A Thousand Veils

by D.J. Murphy

When Fatima Shihabi, an Iraqi poet and journalist, learns she is marked for death by Saddam Hussein's secret police, she flees Iraq, evading Saddam's helicopters hunting her in the desert, only to discover that no other country will grant her asylum. Her flight from Saddam's vengeance, and the extraordinary efforts of Charles Sherman, a Wall Street lawyer, to save her life, is the subject of this gripping novel, inspired by a true story. How Fatima and Charles, bound by their common humanity, love for each other, and fate, manage to thwart Saddam and achieve redemption sends a powerful message to the post-9/11 world. Their story points the way toward eventual reconciliation and synthesis between Islam and the West. D.J. Murphy is a retired international lawyer, whose practice included representation of refugees seeking asylum in the United States. The author contributes ten percent (10%) of net royalties derived from this book to the United Nations High Commission on Refugees.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Middle East

396 pages, Paperback

First published January 24, 2008

About the author

For 25 years I practiced international corporate law in New York City, Paris, Saudi Arabia and Cincinnati. Part of my practice involved refugees from the Middle East, Yugoslavia and the Soviet Union who were seeking asylum in the United States. Although these refugees were sometimes fleeing war, imprisonment, torture, or even death, it was tremendously difficult to obtain asylum for them. In one case, in particular, by winning an asylum case, I knew that I had helped to save the life of the refugee.

These refugees also changed my life. I decided to take early retirement in order to write a book, inspired by their stories. My novel "A Thousand Veils" is the result. It is the fictional account of a courageous Iraqi journalist and poet who risks her life to expose the truth about the Hussein regime in the hope that her daughter will be able to grow up in a freer society.

"A Thousand Veils" won the 2009 Colorado Authors League's award for mainstream fiction and was a finalist for the Colorado Book Award, sponsored by Colorado Humanities. It received a gold star from TeensReadToo and is in their Hall of Fame.

I am contributing ten percent of my net royalties on "A Thousand Veils" to the United Nations High Commission on Refugees.

Additional information is provided in the following interviews:

With Julie Triedman on American Law Daily - http://amlawdaily.typepad.com/amlawda...

With Luan Gaines on Curled Up with a Good Book - http://www.curledup.com/intmurphy.htm


A sampling of reviews (see Goodreads and Amazon for other reviews).

Denver Bar Association newsletter - http://www.denbar.org/docket/doc_arti...

Blogs: http://caitesdayatthebeach.blogspot.c...

http://chikune.com/blog/?p=402

http://www.frontstreetreviews.com/100...

I have prepared a set of book club discussion points for "A Thousand Veils" which can be obtained by emailing me at Veils1000@aol.com. I enjoy interacting with readers and have given numerous book club presentations. If your book club would be interested in selecting "A Thousand Veils," I would be happy to participate in the discussion by phone.

"A Thousand Veils" is available on Amazon (US, Canada, UK, France, Germany and Japan), BarnesandNoble.com and other online bookstore sites. It can be obtained in ebook form on Amazon Kindle and lulu.com. Numerous public libraries also have "A Thousand Veils," but if your local library does not have a copy, please ask it to acquire one.

Reviews

[Jennifer Wardrip · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed by Jaglvr for TeensReadToo.com

A THOUSAND VEILS is not a traditional young adult book. But the story will have appeal for older teens as well as adults. In our post 9/11 days, the cultures of the Middle East and America are extremely separate.

D. J. Murphy writes a compelling and page-turning suspense novel. A note on the copyright page alerts the reader that the events are inspired by and in part based on a true story. Having read that notice, I was skeptical on how the story would present itself. I shouldn't have doubted Murphy's ability to craft an amazing tale.

The reader is captured from the first pages. Fatima Shihabi is awakened during the night by a cryptic phone call. She knows immediately that her life is in danger and she must flee within the hour. From that moment on, the story unfolds with heart-stopping terror and anticipation.

Fatima has grown up in Iraq and loves her country and her family with all her heart. What she doesn't love is the deterioration of her culture under Saddam Hussein's regime. As a writer, she has been able to publish women and children interest stories in her country. But after subtly injecting a jab at the government in one of her articles, she is imprisoned and tortured. Only by her brother's connections in the government is she freed.

After her scare, she returns to fluff pieces that will not get her into trouble. But that doesn't last long, and after the fateful call, she is on a journey for her freedom and her life.

