer for its victims; has specifically written the book for an English audience.

I'm sure there will be critical reviews of the contents for her lack of criticism at the various political factions that have at some point been either popular or held power over the Iranians. Ignore that! This book is written by a woman who has fought discrimination in its ugliest form and has maintained an independent and balanced view of all aspects of Iran. She is a Muslim not blindly loyal to any regime or party and as such I'm sure - as she has recognised - she will be criticised at the same time for being pro-regime or anti-regime by Iranians because of their different political agendas.

Ms Ebadi says that this is her first book aimed at an English audience, but I think Iranians, especially the diaspora, can learn much from this book as well. Lastly, as this book is banned in Iran, I hope people outside will appreciate the risk and effort it has taken for Ms Ebadi to get this published.


Memoir of a Country, 19 May 2006
I have been eagerly awaiting the release of Shirin Ebadi's book, as I have been intrigued by her character and modesty ever since she won the Nobel Prize in 2003.

This is a book that says so much in a simple and classy language; A story of a woman's struggle- a very devotedly stubborn woman's struggle - to stand steadfast at her career, society, and family- in a country that had changed face and direction in a glimpse.

"Fortunately or unfortunately," [Ebadi's favourite opening statement], this is not a much awaited book of scandal, neither it is a recount of tragedy, reproach, or blame. It is a book where Ebadi -despite all she's been through- heralds in the future, and the awakening of Iran. It is a book of fundamentalism in its most beautiful form: of love, of patriotism, of unyielding will, and of upholding principles.

Critical but not offensive, inspiring but not patronizing. It is Shirin Ebadi's "private" memoir of a whole country.


Haunting, 21 Sep 2008
The most tragic, haunting book ive ever read. Completed it in a day. Reached into my soul and almost tore it out. This womans story is incredible. Her fight for survival and for life.
How there are still people in the world who stoop to such depravity is beyone me.
For a truly emotional tale, it does not get any better than this.

haunting eyes, 11 Sep 2008
I read Sold afew years ago and i could not get it out of my head.I cried when i read it.I've since read Zana's second book and i'm still intrigued what happend to Nadia.You read the book and you want to go Yemen yourself and rescue her.The poor soul.You do not think it happens in this day of age.I've now got "Without Mercy",the mothers story of events.I do not want to glorify a wrong situation but the courage of Nadia to stick by her children and the families determination to get her home.A very sad story which i hope will never be repeated.

couldn't put it down, 06 May 2008
The book is very well written. I read the whole thing in one day, i felt like i was there living the nightmare with Nadia and Zana and my heart completly went out to both of them.
A true insight and eye opener to modern day slavery a book that will have you wanting to know more ...

Couldn't put this book down,,,,,,, gripping read, 31 Mar 2008
I read this book within two days, I just couldn't put it down and when I had to I did so rather grudgingly!

It is a true story, and I remember the publicity when it actually happened. Its a shocking story and I find it so hard to believe that women are still living in this way, it made me so glad to be British living in this century.

One of the reviewers commented on the poor writing but I actually thought it was very cleverly written. It was coloquial but I think that may have been the authors intention, it gave the impression that you were sitting with Zana, actually hearing her tell her story.

This book comes highly recommended!

This book had me sold., 10 Mar 2007
Zana Muhsen and her sister Nadia were thrilled when they learned that their father had paid for them to go on the trip of a life time. Faraway from their native Birmingham, they'd have two blissfull weeks of Sea, sand, and spectacular views in their fathers yemeni homeland. Due to legal discrepancies concerning the then 14 year old Nadia, Zana, 15 went on ahead of her little sister. Expecting blissful views, bare-back dessert camel rides and tropical seas - what she got was the shock of her life. On arriving in the desolate far away land Zana discovered to her horror that her father had literally sold herself and her sister into marriage and that, unable to warn her sister of her impending doom, they were now helplessly trapped! They suffered rape, several beatings and the terrifying ordeal of Child Birth in the raw with no pain relief or hospital care.

It took eight long torturous years for Zana to escape her life of hell, but when she touched back down on to English soil the world was desperate to hear her story. An now here it is, in her own words. This is a remarkable true story of one families fight against red tape, racism and beaurocracy. It is a story that left nations divided, a family torn apart and two cultures to clash head long into each other.

Sadly, though Zana finally made it home, her story does not have a happy ending. Sadly, Nadia did not manage to escape, and Zana was forced to leave her baby behind. (Her story is continued in 'A Promise To Nadia')

This story is utterly unbelievable, how one person can be so callous and unappologetic as their father, selling his own flesh and blood into a live of slavery. But while this book is painful and tremendously tear-jerking to read it make you appreciate how lucky you are to live in a civilization where you have free-will. It really shows you the other side of life, the power of hope, love and belief and above all the strength of the human spirit.



