Review:Nine Parts of Desire:The Hidden World Islamic Women

[tinegunner]

3 out of 4 stars.
Someone lent me this book. I don’t read a lot of non-fiction, but I was interested in the subject matter, as it is obviously relevant to our times even living in the US, and I also know a lot of Middle Eastern women. This book was written in 1995, and 20 years later, the same issues prevail as major problems in the world today.

Brooks presents a fairly dim outlook on the state of Muslim women in the Middle East. The author lived in the Middle East and traveled and met women from many different countries. Her book is a firsthand account of her conversations and observations about these women and the men who shape their lives. It is important to note that Brooks very clearly delineates between what the Koran teaches and says about women, and what Muslim leaders and country leaders have made into law and misconstrued to keep women in their place.

The book is broken into chapters each dealing with a specific topic such as The Veil, Virginity, Schooling, Mohammed’s wives, etc. From here the chapters are organized loosely and a bit disorganized with a mixing of historical facts, opinions, and conversations with women that Brooks either came across or set out to meet and interview. The authors experience spans years and is very detailed.

What I found striking was Brooks portrayal that the majority of women she came across seemed somewhat satisfied with their position in life, that being extremely oppressed. Some women even tended to push for more conservative ideals when given the choice. No doubt these women have been systematically ‘brainwashed’ to follow whatever the leaders/men of their country/household are doing, but it was still depressing to realize. For instance, there were many accounts of women who chose or chose not to wear the veil when given the choice, and most women Brooks accounted for had chosen it. There’s a small percentage of my being that can understand wanting to be concealed from the male gender’s viewing pleasure, however, being beaten or arrested for having your wrist shown in public or wearing a nail polish is the ultimate end to this “choice”.

Brooks also spends a lot of time discussing the clitordectomy, a sad procedure that is popular in many Muslim countries, although never sanctioned in the Koran. Although this made for quite a heart-wrenching and depressing thought, it is really a huge human rights problem that requires attention.

Maybe the one thing that was missing was more of a review of the conditions that exist in Middle Eastern countries that help fester the environment that requires women to be secluded and oppressed often without education, proper health care, professions and basic equal rights. The economic conditions of these countries as well as the lack of democracy, in my opinion play a huge role in the backwards treatment of women. She touches on it briefly, but if you’re going to make current observations on a subject you might as well try to figure out why the state exists. Overall it is an interesting read if you have any interest in women’s rights or Middle Eastern conditions, but it left me with a sad outlook on the future. There were not many positive stories within the book, and from the Muslim women I know, they seem to have a blast together, and can be very happy in their female camaraderie.

[Skillian]

Very good review. I can feel the sadness you experienced reading this book. I like how you lay out the various subjects the book touches on, and also in what areas is seemed lacking. It definitely seems like an important perspective to look into, despite its depressing nature. Not all good books are about good things. I am happy that the women you know personally don't reflect the same mood as the book, and it makes me wonder as to what the differences really are. It would suggest that a lot of problems lie with their society and less in their beliefs (which you alluded to). I am going to add this book to my reading list.

[Hawa]

Thanks for a good and objective review about what can sometimes be a touchy subject. I'm so grateful that the author was able to separate the religion from the culture. Maybe, as a Muslim woman living in a Muslim country....but not in the Middle East, I should write a book on how the other half (of Muslim women) lives! I love your last sentence as, having 'a blast together' and being 'very happy in' our 'female camaraderie' very much sums up many of my social interactions here.

[ananya92]

Avery well written review and definitely an issue that is both sensitive and interesting to read about. However, I think from the review it comes across that the author already has an opinion regarding the life of women in Middle East and is beginning the research from a set premise. Still, the book is worth a read since it deals with a serious issue of concern.