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Unadorned said: In the Land of Invisible Women is a bold and honest look at, what some may consider, radical Islam through Western eyes. Ms. Ahmed guides the reader through the complicated dichotomy which is Saudi Arabia. She sheds light on the beauty of what is supposed to be true Islam and also on the sad and ugly creation into which many have twisted its path. But mostly she speaks for the many silenced women and the daily issues they face-veiling, marriage, lack of access to education and singular travel, the illegality of driving.
Books like In the Land of Invisible Women make me wish this site wasn't "unadorned." There is so much I could say; this book covered a broad spectrum of topics. It was oftentimes quite fascinating and the author did a very good job of explaining her often contradictory experiences. I especially enjoyed the account of her Hajj. In this post 9-11 world it was wonderful for someone to showcase the goodness behind Islam. It also warmed my heart to read of the progress Saudi Arabia has made in correcting their societal inequities. Though I feel it's important to note that all the author experienced is, unfortunately, considered mild in many parts of the Arab world. Hopefully this new Saudi Arabia will positively influence those around them.
My only two complaints are these. Ms. Ahmed really likes adjectives, I sometimes found the prolific use of them distracting...not to mention the author is very well educated and I had to look up many of these adjectives, the dictionary was my friend. Also, while reading, I sometimes felt a slight emotional disconnect between the author and her friends. I don't know if this was me, the author's writing style or a testament to the guarded nature of life in the Saudi Kingdom. Whatever it was, it did not diminish this book, it was fascinating and incredibly enlightening. I highly recommend In the Land of Invisible Women.
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