This is, without a doubt, an interesting book.

It is essential to clarify that it delves into the world of Middle Eastern Islamic Women. Much of the content discussed is intertwined with both culture and tradition, as well as Islam. The author does a relatively good job of elucidating this. However, we don't gain any insights into, for example, US Islamic women or Latin American Islamic women.

As I progress further into this book, it becomes evident that the author approaches the subject with a distinct agenda. While it is not necessarily an agenda I oppose, it does make the book less objective than I would have liked.

Although I have found it captivating and feel that I have learned a great deal about some of the fundamental aspects of Islam, I ultimately gave up on finishing this book. If I hadn't initiated a more interesting book, I might have completed this one. Nevertheless, I believe I have read enough to grasp the main point.

There are already numerous thoughtful and thought-provoking reviews of Nine Parts of Desire on Goodreads. As a result, I won't recap the book's content. Since I've never lived in a Muslim country, I can't comment on its "accuracy" - how well the women's stories in the book reflect those of Muslim women across the Islamic world, especially in the Middle East. Published in the mid-1990s, years before 9/11 brought Islam and the Middle East to the attention of countless Americans for the first time, it remains valuable. This is not least because the worlds of Muslim women remain hidden, misunderstood, or taken out of context.

Nine Parts of Desire does an excellent job of providing the Islamic context for the conventions that shape the lives of Muslim women. Each chapter features an epigraph from the Qur’an, and the text explores the times and practices of the prophet Muhammad, as well as the role of the hadith - anecdotes and sayings of the prophet that, along with the Qur’an, form the basis of Islamic law.

However, there's more at play here than just Islam. Consider the book's title, which comes from a saying of Ali, the prophet's son-in-law: "Almighty God created sexual desire in ten parts; then he gave nine parts to women and one to men." The subtext is that if women's sexuality is not strictly circumscribed, chaos and social collapse will surely follow. History suggests, though, that if sexual desire does consist of ten parts, the ratio should be reversed: it's men who got nine parts and women who got one.

What the major monotheistic religions have in common is a tendency to burden women with the task of controlling male sexuality. Dress codes play a significant role in this. Many Westerners seem to have forgotten how recently "respectable" women were expected to cover their ankles, legs, elbows, and/or hair. To this day, women who are raped, assaulted, or harassed are often accused of "asking for it" if they aren't "properly" covered (according to the accuser). The implication is that men can't control themselves, so women have to take responsibility for men's desire. And surely I'm not the only one who sees a connection between a traditional nun's habit and the all-concealing chador, niqab, or burka?

The late feminist philosopher-theologian Mary Daly wrote that patriarchy is the religion of the planet, and the various religions are its denominations. The case is not difficult to make. It also helps explain why religions that initially improve the lives of women, like Christianity and Islam, eventually end up constricting them, mainly because men are in control. Fundamentalists of the various patriarchal religions (not just the monotheistic ones) have more in common with each other than they do with the moderates and liberals of their own faith.

Another important point is that Western liberal values are perceived differently in countries that were once colonized by European powers or economically dominated by Europe and the US. The emancipation of women can easily be seen as a Western import, and a return to Islamic law and convention then becomes a way of resisting Western dominance and Western materialism. In some Muslim countries, women are not pressured to veil. What factors might account for the different interpretations of the same text?

In Palestine, Brooks notes a shift over time from a relatively liberal interpretation of Islam to the rigid fundamentalism of Hamas and Hezbollah. Can anyone doubt that this is related to decades of political turmoil and the fact that Israel is widely regarded as the outpost of Western imperialism? (Which is ironic, because fundamentalism is also a significant factor in Israel.)

So I wholeheartedly recommend Nine Parts of Desire to everyone. It is well-written, engaging, and memorable. But I also suggest reading about the broader historical context and paying attention to the similarities between fundamentalist Islam and other religious and political fundamentalisms, including those in the US.

I think it is extremely beneficial to learn from multiple perspectives.

Before delving into this particular book, I had read the book "Not Without My Daughter", which presented a strikingly different viewpoint.

I truly appreciate the fact that this female author made the effort to reach out and gain a deeper understanding of the women concealed behind the veils.

It is always enlightening to realize that the way we judge others is often influenced by the beliefs and values we were brought up with.

By exploring different books and viewpoints, we can expand our horizons and become more open-minded individuals.

We should strive to break free from our preconceived notions and embrace the diversity of experiences and perspectives that exist in the world.

This not only enriches our own understanding but also allows us to build more empathetic and inclusive relationships with others.

Learning from various sources is a continuous process that helps us grow and evolve as individuals.

It enables us to see the world from different angles and make more informed decisions.

So, let's keep reading, learning, and expanding our knowledge to become better versions of ourselves.

I'm currently completely obsessed with this book. It has become such a prominent topic in all of my conversations. In fact, I was so enthusiastic about it that I even made my 102 students listen to a page and a half or so.