Roots of Islamophobia exposed., 07 Nov 2008
I think the review posted by A Customer on 24 Feb 2006 covers a lot of what I would have wanted to say about this excellent book.

We live in a period where there has grown up a new racism which is directed at Muslims. Whether we call this Islamophobia or Anti-Muslim racism is besides the point. What is important to understand where this racism comes from, what are it's causes and origins.

Those who seek to justify this racism will do so by blaming the actions of Muslims and will refer to 7/7, 9/11 and the Rushdie Affair. No-one doubts the importance of these events as milestones along the way to where we are today, but they are not the starting point. If they were the starting point, then it would not have been possible for Said to write this book in 1981.

For what Said does in 'Covering Islam' is point out and document the long history of how 'The West' sees 'Islam' and how this has largely been negative and driven, in modern times, by the needs of imperialism.

Thus it is with the modern rise in hostility to Islam. Said documents change occuring in the 1970's as the oil crisis, Israel-Palestine, Pakistan-Bangladesh, 'Death of a Princess' and Afghanistan grabbed the headlines and some commentators looked for commonality between these disputes and hit upon Islam as an explanation.

Then in 1979, came the Iranian Revolution in which the ally of The West, the Shah, was overthrown and an Islamic Republic founded in it's place. There was also the US embassy hostage crisis. The ideological response to this in the West, especially, the US was to explain the revolution in terms of the backwardness and barbarity of Islam. In other words, again, hostility to Islam and Muslims was serving the need of imperial power.

That this hostility borrowed directly from the tradition of orientalism that Said documented in his work of the same name just the year previously, demonstrates great foresight on Said's part.

I have to say that, much as I admire Said, I find reading him can be a little on the tough side and felt that 'Orientalism' had large parts which were a drag to read - even though the book was tremendously informative. That is not the case with 'Covering Islam' which is written in a much snappier, almost journalistic style and covers the bases covered in 'Orientalism'. It's an easy read and thoroughly recommended.

A fine piece of writing, but..., 26 Oct 2007
Mr. Said has written a well-researched and cleverly argued book here. Someone with no knowledge of the Koran in the context of the Hadith will be taken in by its consistently perverse interpretation of the relations between the Islamic and non-Islamic worlds. The general thrust of the piece is that Western governments and media mis-represent Islamic bodies to serve their own ends, and thereby cause the conflict that they blame upon Muslims.
Mr. Said is able to achieve this sleight of hand by largely ignoring Islam's basis in the Koran, and by leaving out all reference to the context of early Islam and how it inspires the modern Muslim world. Both of these omissions enable him to lay all of the blame for the problem, as he sees it, on the ignorant and prejudiced West. The reader is not encouraged to consider the other side of this coin; such is the nature of propaganda.
I recommend this book to anyone who wishes to study how far the art of one-sided writing has developed, and how it can persuade even intelligent liberal thinkers to adopt a point of view that is at odds with historical fact. As an analysis of a global problem it is no more than a smokescreen, and therefore worse than useless.

More relevant than ever, 24 Feb 2006
This book is intended as an extension of the thesis first set out in "Orientalism" that a scholarly class of Americans, and to a lesser extent Europeans, presents a distorted and biased view of Middle Eastern cultures. This bias, Said argues, is so deeply ingrained that it has become part of our standard cultural baggage, and is a stereotypical background against which the Middle East is discussed in television, newspapers, journals and academic debate.

The amazing thing about this book is that it was first written in 1981! Years before the current upsurge in interest in "Islam", Said had detected a widespread acceptance of the "Orientalist" paradigm. The people and politics of the Middle East are largely characterised as being inspired by non-rationalist, and at times quasi-savage-like, inspirations. A central assumption guiding Orientalist thought, mercilessly criticised by Said, is that cultures in Muslim countries are politically, emotionally and even intellectually backward when compared to the "Western" standard which is considered to be several centuries ahead in general cultural maturity.

In a detailed analysis of several mainstream media sources, Said claims that the politics especially of Middle Eastern cultures is not portrayed as following standard paradigms for politics. The possibility of actions being taken as a result of legitimate (or even illigitimate) grievances, economic interest, defence of national autonomy, are a priori exluded. Rather attention is drawn to religious fanaticism, an incapacity to perceive reality for what it is, an ingrained cultural stubbornness. Said basically shows that even the most "expert" commentators on the Middle East follow this racist programme which is essentially rooted in colonialist attitudes which still prevail despite political decolonialisation.