With a call to her brother Omar in the United States, Fatima's life falls into the hands of an unlikely Wall Street lawyer, Charles Sherman. Charles is known for his big corporate deals, not for pro-bono refugee work. But his boss and mentor, Art, believes Charles is the right one for the case, having spent many years in Saudi Arabia brokering deals for the Arabs. Unknowingly, Charles is not content with his current life. Taking on Fatima's case will cause a life-altering change.

Charles and Fatima eventually meet on foreign soil and, through intellectual conversations, they come to know and love each other. Fatima points out the failings of the United States government, while giving insight into the women and the culture she has lived and loved. Charles returns repeatedly to his fascination with the veils that the women in Fatima's culture use to cover themselves. Fatima opens Charles' eyes, revealing that everyone wears a veil of some creation.

Murphy weaves the story beautifully. It captures the human spirit of survival and perseverance. Each character discovers hidden strengths and abilities that they never knew they had. The persecution and resistance Fatima encounters in every step of her journey will inflame the reader, and the ending will leave you amazed at the human spirit.

[Colleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I requested this book from the author because the summary sounded so interesting; it wasn't until later that I realized it was a self-published book. On the one hand, I am surprised that Murphy has been unable to find a publisher as he has the bones of a great story and is obviously able to write. On the other hand, the opening pages alone almost convinced me not to read any further- the description of the sandstorm is as clear an example as I've ever read of overwriting. Thankfully, the use of adjectives calms down as the novel progresses and is never again as distracting as in the opening.

The story here is a compelling one- journalist and poet Fatima Shihabi is forced to flee Iraq when Uday Hussein learns she has been writing subversive articles for foreign press outlets. Fatima, whose family connections saved her once before when her writing led to weeks of imprisonment and torture, escapes Iraq through the desert only to end up in the hands of an unfriendly Saudi officer determined to send her back to her tormenters. When she is allowed a final phone call to her brother Omar in New York, he draws in corporate lawyer Charles Sherman whose contacts in Saudi grant Fatima a reprieve.

As Charles tries to work his contacts to get Fatima asylum in the U.S., they meet in France and fall in love. As Fatima's past rapidly catches up with her, she makes the momentous decision to return to her daughter in Iraq, and Charles decides to accompany her. I won't share to any more details so as to avoid spoilers, but it was at this point that I felt the story began to break down.

I felt the love story between Fatima and Charles was an unnecessary complication, and everything that happened after they returned to Iraq was the kind of unrealistic series of events usually only seen on 24. I felt the adventure aspect of the story was forced, and definitely didn't require the day by day chapter breakdowns. I found the book long, and definitely thought the narrative lagged, especially in the philosophical conversations between Charles and Fatima.

In my opinion, Murphy has a strong storyline in this book, and I am surprised he hasn't made a sale to mainstream publisher. Right now the novel is part adventure story, part love story, part condemnation of U.S. immigration policy, part attempt to bridge the gap between Islam and the West. A strong edit that focused the book around one central message would yield a much tighter book that I think would sell well.

I'm giving this one 3 stars- 3.5 for potential, 2.5 for execution.

[Val · Rating 5 out of 5]

review written for www.teensreadtoo.com

A THOUSAND VEILS by D. J. Murphy
Category: Contemporary
Age Recommendation: Grade 9+
Release Date: January 24, 2008
Publisher: lulu.com
Reviewed by: JAGLVR
Stars: 5 + Gold Star

A THOUSAND VEILS is not a traditional young adult book. But the story will have appeal for older teens as well as adults. In our post 9/11 days, the cultures of the Middle East and America are extremely separate.

D.J. Murphy writes a compelling and page-turning suspense novel. A note on the copyright page alerts the reader that the events are inspired by and in part based on a true story. Having read that notice, I was skeptical on how the story would present itself. I shouldn’t have doubted Mr. Murphy’s ability to craft an amazing tale.

The reader is captured from the first pages. Fatima Shihabi is awakened during the night by a cryptic phone call. She knows immediately that her life is in danger and she must flee within the hour. From that moment on, the story unfolds with heart stopping terror and anticipation.

Fatima has grown up in Iraqi and loves her country and her family with all her heart. What she doesn’t love is the deterioration of her culture under Saddam Hussein’s regime. As a writer, she has been able to publish women and children interest stories in her country. But after subtly injecting a jab at the government in one of her articles, she is imprisoned and tortured. Only by her brother’s connections in the government is she freed.

After her scare, she returns to fluff pieces that will not get her into trouble. But that doesn’t last long, and after the fateful call, she is on a journey for her freedom and her life.

