Ultimately a celebration of triumph over adversity, Hirsi Ali's story tells how a bright little girl evolved out of dutiful obedience to become an outspoken, pioneering freedom fighter. As Western governments struggle to balance democratic ideals with religious pressures, no story could be timelier or more significant.

Average Rating:


Review: 2009-11-21

I wish I could erase my brain so I could read it for the first time again!
This is a great, well-written book. I totally loved it. A number of years ago a book came out about some saudi arabian princess who fled to the west (leaving her DAUGHTER!) which was obvious BS. No mother would leave their DAUGHTER and take their SON out of saudi arabia. It sucked, much of it rang as being untrue, it was simplified and obviously created for the paperback market. BUT my mom and all her friends were really INTO this book and swore up and down it was true and it went on and on - it was aggravating. After some time my mom came to her senses though (she is a trial attorney after all) and now that I have read this book, I passed it onto her because it is a terrific, well-written, thoughtful account of the life of a girl growing to be a woman in a heavily Islamic area (including an account of Saudi Arabia, I might add). It rings true, it was a fantastic book and easy to read (and difficult to put down).

In addition, it was very interesting to me because as the book progresses, you come to know about the recent history in Somalia which is very interesting in and of itself.

What I really liked about the authour is she's ballsy! She shows up in some foreign place without speaking the language and knowing her family's gonna be pissed and she goes for it anyway. She's discouraged at every step from going to University but she gets in and does it. She's a great lady and even better, what she says is very controversial - these radical Muslem types have put out a death warrant for her so what she has to say is especially interesting for this reason alone. A wonderful critique that changed my mind about Islam, women's rights, and the hazards of being PC.


Review: 2009-10-22

Best book I have read in years
Infidel is a well written page turning autobiography. It gives the reader a true glance into different political systems and religions and shows their effects on women. This is the best book I have read in many years. I highly recommend it.



Review: 2009-10-19

A Refresher Course on Liberty
The best kind of autobiography: the kind that gives you perspective on ways of life that you never knew existed, let alone knew how much of an impact they could have on you. Hirsi Ali is a liberal pragmatist, with a truer understanding of liberty than almost every other politician I've heard say two words together.

It's unfortunate to think that Hirsi Ali's atheism may dissuade people from touching this book, especially since the kind of people who would actually be dissuaded by her personal beliefs on God are more than likely those with the most desperate need for a refresher course on the ideal of liberty.

For those with such reservations, I would recommend at least reading up to the point at which she enters The Netherlands, as the preceding pages will at least offer some startling and unforgettable insights into Islam, east African culture, political Islamisation, the civil wars of the region and their practical impact on its citizens, religious fundamentalism, and the treatment of women.

These in themselves are more than enough to make this book a more than worthwhile read, especially for those whose sole purpose in picking up a book is to gain additional context for the world around them.


Review: 2009-10-18

Extraordinary Work
This extraordinary work should be a must for all book groups. It is a compelling novel that illuminates a culture that most Americans have little knowledge of. The author must be commended for her courage and fortitude.

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