What, Said asks, would be the consequences were one to portray say Judaism or black African cultures in the same light. He thus lays bare the double standards within out cultural viewpoint which permit, or even require Arabs and Muslims in general to be presented as a backward and fanatical cultural group.

Let's take an example. The massacre of Christians in Nigeria (February 2006) is hailed as a dangerous event, taken as a manifestation of the underlying tendency within "Islam" to violence and the defeat in battle of other cultures and religions. Even those who take pains to say that these are maybe extremists and we should talk to "moderate Islam" are guilty by Said's standards. What they are doing is creating the intangible notion of "Islam" and then reputing to it responsibilities, including that of having to control the actions of extremists who, by virtue of their Muslim faith, are assumed to fall under the control of this all-powerful "Islam".

We know the story, it's repeated day after way. But, Said reminds us, consistence would require its application in other contexts. But who in their right mind argued that the massacre of Bosnian Muslims by Bosnian Catholics ("Croats") or Bosnian Orthodox Christians ("Serbs") could tell us anything about the nature of Christianity? Who in their right mind would have thought that the actions of the IRA could in any way be traced back to "Christianity" in the same sense that those of "Al Qaida" can be traced back to "Islam". Why do we think in this way about "Islam". In fact, what is "Islam", and how does it differ from "Christianity" or "Judaism".

This review cannot even pretend to do justice to this magnificent book. So many issues are touched upon by Said that it is impossible to list them all. But at every stage he invites us to think, and to challenge our cultural assumptions. Other interesting parts are his final chapter clearly inspired by the likes of Foucault, and his treatment of media analysis which offers a more nuanced view to that often cited as scripture by Chomsky followers. He does not want to impose on us his view of the world (although he would dearly love us to reject the Orientalist biases), but wants us above all to start thinking and to challenge assumptions inherent in the way the world is presented us by the media, by experts and by government.

This book is written by an intellectual and some parts are quite academic. But on the whole it is quite well readable and accessible to the general reader. To its credit it is short, yet at the same time offers a wealth of ideas with which to approach media treatments of "Islam".

Think about the "Islam" and "Christianity" opposition, and above all read this book.

EXCELLENT!, 24 Jul 2005
what can i say..
The fact that this book has the great Edward W. Said name on it gives it the potential to go straight through your head..
this book is very informative and would tell you a lot of stories that would make you wonder and think..
Islam has been a target for most media and they sure gave the world the wrong image of this fast-spreading relegion..
read the book and be ready for some eye-opening facts!!!

An In-depth Study of the Western Mediaýs Portrayal of Islam, 10 Oct 2001
This book studies in depth the issue of how Islam is seen by the West. It uncovers the roots of the image created by western media and writers. It is a very valuable work for anyone interested in the relation between Islam and the West. It sheds the light on the issues that have contributed to a false portrayal of Islam. Mr. Said explains how western media and scholars cover any event related with Islam in a framework created by pre- conceptions, prejudices & political interests. He describes the way in which Western apathy towards Islamic civilisation as a whole (literature, law, politics, history, Art, sociology, etc...) has led to a narrow understanding of Islam. He goes on to clarify how this has led to one billion Muslims worldwide, representing different societies and cultures, being judged by the acts of small unrepresentative groups that most Muslims oppose. The west needs to understand that the problem is a political and not ideological one.

Amazing insight to Islamism, 17 Dec 2008
I picked the book up on Friday and had finished it by Monday and loved it. I knew very little about Islam and why people became fanatic and so reading this book was a fabulous insight into the world of fanatics.

From the start we can see how the author was alone in school and the only people who would talk to him were the people who bring him into the radical side. The book then gets very in deph into the Islamist world and why they believe what they do. Once the author leaves that world we see how he realises that all the things he had believed were all lies and the people who preached to them were telling them lies.

What is also worrying about this book is that a book about radical islam that the author read as a child was still on sell in mosques after 9/11 and 7/7. Also when he goes to the middle east to learn arabic he finds so many people against the west and a lot of them wanted to move to Britain to attack Britain.

However even though they were many people that were radical and against the west there were plenty of muslems that loved the country and hated the radical side. I loved this book and enjoyed learning more about Islam. Fantastic read and worth buying.

Comprehensive and readable account of mainstream extremism, 10 Dec 2008
For one that is very interested in the rise of Islam in the UK, this is the best educational book that there is. It is also very readable. I, did not understand the difference between the Islamic faith and the "Islamist" movement before I read this book. What troubles me, is that I do not feel that the government in the UK has much idea of what to do with this. I can only hope that they will read this book. This problem will not "go away". One thing that I would say about Mr Hussain, is that for all his insight and knowledge, and the huge achievement in writing this book, he is terribly egocentric and rather obsessed with his own importance. I suppose that this character trait would be why he was an Islamist to begin with?