With a call to her brother Omar in the United States, Fatima’s life falls into the hands of an unlikely Wall Street lawyer, Charles Sherman. Charles is known for his big corporate deals, not for pro-bono refugee work. But his boss and mentor Art believes Charles is the right one for the case, having spent many years in Saudi Arabia brokering deals for the Arabs. Unknowingly, Charles is not content with his current life. Taking on Fatima’s case will cause a life altering change.

Charles and Fatima eventually meet on foreign soil and through intellectual conversations, they come to know and love each other. Fatima points out the failings of the United States government, while giving insight into the women and the culture she has lived and loved. Charles returns repeatedly to his fascination with the veils that the women in Fatima’s culture use to cover themselves. Fatima opens Charles’ eyes, revealing that everyone wears a veil of some creation.

Mr. Murphy weaves his story beautifully. It captures the human spirit of survival and perseverance. Each character discovers hidden strengths and abilities that they never knew they had. The persecution and resistance Fatima encounters in every step of her journey will inflame the reader, and the ending will leave the reader amazed at the human spirit.

[Sandie · Rating 5 out of 5]

With A Thousand Veils, D. J. Murphy provides us with a stunning scenario that allows us to occupy a front row seat as the life of Fatima Shihabi, poet-journalist and reluctant dissident unfolds. Witness to the oppression of her fellow countrymen and personal victim of Saddam's secret police, Fatima knows that she a marked woman. Should she abandon her child, place her family in jeopardy and flee her country in order to save herself? Once safe, how will she be able to rescue her daughter? Can her brother, Omar, a U.S citizen and professor at Columbia University obtain the help she so desperately needs? A multitude of questions, all requiring answers.

Eventually Fatima concludes that she must temporarily abandon her daughter, and flee her homeland to seek asylum, something most countries are hesitant, if not unwilling, to grant an Iraqi citizen in the politically charged atmosphere of a post 9-11 world. Enter Charles Sherman, high powered New York attorney and a man intensely haunted by the memory of a fateful September morning. His mission: to navigate the bureaucratic waters of international law and find a country in the world willing to provide sanctuary to this woman and, ultimately, to assist her in the rescue of her child .

So begins this powerful and enlightening account of a man and a woman, separated by cultural, historical and religious differences, who, through a sharing of their painful life experiences learn to put aside individual prejudices and beliefs and come to appreciate and accept each other as they work together to achieve their common goal.

This fictionalized account is based upon actual events and provides the reader with a new perspective of not only the violence in the Middle East and the events that are daily shaping our ever changing world, but also furnishes insight into the knowledge and persistence required to navigate the paperwork maze called political asylum.

It is obvious that Mr. Murphy has drawn on his legal expertise and personal experience as a human rights lawyer as he adroitly leads us through this explosive political minefield of a tale; the culmination of which leave us with an unsettling and incontrovertible understanding that freedom comes at a substantial cost, and not all of that cost is monetary in nature. A solid 4 1/2 stars.

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel took me on a wild ride with action and suspense around every corner in addition to an education on cultural diversity and US immigration policy. For some reason I was expecting more from the point of view of Fatima Shihabi, the persecuted Iraqi journalist, but instead experienced a much larger portion of the story from inside the mind of Charles Sherman – a Wall Street attorney. I would have liked to hear more from Fatima – a strong Bedouin/Muslim woman, and less of Charles Sherman’s dealings with Mr. Witherspoon which became a bit redundant to me and didn’t add to the story.

I found many aspects of this book very interesting as well as heart-wrenching. Through Charles, I appreciated the glimpse into the mind of a 9/11 survivor and what it must be like to try and return to ‘normal’ (if there is such a thing after 9/11) in addition to dealing with survivor’s guilt. In reference to Islam, I learned the difference between the Shiite and Sunni sects. I also feel a better understanding of Islam as it relates to women in that in its inception it set women free. It’s the fundamentalists that are misinterpreting the Koran and making life miserable for women under Islam, not the religion itself. Learning the effects that UN Sanctions had on the innocent people and children of Iraq was hard to hear but also reality. Of course, you can’t visit Iraq without touching on the torture that went on under Saddam’s regime which was gut-wrenchingly horrific. I also found the contrast and comparison of Muslim women versus western women very eye-opening, giving me cause to stop and think.

In the end, I give the storyline of this book a 5 and content a 3.5. A total page turner and satisfying read, I can definitely see this international, legal-action thriller being made into a blockbuster movie.

[Betty]

A gripping, timely tale! My pick for best debut novel so far in 2008.

Right up front, I'd like to say that if there were more than five stars this is one of the rare books I would give them to! It's fabulous! I kid you not!