The content within this book is truly fascinating, yet at the same time, it can be horrifying. It delves into extremely important aspects that are relevant to anyone who has a genuine concern for women and girls, religion, as well as war and peace.

I find myself constantly reading and re-reading this book, even when I really should be focusing on reading and writing other materials. I am hoping with all my might that I will be able to remember every single detail of it.

It has had such a profound impact on me that I can't help but share it with everyone around me. I believe that it is a must-read for anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of these crucial and often overlooked issues.

Reading this book makes me grateful that I am a Muslim woman living in a safer country. Imagine if I couldn't drive my own car, like the women in Saudi Arabia? Wearing only dark and dull-colored chadors in Iran. Islam in Malaysia is more rational, yet its Islamic values are still not eroded.

The author did fieldwork before writing this book. His findings were based on what he saw and was made to understand at that time. There are things we can agree with, and there are things that require us to think again. I'm still not entirely clear why this book needs to be banned by the Malaysian Ministry of Home Affairs.

I like Brooks' writing style. He is a journalist who is good at choosing words. It's not just a plain reporting without emotion. Through his writing, readers can follow the emotional turmoil of the author and the women involved in his book.

This book provides a unique perspective on the lives of Muslim women in different countries. It makes us think about the differences and similarities in the practice of Islam around the world. Although there are some controversial points in the book, it also gives us an opportunity to have a deeper understanding and discussion. Maybe the ban on this book is due to some misunderstandings or concerns, but I hope that in the future, there will be more open and objective dialogues to promote mutual understanding and respect among different cultures and religions.

Given that this book is already 13 years old, I truly wish that I had read it right when it first came out. It is a very well-written combination of personal vignettes and factual investigation.

I couldn't help but keep wondering what my niece, who converted to Islam five years ago, would think of it. As an atheist, I generally find it difficult to understand faith. However, Islam seems to be a particularly strange religion for women to adopt, considering the misogyny that has accumulated, solidified, and been spread through the hadith over the centuries.

On a separate note, I find Brooks' output amazingly eclectic. She has written an enormous amount and has done so wonderfully in such a wide range of genres. It's truly remarkable how she can effortlessly transition from one style to another and still maintain a high level of quality in her work. Her versatility is truly inspiring and makes her one of the most interesting and talented writers out there.

Geraldine Brooks' "Nine Parts of Desire" is a captivating exploration of the lives of Muslim women throughout the Middle East. With her profound knowledge of Arabic and Islamic culture, Brooks presents a nuanced perspective that is both educational and engaging. This book is essential reading for those with a background in these subjects, as well as for those new to Islamic culture.

Brooks' narrative combines personal experiences and factual information, providing readers with a unique understanding of the intricacies of Muslim women's lives. While the book is rich in cultural and historical context, it is important to note that it also reflects Brooks' personal opinions, which are intertwined with the facts. This combination of subjective and objective viewpoints makes for a thought-provoking read, but readers should be aware of the difference between the two.

Overall, "Nine Parts of Desire" is an enlightening and thought-provoking book that reveals the diverse experiences of Muslim women. It is highly recommended for anyone interested in delving deeper into Islamic culture and the challenges faced by women in the Middle East.

I suspect I am a like-minded individual with Brooks, being a feminist and all that. However, I feel that her work would have been more successful if her blatant agenda of "Islamic countries are bad for women" was toned down a bit. The evidence she presents does indeed lead me to that conclusion. But I wasn't entirely comfortable with it seemingly being the main reason for writing the book, especially when it is presented as a neutral exploration of the lives of Muslim women in the Middle East. In fact, her position is rather polemical. I think she should have been more upfront about this and simply written an argument.

The back of my copy claims that she found "real stories that overturn western stereotypes." I believe this is a huge stretch (obviously not necessarily Brooks' fault) and is simply pandering to the Western reader who wants to feel as if they truly understand the issues. This book was originally published in 1994, and Brooks has some interesting things to say about the rise of Islamic fundamentalism at that (pre-9/11) time. Now, we all claim to be experts on Islam, don't we? It would be interesting to know how this book was received at the time. Maybe it did seem to overturn stereotypes back then. I think it's important to constantly remind oneself while reading this that it's now 21 years old and things are likely to be quite different (better? worse? different, anyway) in many of these places today. I did enjoy reading this, but perhaps I should try to find something written by an Islamic woman next if I truly want to get a sense of what the pressing issues are for Islamic women. That seems fairer than an outsider's perspective.

This was a really quick and enjoyable read for me.

However, I couldn't help but notice its datedness. As a western Christian, I felt rather uncomfortable when I heard many of these criticisms of Islam coming from the mouth of a woman who was raised in a similar position.

It made me think about how different perspectives can sometimes lead to misunderstandings. Instead of being judgmental, I now find myself wanting to read more from MENA women.

