A Memoir Worthy of Our Times: "Infidel" by Ayaan Hirsi Ali
Ayaan Hirsi Ali has a remarkable story to tell. Born and raised in Somalia, she has endured numerous personal difficulties, formed a thoughtful set of beliefs, and committed herself fully to fulfilling her personal convictions.
With the rise in popularity of memoirs, there has been a surplus of recently published self-told stories in the book world. And while I have not yet read Ayaan Hirsi Ali’s memoir, Infidel, I imagine her book is one worth getting.
Ayaan Hirsi Ali’s story will be powerful partly due to the events of her life. She has undergone genital mutilation, seen her father imprisoned for years because of political opposition to those in power, escaped an arranged marriage by fleeing from Africa to the Netherlands, and become an elected member of the Dutch Parliament. However, I suspect even more powerful is the voice within her writing - a voice that fights against death threats and other opposition on behalf of improving the rights and circumstances of Muslim women.
There is an upcoming opportunity in the Bay Area to meet Ayaan Hirsi Ali in person and hear her speak. She will be at the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco on Tuesday, February 20th at 6pm. I, for one, hope to be there to hear Hirsi Ali share her story in her own voice.
With the rise in popularity of memoirs, there has been a surplus of recently published self-told stories in the book world. And while I have not yet read Ayaan Hirsi Ali’s memoir, Infidel, I imagine her book is one worth getting.
Ayaan Hirsi Ali’s story will be powerful partly due to the events of her life. She has undergone genital mutilation, seen her father imprisoned for years because of political opposition to those in power, escaped an arranged marriage by fleeing from Africa to the Netherlands, and become an elected member of the Dutch Parliament. However, I suspect even more powerful is the voice within her writing - a voice that fights against death threats and other opposition on behalf of improving the rights and circumstances of Muslim women.
There is an upcoming opportunity in the Bay Area to meet Ayaan Hirsi Ali in person and hear her speak. She will be at the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco on Tuesday, February 20th at 6pm. I, for one, hope to be there to hear Hirsi Ali share her story in her own voice.