Author D. J. Murphy has written the best debut novel I've read so far in 2008. Set in 2002, A Thousand Veils is a timely book about Fatima Shihabi, an Iraqi poet and journalist who has been marked for death by Saddam Hussein's secret police. Having had a happy childhood with good parents and adoring brothers, Fatima has always been independent and grows to hold strong opinions about women's rights ... which gets her into trouble on more than one occasion in a society that suppresses women.

Fatima is forced to marry a sadistic older man who beats and abuses her, ultimately divorcing her when she gives birth to a girl instead of the son he so desperately wants. During the marriage, her only solace is writing poetry. Ironically, the divorce frees her.

One of her beloved brothers helps her enter the university where her writing catches the eye of teachers who encourage her to publish some articles abroad, under a pseudonym. Her free-thinking writing is the initial cause of her troubles.

At one time, Hussein's police arrest and torture her, but finally release her. Many women revere her for her writing and many kindnesses to them, so one of them alerts her that they are coming to arrest her again. With help from underground acquaintances, this brave, determined woman escapes the country. Getting out is an emotional as well as physical ordeal because she is forced to leave her young daughter behind.

What does she do when no country is willing to accept her? Why isn't she allowed to go to her older brother in the United States? Does she ever get her daughter back? What happens when the brother finally catches the attention of Charles Sherman, a Wall Street lawyer with Iraqi connections. And how does Charles at last break through the wall of resistance on her behalf, then insist on meeting her in Paris.

A bond develops between them and Charles defies all odds to keep Fatima safe. Could it be love in bloom? Well, you'll have to read for yourself to find out more.

This is a high-drama story filled with intrigue of the highest degree, depravity beyond human comprehension, kindness born of desperation, of love beyond measure. A story of a resourceful Iraqi woman and a determined American lawyer, bound by their common humanity. A gripping story that will enthrall you from beginning to end.

Author D. J. Murphy writes with a powerful voice that resonates with authenticity. His style is smooth and seemingly effortless, making me feel as though I were there with the characters as they move from one exciting locale to another: Saudi Arabia, Baghdad, the French Alps, New York, Paris. The book's authenticity is partly because Murphy is a retired International lawyer whose practice included representation of refugees seeking asylum in the United States, partly because Murphy interviewed many refugees and was inspired by a true story.

End note: Although a completely different story, this book reminds me of my choice for debut novel of 2006, Echoes from the Infantry: A Novel by Frank Nappi, a school teacher from Long Island. Nappi interviewed U.S. veterans from World War II for his story about the aftermath of war on the families of service people.

Reviewed by: Betty Dravis, 2008
Author of: 1106 Grand Boulevard
The Toonies Invade Silicon Valley
Millennium Babe: The Prophecy

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Post 9/11 World, Both Realistic and Romanticized
This is the riveting story of an Iraqi writer escaping the tyranny of Saddam Hussein's regime one year after the events of September 11th, and the American attorney caught up in her case.

Fatima Shihabi is a beautiful young woman and gifted poet, who like many Iraqi women of her generation, is born into extremely limiting circumstances. Forced into an arranged marriage and then divorced when she produces a daughter (Latifa) rather than a son, she's taken in by one of her kind brothers and manages to get an education and a position with Iraq's government-controlled newspaper, Babel. As a professional journalist she writes about the plight of her fellow countrymen, doing her best to infiltrate the work with both genuine praise to Allah and false praise of Hussein's regime. And even though she manages to keep her revealing, personal poetry a secret, she's soon discovered as a threat and an enemy, tortured and marked for death because of her writing and because of information that is revealed to her. Meanwhile back in New York, Charles Sherman, a hard-working, hotshot attorney and 9/11 survivor, is asked to take the case of her potential asylum pro-bono. He's in the midst of a career make-or-break contract negotiation and has a rather rocky romance to deal with as well. Because of his inordinate number of appropriate worldwide contacts and his highly likeable and heroic nature, he's the perfect man for the job.

Thoroughly taken in by the story, I found it hard to put down this book. At times, however, I felt the minute-to-minute details burdensome and wished the story moved more quickly. Other times I felt the urge to get out my editor's red pen and turn five words into one, and cut blocks of copy where it bogged down. Also, I'm all for word wealth, but this reading experience sent me to my dictionary a few times when lofty vocabulary words were used in place of simpler (more readable) selections, particularly in the beginning. Fortunately, this technique subsided after the first few chapters and I was pleased to learn some basics regarding the Sunni and Shiite differences and conflicts, and consider the differences between American and Muslim cultures. They, by the way are better illustrated through simple character development than Fatima's preaching, but at least it made Charles all the more likeable--and believable--particularly as he's taken in by Fatima's obsidian eyes and her sometimes strong, sometimes wavering resolve. She, nevertheless, is a classic tragic heroine--hence the romanticism of this modern story.