I believe that by listening to their voices and understanding their experiences, I can gain a more comprehensive and accurate view of the region and its people.

Maybe then, I can better appreciate the complexity and diversity of different cultures and religions.

I hope to find more works that will help me on this journey of discovery and learning.

I find it truly arduous to rate non-fiction works.

This particular book is both highly insightful and somewhat oppressive.

I was astonishingly ignorant about the lives of women under Islam, but now I feel as if I have gained a modicum more of understanding.

However, I'm not entirely certain what to do with this newfound knowledge.

Moreover, it has kept me awake at night, pondering how I would manage in such a world.

I suspect not very well.

Published 30 years ago, this book still feels incredibly relevant today.

It serves as a powerful reminder of the complex and often challenging lives that many women lead in different parts of the world.

It makes one reflect on the importance of empathy, understanding, and the need to work towards a more equal and just society for all.

Despite its age, the book continues to have a profound impact on readers, forcing them to confront their own biases and assumptions.

It is a must-read for anyone interested in learning about the experiences of women in different cultures and religions.

This book was written in 1994, long before 9/11 and before my interest in the Middle East was kindled. I admit that I had a basic knowledge of a few countries in the region, but it was rather limited. However, this book completely transformed my perspective. I had previously read Brooks' books, "Year of Wonders" about the plague and "March" about the Civil War - both of which were excellent. But I had no idea that she was an accomplished journalist who had been sent by the Wall Street Journal to the Middle East as a foreign correspondent for a staggering six years, not just six months. Her curiosity, open-mindedness, and intelligence have turned what could have been a dry, academic subject into a highly readable and understandable work of nonfiction that is concise enough to be easily digested. The fact that she wrote it before 9/11 perhaps gives it a more unbiased view, although I would argue that it would have been unbiased regardless. It is, after all, one woman's experience - hers and hers alone. She donned the abaya, the scarf, and whatever other garments were required, and immersed herself in the lives of these women to gain a deeper understanding. She herself is not Muslim, and it is strictly her perspective that dominates the book.

The book is extremely well-researched. As Salmon Rushdie said to her, "make no mistakes." It is the kind of book that is easy to criticize as it touches on the most sensitive of subjects - Faith and Religion. There is perhaps only one thing worse than a critique of someone else's religion, and that is a critique of your own faith. It seems to me that Brooks has been extremely thorough in her research and has dotted all her I's and crossed all her t's. She has painstakingly researched and explained all her points, and has illustrated them with real-life examples and people.

Brooks organizes the book into chapters that cover a wide range of topics, including childhood, education, female genital mutilation, politics, work, and family life, to name just a few. She also provides a wealth of historical background information on the Koran, Mohammed, and his wife Fatima, in order to bring the reader to a point where they can understand how the Islamic world has arrived at its current positions regarding women. She also distinguishes between the different countries in the region (although she doesn't focus much on progressive Turkey), delving into the history of Jordan, Iran, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia is perhaps the most repressive of the Middle Eastern societies, while Iran and Egypt are relatively more progressive.

To me, in particular, the world of Islam, and especially fundamentalism, seems like female apartheid. It is a world of rules set by men for the benefit of men. Men who are unable to control themselves when they hear the voice of a woman, or see an ankle or a strand of hair. Men who place so much emphasis on their lack of self-control that sexuality (or the lack thereof) permeates every aspect of their lives. In doing so, they deny half of their population the right to live, the right to choose, to make decisions, to fulfill their dreams, to create a purposeful life, and to make mistakes. In the end, I just don't understand it.

I find it difficult to reconcile the restrictions and limitations placed on women in some Islamic societies with the principles of equality and freedom that I hold dear. However, I also recognize that it is important to approach this subject with an open mind and a willingness to understand the complex historical, cultural, and religious factors that have contributed to the current situation. Brooks' book has certainly provided me with a valuable starting point for further exploration and reflection.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning more about the Middle East, Islam, and the role of women in Islamic societies. It is a thought-provoking and engaging read that will challenge your assumptions and expand your understanding of this fascinating and often misunderstood region of the world.

The English title, "Nine Parts of Desire", refers to an alleged saying that if God had divided sexual desire in ten parts, He had given nine of them to women. This statement immediately grabs the reader's attention and sets the stage for an exploration into the often misunderstood and "hidden" world of Muslim women.

The book, which aims to penetrate this mysterious realm, offers a unique perspective. What I particularly enjoyed was learning that the journalist who conducted the in-depth field research for this book was a Jew. This fact adds an interesting layer to the narrative, as it challenges the common perception that such topics can only be explored by those within the same religious or cultural group.

Overall, I found the read to be highly entertaining. It not only provides valuable insights into the lives and experiences of Muslim women but also manages to do so in an engaging and accessible manner. The author's ability to bring this complex and often overlooked subject to life makes "Nine Parts of Desire" a must-read for anyone interested in understanding different cultures and perspectives.