Infidel
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4.5 • 45 Ratings
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- £6.99
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- £6.99
Publisher Description
'Remarkable . . . Infidel shows that a determined woman can change more history than her own' Christopher Hitchens, Sunday Times
'If there is one book that really addresses the existential issues of our civilisation, then Hirsi Ali's autobiography is it' Michael Burleigh, Sunday Telegraph
Ayaan Hirsi Ali is one of today's most admired and controversial political figures. She burst into international headlines following the murder of Theo van Gogh by an Islamist who threatened she would be next.
An international bestseller, her life story INFIDEL shows the coming of age of this elegant, distinguished – and sometimes reviled – political superstar and champion of free speech. Ultimately a celebration of triumph over adversity, Hirsi Ali's story tells how a bright, curious, dutiful little girl evolves into a pioneering freedom fighter. As Western governments struggle to balance democratic ideals with religious pressures, no other book could be more timely, or more significant.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Readers with an eye on European politics will recognize Ali as the Somali-born member of the Dutch parliament who faced death threats after collaborating on a film about domestic violence against Muslim women with controversial director Theo van Gogh (who was himself assassinated). Even before then, her attacks on Islamic culture as "brutal, bigoted, fixated on controlling women" had generated much controversy. In this suspenseful account of her life and her internal struggle with her Muslim faith, she discusses how these views were shaped by her experiences amid the political chaos of Somalia and other African nations, where she was subjected to genital mutilation and later forced into an unwanted marriage. While in transit to her husband in Canada, she decided to seek asylum in the Netherlands, where she marveled at the polite policemen and government bureaucrats. Ali is up-front about having lied about her background in order to obtain her citizenship, which led to further controversy in early 2006, when an immigration official sought to deport her and triggered the collapse of the Dutch coalition government. Apart from feelings of guilt over van Gogh's death, her voice is forceful and unbowed like Irshad Manji, she delivers a powerful feminist critique of Islam informed by a genuine understanding of the religion. 8-page photo insert.
Customer Reviews
Spellbinding
For someone who was born and bred in the secular west this book is one hell of an eyeopener. The struggles this woman went through and the plight of the millions of women she represents is something we should all be aware of.
To choose reason over an upbringing of conditioning and dogma is "miraculous" and Ayaan Hirsi Ali tells her story admirably.
This is the kind of writing that could contribute to the salvation of the human race. I applaud her...
Inspirational and a wake up call
You live a dull life always thinking of the chances you never get to improve your life, blaming either faith, a bad choice in the past or other people’s impact on your history.
This lady stood up for herself and for women like her, risking her life many times.
You need to read this book to appreciate what you have and to find the strength in yourself to build yourself a better future.
Outstanding
Wow this book is outstanding. What an inspiring story. Some people are truly special and I believe that this amazing lady is one of them. The world is a better place because of Ayaan Hirsi Ali.