D.J. Murphy is clearly a writing talent and I appreciate time spent reading A Thousand Veils. Very well done.

[Irene · Rating 5 out of 5]

In his debut novel, A Thousand Veils, D. J. Murphy offers us an extraordinary fusion of sinuous literary vision interlaced with compelling dialogue as he relates the remarkable journey of Fatima Shihabi. This rare, intellectual woman of superior strength, sensitivity, and courage is a target for assassination by Saddam Hussein’s vast sadistic forces. Morally compelled to write her poignant literary chronicles about the ordinary lives of the Iraqi people, she has dishonored her family and again has violated the rules of Saddam’s regime.

As the rasping sand gusts around her, Fatima wraps her veil tightly around her face, her eyes watching those around her. Fatima’s ominous premonition merges with her conviction that she is a true Bedouin, a child of the desert. Such passionate moments are fleeting for a Bedouin Muslim woman. Fatima’s astute intuition rises from previous experience. Her past reward for seditious writing was torture and a prison sentence. She will not wait for the death sentence. Her only alternative is torture in itself, leave her young daughter with her brother, and escape from her beloved country.

Charles Sherman, a brilliant but morally challenged NYC attorney enters the foray at the request of a colleague. He is quick to find reasons for rejecting an ambiguous assignment that involves facilitating the rescue and US asylum of an unknown Iraqi woman. Currently engrossed in a corporate coup, one that could propel him to the peak of monetary and public recognition, he is reluctant to exhaust his intellectual abilities, and time constraints for a pro bono obligation.

Why Charles finally acquiesces to this unusual request is initially a mystery. One the reader is encouraged to discover.

As a debut novel, the author has provided remarkable insight into the horrific and inhumane dictatorship of Saddam Hussein and his equally despicable sons. Based on a true story, one in which I believe the author was prominent, this reader was left with intense emotional feelings of respect for the ordinary Iraqi people who were subjected to a narcissistic regime with no regard for the daily hardships endured.

[Don · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I found the beginning a bit forced, like how I might write were I to gather the courage to tackle the page, after a slightly rocky beginning, Veils took off for me. It is very hard to illustrate the well-known hardships of a people, their landscape and their government without being a tad cliche. Murphy got through it, however, and delivered a good story that surprised me. Occasionally moralizing and text-bookish in the way that it conveys the history of Islam, Veils nevertheless delivers a good read and a window to a world that consistently and violently finds itself in the center of the news.

I really enjoyed this novel. Set in the middle east, as so many of today’s compelling stories are, Veils chronicles the span of only a few weeks in the lives of two people. The story opens with the raw landscape of the beautiful and harsh desert against which the circumstances of our protagonist are unfolded. This first time novel by D.J. Murphy takes us on a journey beset with suspense, intrigue and at times lessons in cultural diversity.

Veils leads us through situation that are, at times, somewhat hard to believe and at others brutally credible. What I enjoyed most about this novel is the juxtaposition of Iraq, the region of the world where civilization began, against modern day, post September 11th, New York City. In stark contrast to the struggles of the main protagonist, our New Your based lawyer’s life is very nearly opulent, almost ridiculous. Yet, at the same time, for those of us urban dwellers, the latter is disturbingly comfortable.

A satisfying read, this is the first work of fiction I’ve read that deals directly with the events of September 11th. I had a close friend live through that ordeal and friends of friends whose stories are surreal. I have often wondered about the psychological effects such an event would have on a survivor and through Veils, I believe I got a glimpse.

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the legal/action thriller, A Thousand Veils by D. J. Murphy, Fatima Shihabi, a female Iraqi poet and journalist, is fighting a desperate battle to escape Saddam Hussein’s regime. With the aid of a brother who now lives in America, she enlists the help of Charles Sherman, a Wall Street lawyer. The story follows the life of Fatima through her early years as the only daughter in a family of five children, an unhappy marriage, and a previous episode of torture in Saddam’s prisons, in addition to her final battle to escape Iraq and certain death. The book also focuses on the life of Charles Sherman who was fortunate enough to escape the 2001 attack on the World Trade Center, and is still haunted both by survivor’s guilt and the horrific images from that day. Together, they attempt to evade a pair of Iraqi agents sent to track Fatima down and return her to Iraq.
The story, though entertaining, pretty much follows the typical genre formula, without any major plot twists, complex character development, or witty dialogue to make it stand out the least bit from the rest of the pack. However, I do have to give the author kudos for having the courage to follow where the story leads and allow even the good guys to die if the story requires it, and for giving the modern Muslim Middle-Eastern woman a voice. Throughout the book it is very apparent that this story is near and dear to the author’s heart. According to the back cover it was inspired by a true story and the author is donating ten percent of the net royalties from the book to the United Nations High Commission on Refugees.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently read A Thousand Veils after reading the author's page here on goodreads.com. The first few pages left me wondering what I had gotten myself into. They were a little overwritten, if you will. It was too flowery, and too overly descriptive. With those beginning jitters out of the way, the book settled down into a page-turning account of one woman's quest to be free to speak her mind, and one hardnosed corporate lawyer's attempts to bring her to the United States.