Husain-Dog, yo spack mo speech, 08 Nov 2008
Husain-Dog, yo spack it nice, like tha cream-king yo are. International relations, innit. Yo put it down real fine. Word atter word, it maks good sense what yo linguistify. Know fo' sure, yo message taken to heart Husain-Dog.

Ex Shia, 17 Oct 2008
As an ex Shia I enjoyed many of the arguments that Ed presented in his book and it helped in my journey back towards more orthodox beliefs, namely, those of Ahl Sunnah.

I just regret the years of moving around groups and ideologies and hope that writings like this could have been available sooner.

With Salams

Pertinent exposé written for the culturally aware, 11 Oct 2008
Eye-opening, honest and intense. I read 'The Islamist' back when it was first released, curious yet naive to the true picture of radical Islam in the West. As with any religion, there are followers who have their faith exploited and distorted. 'The Islamist' is a fascinating account of one man's membership to an extreme organisation, as he fell victim to a way of life that terrifies those on the outside.

Although I read this memoir to fuel my interest in current affairs, the main reason I picked it up is because I wanted to grasp the underlying differences between the beliefs of traditional muslims and those of Islamic extremists. It truely opened my eyes to a culture that I had only been exposed to through the media. Reading books on the subject written in third person are great for gaining an overall, more academic understanding, but Ed Hussain here offers a much greater insight into how and why these groups behave.

Terrorism is a subject on everyone's lips, which is why Hussain's story is so important. Personally however, I believe everone should read this book to eliminate the prejudice that is experienced by so many British Muslims. It is a terrible shame that in the 21st century, it is wrongly assumed by many that those who believe in the same God and dress the same follow the same way of life.

Surprise surprise, 03 Jun 2008
Surprisingly, Muslims don't like this book.....

Seriously, this is an excellent read. Some chapters are a bit hard going, but the conclusions they come to make it worth the slog. Ayaan Hirsi Ali is a woman to be admired for her intellect and her courage. Muslims hate this book because they fear it. They fear it because it may cause them to question aspects of their religion, and their religion (which they must neither question nor leave, on pain of death) will only take a few holes poked in it before it's revealed as a tissue paper facade.

The whole book is brilliant, and the highlight is the screenplay for the film that got van Gogh murdered by a frightened Muslim.

Thank you Ayaan for sharing this with us.



no stars awful read definately do not read, 02 May 2008
comes across as authors personal grudge against islam, recommend the islamist by ed husain a more liberal and broad minded book on islam that challenges western distortions and misunderstandings of the religion in a highly commendable manner as well as the british born authors personal interior journey through islam by visiting different muslim countries suitable for muslims and non muslims alike very easy to read and understand

Excellent, simply and honeslty, 29 Mar 2008
Forget the 1 star reviews, these are just the expected views of Muslims who like to keep their woman in an oppressive world, you should be ashamed!

Islamophobia is a myth, get over it!

boring....., 18 Mar 2008
i found the book quite boring and just couldnt bear to finish it- i wouldnt recommend it 2 anyone- it seems more that she wants to criticise ppl rather thn tell us her story!

Don't Bother, 14 Mar 2008
I first read this author's later book, 'Infidel', first. That is one of the best books I have read. Beautifully written, amazing and informative.

So, I got this book, 'Caged Virgin'. Don't bother. Compared with the later book it is inexpertly written, boring and repetitive.

However, the author is an amazing person.

r0n

An Amazing Journey , 14 May 2008
This book makes you feel as though you know the author and share with her the experiences as she tells you of both the dreadful and good things that have happened to her. I want to tell everyone to read it and learn how such a lot of people have to struggle to obtain rights that we take for granted in our democracy which is far from perfect but better than the alternative.

Accurate account and beautifully written..., 02 Feb 2008
I was fascinated by Ms Ebadi's account of her life both prior to the Revolution working as a succesful young woman in her own right, then the struggles she faced in the post-Revolution years and how she has corageously battled on to try and improve the Rights of Women and Children in Iran. Ms Ebadi is a credit to our nation and a postive force to be reckoned with!... I hope to read more of her work in the near future....

Women's Iran, 01 Jun 2007
No matter where you are when reading Shirin Ebadi's account of events in the Iran of past three decades, you'll see and feel the vivid streets of Tehran, people's whispers of hope and fear and take a glimpse 'behind the veil'.

