This wonderful little book tells the story of an educated woman of Iran who participated in the Islamic Revolution and rose her voice to criticize it This wonderful little book tells the story of an educated woman of Iran who participated in the Islamic Revolution and rose her voice to criticize it in terms of gender equality and other democratic issues, while remaining utterly faithful to her religion and to her country. She won the noble prize, as she see's it for her "one refrain: an interpretation of Islam that is in harmony with equality and democracy is an authentic expression of faith" (p. 204)....more
A masterpiece. Rushdie's prose is more like poetry, flowing, branching, playing with the role of author and reader, post-modern and fantastic. I lovedA masterpiece. Rushdie's prose is more like poetry, flowing, branching, playing with the role of author and reader, post-modern and fantastic. I loved, loved it....more
This is one of those very, very fast reads. It's an interesting story, but not gorgeous literature. Most importantly, I liked this book for the light This is one of those very, very fast reads. It's an interesting story, but not gorgeous literature. Most importantly, I liked this book for the light it shed on the mess of Afghanistan, the nightmare of the Taliban. While I'm horribly opposed to U.S. forces being involved, I'm greatly concerned about the return of the Taliban.
I'm not sure what the best path is.
Anyway, this was a touching, disturbing, and beautiful story....more
I loved the writing in this book. I loved the difficult nature of his text. I understand that some people, some very literary people, despise his inceI loved the writing in this book. I loved the difficult nature of his text. I understand that some people, some very literary people, despise his incessant amount of detail. I think it works, and works marvelously. This book is an experience and I found it wonderfully captivating....more