I wasn't sure what to make of Charles' pseudo-romance with Fatima. Was it unnecessary to the telling of the story? Was it true? At times it felt as if Charles and Fatima didn't really love each other, but were instead romanced by the adrenaline and intrigue of their situation. In my experience at least, setting often adds a pretext to a situation which wouldn't otherwise be romantic. I felt as if they were almost like the characters in "Lost in Translation", in love with the other purely because they saw the other as a "shelter in the storm" or a kindred spirit, instead of a conventional love.

I'd definitely recommend the book, however, you will probably spend much of it wondering which parts were in fact based on truth, and which were literary liberties.

[Tascha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a gripping and moving book, suspenseful, mostly very well written and hard to put down once you're in the midst of it. Interestingly enough, the female characters are for the most part clearer and more interesting than the male characters. Fatima comes through very clearly and believably, and Sarah is also a very intriguing character. I didn't feel Charles as clearly as I did Fatima, and I felt that his "muscled" physique was perhaps emphasized a tad too much. The descriptions of Iraq are informative and well-drawn, and the metaphor of the veil running through the story on many levels rings true and adds to the meaning of the whole. The pace and suspense of the story and the very real issues that the story reminds us of are definitely enough to carry the novel and make it an interesting and enjoyable read.

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I believe this book reflects the life of women in Iraq and what they had to endure. Everyday freedoms that we take for granted are impossible there. Although some of the scenes are hard to get through because of the way Fatima was tortured. You do get a sense of what life is like there for an educated woman. As the novel progresses you really care about her character. I really wanted the story to have a happy ending but alas it has a more realistic ending I suppose. I won't spoil it for you. I enjoyed the use of Charles, the wall street business lawyer as her advocate and later lover. Fatima's life had a profound affect on everyone around her. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the Middle East and Muslim culture.

[Kirsta · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you go into this book expecting Jason F Wright or James Patterson, it will be fine. If you go expecting Khaled Hosseini, as I did, you will be disappointed.

If the big 'I love you' scene had taken place sooner than page 300, I wouldn't have finished it, but as it was page 300ish, I felt committed and finished. I then loudly exclaimed "give me a break!" upon completion.

I'll stick with 2 stars because I believe the biggest problem with the book was my own unmet expectations.

[KnowWhatILike · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written novel about an Iraqi poet who has to escape Saddam and the New York lawyer who tries to save her life. The book is quite a thriller and very difficult to put down. In addition, it provides insights into the Islam culture, the Sunni and Shiite sects, and the differences and similarities between Muslim and Western women.

[Julie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Okay, I gave it one star for the way it started. But then it talked about "lustrous eyes" and "beautiful visage". Come on, really. I'm sorry, it was so sappy, I only read about one word a page from the middle to the end just to get it over with. Oh, actually, there was a couple of poems, they were kind of nice.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderful book. insight into a woman's life in iraq under saddam hussein's rule

started online with first 9 chapters, then HAD to go get book!