Being forced into a career fallback from judgeship to a clerk, Madame Ebadi doesn't allow the authorities the luxury of enjoying the ousting of yet another female intellectual. An activist at heart, she doesn't give up, becomes a human rights defender and in an atmosphere of neverending closures of basic freedoms and rights for women, she nevertheless achieves to awaken her fellow citizens' minds pointing to the absurdity of rules that embed the evryday lives of the women amongst them.

Her account is a fresh reminder for all of the value of democratic rights and freedoms that can co-exist with Islam or any other religion for that matter for it's all about true and moderate interpretation of religious rules that a society can pull itself into a new age appealing to all generations. She earned a Nobel Prize for this unbiased Iranian take on universal values.

A fascinating read... difficult to put down, 14 Jun 2006
Ms. Ebadi's book "Iran Awakening" is one of the best English books about Iran that I have read. The book is essentially a memoir of Ms. Ebadi's life from the time she enters Tehran University and graduates as the top Law student up to a few months ago when she was representing the reporter Akbar Ganji as his lawyer.

The book is concisely and clearly written with detailed first hand accounts of her life in pre and post revolution Iran. Ms Ebadi's work is independent of any political organisation and as such she has pointed out many of the faults she saw and experienced in the Shah's regime, the Islamic Republic and the United States. However, saying that, the majority of the criticism is levelled at the Islamic Republic's poor record of Human Rights and the incredible gulf between rights of men and women.

Reading the book it was more than clear to me that the Nobel Prize committee made the best decision they could have to award the Peace prize to Ms Ebadi. Being a lawyer in Iran is difficult enough, but being female and a lawyer and working for Human Rights is not only an uphill struggle but more like a free climber dangling freely knowing that any minute now consciousness could be taken from you. In addition to this, let's not forget that she is a wife and a mother too which as she writes so passionately about in her book, has provided her with many equally challenging dilemmas.

There are many English books written about Iran but this book is different. This book is authored by an Iranian who has lived every day of her life in Iran; who has got to know the system both from the inside, as a civil servant, and from the outside, as a lawyer for its victims; has specifically written the book for an English audience.

I'm sure there will be critical reviews of the contents for her lack of criticism at the various political factions that have at some point been either popular or held power over the Iranians. Ignore that! This book is written by a woman who has fought discrimination in its ugliest form and has maintained an independent and balanced view of all aspects of Iran. She is a Muslim not blindly loyal to any regime or party and as such I'm sure - as she has recognised - she will be criticised at the same time for being pro-regime or anti-regime by Iranians because of their different political agendas.

Ms Ebadi says that this is her first book aimed at an English audience, but I think Iranians, especially the diaspora, can learn much from this book as well. Lastly, as this book is banned in Iran, I hope people outside will appreciate the risk and effort it has taken for Ms Ebadi to get this published.


Memoir of a Country, 19 May 2006
I have been eagerly awaiting the release of Shirin Ebadi's book, as I have been intrigued by her character and modesty ever since she won the Nobel Prize in 2003.

This is a book that says so much in a simple and classy language; A story of a woman's struggle- a very devotedly stubborn woman's struggle - to stand steadfast at her career, society, and family- in a country that had changed face and direction in a glimpse.

"Fortunately or unfortunately," [Ebadi's favourite opening statement], this is not a much awaited book of scandal, neither it is a recount of tragedy, reproach, or blame. It is a book where Ebadi -despite all she's been through- heralds in the future, and the awakening of Iran. It is a book of fundamentalism in its most beautiful form: of love, of patriotism, of unyielding will, and of upholding principles.

Critical but not offensive, inspiring but not patronizing. It is Shirin Ebadi's "private" memoir of a whole country.


Haunting, 21 Sep 2008
The most tragic, haunting book ive ever read. Completed it in a day. Reached into my soul and almost tore it out. This womans story is incredible. Her fight for survival and for life.
How there are still people in the world who stoop to such depravity is beyone me.
For a truly emotional tale, it does not get any better than this.

haunting eyes, 11 Sep 2008
I read Sold afew years ago and i could not get it out of my head.I cried when i read it.I've since read Zana's second book and i'm still intrigued what happend to Nadia.You read the book and you want to go Yemen yourself and rescue her.The poor soul.You do not think it happens in this day of age.I've now got "Without Mercy",the mothers story of events.I do not want to glorify a wrong situation but the courage of Nadia to stick by her children and the families determination to get her home.A very sad story which i hope will never be repeated.

couldn't put it down, 06 May 2008
The book is very well written. I read the whole thing in one day, i felt like i was there living the nightmare with Nadia and Zana and my heart completly went out to both of them.
A true insight and eye opener to modern day slavery a book that will have you wanting to know more ...

