Some people like books that make them sad. I like books that get me angry.
Romeo Dallaire’s Shake Hands with the Devil did that for me. So did Shirin Ebadi’s Iran Awakening.
Ayaan Hirsi Ali’s Infidel is one of those, and while I can’t say I’m a fan of all her conclusions, I’ve rarely had so much trouble putting down a book.
It’s an autobiographical account that starts with a miserable childhood in Somalia and Kenya, replete with civil war, “honour killings” and a raw description of her forced circumcision that now makes me physically cringe every time I hear the practice mentioned. The story moves to Holland where she escapes as a desperate refugee, looking for safe haven from the family she dishonours and the Canadian stranger who would be her husband. She gains citizenship, earns a Master’s degree and incredibly gets herself elected to the Dutch Parliament. She also befriends Theo van Gogh, the Dutch filmmaker who was stabbed to death on his bicycle and left in the street with a letter pinned to his chest. If you weren’t hooked already, the kicker is that the letter is addressed to her. What a story.
Unfortunately, (at least from my perspective), today she’s working as a researcher at the American Enterprise Institute - a hard-right, profit-is-king, government-is-bad think-tank based in Washington, D.C. But to be fair, if I’d lived her life and had her experiences with government, I might be writing them cheques too.
At any rate, the book is fantastic. Check out a review or three, pick up a copy, and decide for yourself.
2 responses so far ↓
1 maya // Mar 4, 2008 at 11:29 am
Female genital mutilation always makes me cringe. i think that, while it’s unpleasant to hear about it, it’s necessary to know about this shameful practice.
This book definitely looks intriguing, to say the least. I’m definitely pleased that she escaped and is able to share her stories.
2 Leah // Mar 5, 2008 at 1:25 pm
oh man, shake hands with the devil is by far the most emotionally shattering book i have ever read.
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