[Alaina Manor · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this novel, a woman, named Fatima, is seeking freedom from the harsh conditions of Iraq after 9/11. To escape torture and death because of her political writings, Fatima is sent out of the country by her brother and an American lawyer named Charles. Charles is in the middle of the biggest deal of his career but sacrifices his time to help Fatima. She escapes Iraq with only few problems, but is followed by spies from Iraq assigned to kill her. Charles, Fatima, and her brother all meet up in France, only to be followed by a mysterious man. When trying to escape the man, Fatima's brother is killed trying to protect Fatima. Charles then flees with Fatima to Iraq because she wants to save her daughter, Latifa. Although they are careful not to be spotted, Fatima ends up in a women's prison and Charles and Latifa set out to rescue her. Meanwhile, Fatima is tortured by having to place her arm in a bag with deadly insects and a snake. Charles saves her from the prison but not before she was bitten by the deadly snake. Charles could not save Fatima in time and she dies. Charles and Latifa are crushed with the death of Fatima. Fatima's last wish is for Charles to care for Latifa and he keeps his promise. Charles takes Latifa to America, and keeps her there with him and his new wife, Sarah, until Iraq is safe. Eventually, Latifa leaves America to go back to her home and live with Fatima's other brother who loves Latifa like a daughter. Charles then becomes a human rights lawyer and uses his power to help other people, and Latifa becomes like her mother, expressing her opinions through poems and journals.
There are many cultural aspects of Iraq that differ from those of America. One that stood out in the novel was the torture that the Iraqi prisons used. Many prisoners were tortured daily, and even killed. Some of the torture included, amputations, nail removal, and rape. These things do not happen in American prisons, and would not be tolerated. Another difference between the two cultures was the government. While the Iraqi government is a tyranny, America is a Democracy. Saddam Hussein controllef everything and murdered many people for their mere opinions. America has one leader but many others under him that supervise and have to approve his choices. The last big difference between the cultures is the role of women. In Iraq, women are treated as property and do not have many rights. In some parts of Iraq, women have jobs and do not have to wear the veil, but in many places, the women are mistreated. Fatima was often beaten by her husband because she could not bear him a son and eventually he divorced her. Also women were often forced to wear a veil that covered them from head to toe. The women of Iraq rarely had jobs or an education and were often ignored. In America, women are considered equal to men, and can have the same jobs and education, wear anything they want, and abuse is illegal.
D.J. Murphy, the author of A Thousand Veils, wrote the novel to tell his story to the world. He wanted to show Americans that many people in Iraq suffered under Suddam Hussein's wrath too. His novel shows how perserverance in a suffering world can bring two countries together. Murphy shows this by talking about the murders and torture of innocent Iraqi people, and their feelings when the twin towers were hit. He shows the possibilty of creating a bond between America and Iraq through the story of an American man helping an Iraqi woman he has never met. The novel shows the possibility of a peaceful future between Iraq and America and displays the facts that Suddam Hussein is to blame, not all the citizens of Iraq.
The biggest theme of the novel is that with determination, anything can be accomplished. This is shown by Charles everlasting faith that Fatima would be saved, and the everlasting hope that the two countries would come together as one. Charles did save Fatima, just not how he imagined it. One statement that Fatima's brother made stood out in the novel, "Force humanity to look itself in the face, so that maybe, one day, one glorious day, it may decide to tidy itself up, make itself right," (Murphy 17). Fatima was encouraged by her brother and vowed never to be influenced by the fear of death. Fatima fought to see her country as a peaceful place again, instead of a place of torture and death. Fatima's story influenced many people, not just the American lawyer.
I would definitely recommend this novel. The story was captivating and told the other side of 9/11. Murphy shows the reader that Americans were not the only ones that suffered from the horrific day the twin towers were hit. I enjoyed reading the novel and would recomment it to anyone.

[Wisteria Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Thousand Veils[return]D.J.Murphy[return]978-1-4357-0531-9[return]396 pages[return][return]After reading the first paragraph of A Thousand Veils, you will come to realize as I did, that this writer has a brilliant gift of creative language and deep emotional feelings. I was unconsciously glued to every word and I was compelled to read the paragraph repeatedly as if in a trance. Often throughout the book, I would stop and find myself rereading sentences, paragraphs so eloquently written, once was just not enough. D. J. Murphy is an intoxicating writer who showcases his talent in this debut novel that is part fiction and part true story.[return][return]The book is about a woman he calls Fatima Shihabi who grew up with four brothers, her favorite being Omar. Fatima was educated as were her four brothers a luxury not always presented to woman in her country. Fatima showed an early interest in expressing her thoughts and opinions through poetry. Her brother Omar convinced her that she had a gift to share. With his encouragement Shihabi continued writing.[return][return]When she comes of age she is required to don the black veil known in Iraq as the abayah. Fatima resists this the figurative and literal representation of the abayah as by nature she is rebellious and free spirited. The black draped cloak that envelopes the female form is a symbol of Muslim womanhood and When her father describes the black draped cloak enveloping the female form as a symbol of Muslim womanhood and its religious and cultural necessity, Fatima acquiesces. Once she disappears behind the veil she immediately notices the difference in her role as a female in her society. The veil, the abayah, will present many contrasts in her lifetime. It will be hated and loved, confining and liberating, sexually alluring and yet asexual, life altering and life saving. Perhaps this is why the author called his book A Thousand Veils.[return][return]Fatima Shihabi writes from her heart and soul about life in Iraq during the rein of Sadam Hussein. She believes she is careful when writing her poetry to remain neutral, but realizes that the middle ground is impossible. Words twisted, intentions misconstrued, a threat to the regime, Fatima becomes a wanted, hunted woman. When ultimately caught she suffers severe inhumane torture, unspeakable experimental interrogation techniques and left near death.[return][return]She realizes she must leave Iraq to survive and save her daughter. It is at this time she first decides to remove her abayah (the veil) and escape to Saudi Arabia. When she arrives at the airport she is detained by the Saudi guards and pulled aside. What happens to Fatima will have you nail biting for her safety, weeping for her suffering and praying for her life. Given a talent for intense lyrical poetic communication and the ability to convey meaning through the printed word this petite survivor is up against a tyrant with a tremendous reach. Her story is a true to life adventure.[return][return]It has been weeks since I finished this book. I honestly, stopped everything I was doing to read it in one sitting. It is a deeply moving drama with romance and intrigue. I was essentially in a trance and couldn t break away until I found out what happened to Fatima. D.J. Murphy has written one of the years ten best books on my list for 2008. I have since read over many chapters, and hate to pass this book on to Book Crossings. However, the story was a gift to me and now it is time to gift it to someone else. Keep your eye out for the copy that will be starting out somewhere in Connecticut. Otherwise, buy the book or borrow a copy of A Thousand Veils. You will thank D.J. Murphy a thousand times.

