In the Land of Invisible Women: A Female Doctor's Journey in the Saudi Kingdom, by Dr. Qanta A. Ahmed, 464 pages.
When Dr. Ahmed takes a job in a Saudi Arabian hospital she is forced to confront a slew of issues (religion, women's rights, Islamic culture), often with surprising results. She finds a sort of freedom in wearing the abaya (the traditional woman's cloak), reacquaints herself with the practice of Islam, goes on Hajj (pilgrimage), and gets a visit from the Mujahideen while dining with colleagues.
The most interesting parts of the book are not about the author, but when she has the chance interact with other women. Their stories - their dreams of change and improving the culture from the inside - are full of hope. I had expected the 100 pages about her pilgrimage would have more depth and detail, but found this passage to be the slowest in the book. Perhaps, it was difficult to put into words the spiritual experience, but if that's the case -there were a lot of pages devoted to it. Having the perspective of a western bred Muslim woman, a professional, dropped into a strict Islamic society gave this book substance. It left me more interested about the modern-day Kingdom and the women who live and work there.
I recommend this book if you haven't already read any Muslim memoirs or are unfamiliar with the Islamic culture. The insight into contemporary, professional women within Saudi Arabia was a highlight, and made this memoir unique.
Thanks to Sourcebooks for the advanced copy - this book is available on September 1st.
3 stars
The End.
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