Couldn't put this book down,,,,,,, gripping read, 31 Mar 2008
I read this book within two days, I just couldn't put it down and when I had to I did so rather grudgingly!

It is a true story, and I remember the publicity when it actually happened. Its a shocking story and I find it so hard to believe that women are still living in this way, it made me so glad to be British living in this century.

One of the reviewers commented on the poor writing but I actually thought it was very cleverly written. It was coloquial but I think that may have been the authors intention, it gave the impression that you were sitting with Zana, actually hearing her tell her story.

This book comes highly recommended!

This book had me sold., 10 Mar 2007
Zana Muhsen and her sister Nadia were thrilled when they learned that their father had paid for them to go on the trip of a life time. Faraway from their native Birmingham, they'd have two blissfull weeks of Sea, sand, and spectacular views in their fathers yemeni homeland. Due to legal discrepancies concerning the then 14 year old Nadia, Zana, 15 went on ahead of her little sister. Expecting blissful views, bare-back dessert camel rides and tropical seas - what she got was the shock of her life. On arriving in the desolate far away land Zana discovered to her horror that her father had literally sold herself and her sister into marriage and that, unable to warn her sister of her impending doom, they were now helplessly trapped! They suffered rape, several beatings and the terrifying ordeal of Child Birth in the raw with no pain relief or hospital care.

It took eight long torturous years for Zana to escape her life of hell, but when she touched back down on to English soil the world was desperate to hear her story. An now here it is, in her own words. This is a remarkable true story of one families fight against red tape, racism and beaurocracy. It is a story that left nations divided, a family torn apart and two cultures to clash head long into each other.

Sadly, though Zana finally made it home, her story does not have a happy ending. Sadly, Nadia did not manage to escape, and Zana was forced to leave her baby behind. (Her story is continued in 'A Promise To Nadia')

This story is utterly unbelievable, how one person can be so callous and unappologetic as their father, selling his own flesh and blood into a live of slavery. But while this book is painful and tremendously tear-jerking to read it make you appreciate how lucky you are to live in a civilization where you have free-will. It really shows you the other side of life, the power of hope, love and belief and above all the strength of the human spirit.



Roots of Islamophobia exposed., 07 Nov 2008
I think the review posted by A Customer on 24 Feb 2006 covers a lot of what I would have wanted to say about this excellent book.

We live in a period where there has grown up a new racism which is directed at Muslims. Whether we call this Islamophobia or Anti-Muslim racism is besides the point. What is important to understand where this racism comes from, what are it's causes and origins.

Those who seek to justify this racism will do so by blaming the actions of Muslims and will refer to 7/7, 9/11 and the Rushdie Affair. No-one doubts the importance of these events as milestones along the way to where we are today, but they are not the starting point. If they were the starting point, then it would not have been possible for Said to write this book in 1981.

For what Said does in 'Covering Islam' is point out and document the long history of how 'The West' sees 'Islam' and how this has largely been negative and driven, in modern times, by the needs of imperialism.

Thus it is with the modern rise in hostility to Islam. Said documents change occuring in the 1970's as the oil crisis, Israel-Palestine, Pakistan-Bangladesh, 'Death of a Princess' and Afghanistan grabbed the headlines and some commentators looked for commonality between these disputes and hit upon Islam as an explanation.

Then in 1979, came the Iranian Revolution in which the ally of The West, the Shah, was overthrown and an Islamic Republic founded in it's place. There was also the US embassy hostage crisis. The ideological response to this in the West, especially, the US was to explain the revolution in terms of the backwardness and barbarity of Islam. In other words, again, hostility to Islam and Muslims was serving the need of imperial power.

That this hostility borrowed directly from the tradition of orientalism that Said documented in his work of the same name just the year previously, demonstrates great foresight on Said's part.

I have to say that, much as I admire Said, I find reading him can be a little on the tough side and felt that 'Orientalism' had large parts which were a drag to read - even though the book was tremendously informative. That is not the case with 'Covering Islam' which is written in a much snappier, almost journalistic style and covers the bases covered in 'Orientalism'. It's an easy read and thoroughly recommended.

