2015 Reading Challenge [Closed] discussion

A friend recommended this book and the summary and reviews appealed.

I read this one years ago. It was depressing. Good, but depressing

This book sounds interesting! Unfortunately there are 3 weeks waiting at the library, but I've added it to my to-read list, so I'd like to hear what you think of the book.

This book was a mixed bag. Parts of it were a struggle to get through but I learnt a lot about a topic I was unfamiliar with (Islam). In parts it was almost as though it was a fiction book as some of what was described was beyond anything in my experience, and opened my eyes to what other cultures, religions contend with. I would definitely recommend this book to most readers interested in other cultures, religions and experiences.

It's definitely an intense book isn't it? I remember after reading it, I got onto Google and read a ton on Van Gogh and watched the video they created. So sad.

Also, some of the things she talks about (FGM) are cultural and not part of Islamic doctrine. I wasn't sure if you noticed that, so I thought I'd point it out. That goes back in African tribes and after they converted to Islam, they just kept it. Horrible stuff

Thanks for that Lora I just finished watching the video 'Submission' - incredibly sad. Hard to believe this is acceptable in any world.
The involvement of the Dutch in this story was new to me also. They had such liberal and good intentions with their asylum programmes which in some ways didn't encourage asylum seekers to integrate into Dutch society.
Good point too about the FGM, I did realise this but it is easy to forget with some of the other abuse and controlling behaviour the book presents.

Yeah, I bet that was a real eye opener for the Dutch. It's sad that such a small percent of the Muslims believe/follow these things, but they are the loudest. (Kind of like Westboro Baptist which has like....30 people). I keep meaning to read the rest of her books, but I keep forgetting.

You bring up an interesting point about them not having to integrate into Dutch society. In some cases, you can see this self evident in America on a variety of levels. Makes you think!