[Kathy (Bermudaonion) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fatima Shihabi grew up in a small town in Iraq. She was lucky enough to receive an education and was passionate about words and the truth. After her beloved father’s death, she was pushed into a loveless and abusive marriage by one of her brothers. Her husband divorced her after she gave birth to a daughter. She turned to another brother, who was high up in the government for help. He got her a job writing for a newspaper and she is warned when she writes a piece that is critical of the government. After that, she writes “fluff” pieces for the newspaper and continues to write the truth for the underground movement.

Charles Sherman is a high powered attorney in New York City who is in the middle of a huge deal when he receives a desperate phone call from a professor at Columbia University. The professor’s sister, Fatima, has escaped from Iraq to Saudi Arabia. The Saudis are planning to send her back to Iraq and certain death.

For some reason, Charles decides to take on the case and becomes obsessed with it and Fatima. He calls everyone he can think of and finally gets her asylum in France. Charles and Fatima’s brother fly to Paris to meet her and discover that she has been followed by the Iraqi Secret Police. They try to allude the Secret Police and get caught up in a story that reads like an action packed thriller. The story really heats up when Charles and Fatima sneak into Iraq to retrieve Fatima’s daughter.

A Thousand Veils by D. J. Murphy is the exciting story of Fatima and Charles. It is hard to believe, but it is a work of fiction that was inspired by a true story. I really enjoyed this book, even though I thought the ending was a little bit long.

D. J. Murphy is a retired lawyer who represented refugees seeking asylum in this country. He donates 10% of the net royalties from A Thousand Veils to the United Nations High Commission on Refugees.

[Frank · Rating 4 out of 5]

What do I say? I was a little hesitant about reading this book (I usually don't like this kind of book.) Anyway I couldn't stop. If you are in to suspense, you will LOVE this book. It was great! Well written and presented. Easy to follow (unless you HAVE to pronounce all the words/names. You will enjoy it! I read it in less than a week.

[Mie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story..had to keep turning pages to see what the next page would reveal. I wish we would get a follow up so we could follow Sarah and Charles in Geneva and Latifa in Baghdad. Wonderful written first novel from an author who for sure have had some first hand knowledge about refugees.

10% of net royalties go to the UN Commission on Refugees.

A must read!

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting and engaging story about a young woman who flees Saddam's repression and the American who helped her. It's hard to read about the torture and dispair that people endure under these awful regimes, but somewhere there is a glimmer of hope.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I took care of the author in the hospital and he gave me a signed copy. He is an amazing man and this is based off of a true story. I only wish I could get together with him and discuss it!

[K095 · Rating 5 out of 5]

yo

[Martha · Rating 2 out of 5]

Met the Author.Wasn't bowled over by him or his book. Some of the things he included just seemed to go against human nature.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

We just read this for my book club and I really enjoyed it!

[Carrie Guy]

OK book. Not my style. I wanted more character development and less mystery/ action.

[Cindi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book I keep thinking about a year after finishing it. Local author. Recommended.

[Beth]

oh my! 10% of sales donated to the un high commission for refugees! a must read!