A fine piece of writing, but..., 26 Oct 2007
Mr. Said has written a well-researched and cleverly argued book here. Someone with no knowledge of the Koran in the context of the Hadith will be taken in by its consistently perverse interpretation of the relations between the Islamic and non-Islamic worlds. The general thrust of the piece is that Western governments and media mis-represent Islamic bodies to serve their own ends, and thereby cause the conflict that they blame upon Muslims.
Mr. Said is able to achieve this sleight of hand by largely ignoring Islam's basis in the Koran, and by leaving out all reference to the context of early Islam and how it inspires the modern Muslim world. Both of these omissions enable him to lay all of the blame for the problem, as he sees it, on the ignorant and prejudiced West. The reader is not encouraged to consider the other side of this coin; such is the nature of propaganda.
I recommend this book to anyone who wishes to study how far the art of one-sided writing has developed, and how it can persuade even intelligent liberal thinkers to adopt a point of view that is at odds with historical fact. As an analysis of a global problem it is no more than a smokescreen, and therefore worse than useless.

More relevant than ever, 24 Feb 2006
This book is intended as an extension of the thesis first set out in "Orientalism" that a scholarly class of Americans, and to a lesser extent Europeans, presents a distorted and biased view of Middle Eastern cultures. This bias, Said argues, is so deeply ingrained that it has become part of our standard cultural baggage, and is a stereotypical background against which the Middle East is discussed in television, newspapers, journals and academic debate.

The amazing thing about this book is that it was first written in 1981! Years before the current upsurge in interest in "Islam", Said had detected a widespread acceptance of the "Orientalist" paradigm. The people and politics of the Middle East are largely characterised as being inspired by non-rationalist, and at times quasi-savage-like, inspirations. A central assumption guiding Orientalist thought, mercilessly criticised by Said, is that cultures in Muslim countries are politically, emotionally and even intellectually backward when compared to the "Western" standard which is considered to be several centuries ahead in general cultural maturity.

In a detailed analysis of several mainstream media sources, Said claims that the politics especially of Middle Eastern cultures is not portrayed as following standard paradigms for politics. The possibility of actions being taken as a result of legitimate (or even illigitimate) grievances, economic interest, defence of national autonomy, are a priori exluded. Rather attention is drawn to religious fanaticism, an incapacity to perceive reality for what it is, an ingrained cultural stubbornness. Said basically shows that even the most "expert" commentators on the Middle East follow this racist programme which is essentially rooted in colonialist attitudes which still prevail despite political decolonialisation.

What, Said asks, would be the consequences were one to portray say Judaism or black African cultures in the same light. He thus lays bare the double standards within out cultural viewpoint which permit, or even require Arabs and Muslims in general to be presented as a backward and fanatical cultural group.

Let's take an example. The massacre of Christians in Nigeria (February 2006) is hailed as a dangerous event, taken as a manifestation of the underlying tendency within "Islam" to violence and the defeat in battle of other cultures and religions. Even those who take pains to say that these are maybe extremists and we should talk to "moderate Islam" are guilty by Said's standards. What they are doing is creating the intangible notion of "Islam" and then reputing to it responsibilities, including that of having to control the actions of extremists who, by virtue of their Muslim faith, are assumed to fall under the control of this all-powerful "Islam".

We know the story, it's repeated day after way. But, Said reminds us, consistence would require its application in other contexts. But who in their right mind argued that the massacre of Bosnian Muslims by Bosnian Catholics ("Croats") or Bosnian Orthodox Christians ("Serbs") could tell us anything about the nature of Christianity? Who in their right mind would have thought that the actions of the IRA could in any way be traced back to "Christianity" in the same sense that those of "Al Qaida" can be traced back to "Islam". Why do we think in this way about "Islam". In fact, what is "Islam", and how does it differ from "Christianity" or "Judaism".

This review cannot even pretend to do justice to this magnificent book. So many issues are touched upon by Said that it is impossible to list them all. But at every stage he invites us to think, and to challenge our cultural assumptions. Other interesting parts are his final chapter clearly inspired by the likes of Foucault, and his treatment of media analysis which offers a more nuanced view to that often cited as scripture by Chomsky followers. He does not want to impose on us his view of the world (although he would dearly love us to reject the Orientalist biases), but wants us above all to start thinking and to challenge assumptions inherent in the way the world is presented us by the media, by experts and by government.

This book is written by an intellectual and some parts are quite academic. But on the whole it is quite well readable and accessible to the general reader. To its credit it is short, yet at the same time offers a wealth of ideas with which to approach media treatments of "Islam".

Think about the "Islam" and "Christianity" opposition, and above all read this book.

EXCELLENT!, 24 Jul 2005
what can i say..
The fact that this book has the great Edward W. Said name on it gives it the potential to go straight through your head..
this book is very informative and would tell you a lot of stories that would make you wonder and think..
Islam has been a target for most media and they sure gave the world the wrong image of this fast-spreading relegion..
read the book and be ready for some eye-opening facts!!!

