I started this book back in July or August and and just barely finished it yesterday. Like the Zookeeper's Wife, it took me awhile to read this book because of all the facts to take in and all the people to keep straight.
I found it both interesting and sad to learn about the conditions under which people still live in the world today. You would think that by the beginning of the 21st century, we would be a more civilized people, and yet there are still people who are doing barbaric things to one another. I can't imagine growing up under the circumstances that Ayaan did; being beaten by teachers and family, being persecuted because of your gender, and having no religious freedom. When I read the part about excision, I literally got sick. I didn't even know such a thing existed.
I think that the underlying theme of hope in this book is that even one person can make a great difference, even if they come from humble circumstances. Ayaan went through so much hardship and saw so much pain throughout her life, and she is still dealing with it today, along with death threats. It made me think of the Savior and his birth, where he grew up, how he died, and how he is by far the most influential person to ever live.
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2 comments:
I read infidel, I've just been MIA for a while with the book club...sorry. I liked the book even though many of its' contents are shocking when viewed in the light of our American culture.
I am amazed at Ayaan's courage and ability to stand up for what she thought was right. She experienced so many terrible things in her lifetime and I admire her for standing up for women's rights and educating others about her experiences even though she put her life on the line to do so. Her story made me ever grateful for the country I live in and the human rights that we have.
I read it too... The thing I thought about the most at the end was how Ayaan denounced God. But the god she denounced wasn't the same person we know as our loving Heavenly Father. All of the reasons she believed God wasn't a good person - disrespect for women, lack of choice, etc, are things we know as inaccurate. God is a loving Heavenly Father who does care about the suffering of his children.
It is certainly an eye-opening book.
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