An In-depth Study of the Western Mediaýs Portrayal of Islam, 10 Oct 2001
This book studies in depth the issue of how Islam is seen by the West. It uncovers the roots of the image created by western media and writers. It is a very valuable work for anyone interested in the relation between Islam and the West. It sheds the light on the issues that have contributed to a false portrayal of Islam. Mr. Said explains how western media and scholars cover any event related with Islam in a framework created by pre- conceptions, prejudices & political interests. He describes the way in which Western apathy towards Islamic civilisation as a whole (literature, law, politics, history, Art, sociology, etc...) has led to a narrow understanding of Islam. He goes on to clarify how this has led to one billion Muslims worldwide, representing different societies and cultures, being judged by the acts of small unrepresentative groups that most Muslims oppose. The west needs to understand that the problem is a political and not ideological one.

Interesting read, 07 Nov 2008
I found this book by chance and wanted to give the writer a chance as well. It's a well written book with one major draw back, there is very little is the way of original sourcing. This was fustrating for me because I was interested in what the author had to say but at the same time a piece of work must show it sources. He flips the time line of the book from present day places to the past; It can be annoying. All in all, the book is worth reading and worth purchasing.

I would also like to leave you with the following quote from David King:

"Virtually all innovations in [astronomical] instrumentation in Europe up to ca. 1550 were either directly or indirectly Islamic in origin or had been conceived previously by some Muslim astronomer somewhere."


excellent book for a mulsims library, 15 May 2008
good for people who want to know or see a non-biased view about the achievements of the Islamic civilization and how they have helped the world of today from medicine to astronomy. every muslim should have it in his/hers home/pubic library to make one proud of your history and in the process elevating ones self-esteem as a muslim in these times of anti-islamic propoganda everywhere.

Superb balanced exposition of our shared history, 26 Jan 2008
As someone from the East who studied at an American liberal arts college, and quite rightly enthused with Western philosophy, science, and the development of rational thought, it has slowly dawned on me that the story is ever more complex.

Great thinkers from various cultures have enriched us - passing ideas and approaches to succeeding generations. Above all, great civilisations and thinkers have always been open to the ideas of others. The inquiring mind is driven by thirst, unconstrained by restrictive ideology that proclaims superiority of one culture over another. Ultimately there is no such lasting superiority - human beings are human beings, and no one has a claim to ascendancy. We ought to celebrate the insights and breakthroughs of all individuals no matter their background, culture and beliefs - though we often don't.

It may sound like yet another politically correct statement, but in truth that debate is sterile. What matters most to the inquiring mind is the truth - the concept of social acceptance or rejection, or of political correctness, is, and ought to be, an irrelevance. Morgan's book is not a statement about political correctness - it is a search for our history.

Studying mathematics and physics, especially its history, it slowly dawned on me that the simple story of Greek thought followed by Age of the Enlightenment in Europe is a truncated story. The truncations are in the middle - perhaps written out for biased reasons, perhaps just forgotten. There are now in fact telling clues that the Crusades played a large part in bringing the West in touch with rational thought - with science, discovery, and the spirit of inquiry.

It is sad when we cheat our children by telling them incomplete stories of human history and development. Our history is a collective history. For me the awareness that the typical Western philosophic education has chosen to eschew telling the tale of great thinkers from other cultures is a slight disappointment - given that I have always taken the Western method to be all about openness and inquiry. But then no one is perfect - be it individual or culture.

Morgan tells the story impartially and with no hint of bias. The theme is the same - that not knowing our rich history, even if belonging to the various Islamic eras in different regions in different centuries is ultimately everyone's loss. From Al Khwarizmi to Avicenna, to Caliph Rashid and his libraries in Baghdad, to the first man to develop a working parachute, Morgan tells the story of an Islamic culture embraced with a love of knowledge, spirit of inquiry and openness. It is easy to see the links to the flowering of Western thought - after the West came in touch with the East.

It is an enrichening read, all the more so because the author has no axe to grind, but to tell the actual history, and to share it with all. To both sides of the current carefully cultivated divide between East and West, this is simultaneously a delightful and sobering read. Closing one's mind to others serves no purpose. We lose our history and who we were, and where we are headed.

Tiresome minds, both from the East and the West, obsessed with proclaiming the superiority of their own cultures, will find this book an irritant. But those who are curious, and with a genuine thirst for understanding, will find this a refreshing and invaluable read. It will fill in the missing links in intellectual history that leave confusion, blindness and a sense of dissatisfaction in the inquiry mind. I would suggest a read.