Nine Parts of Desire

The Hidden World of Islamic Women

By: Geraldine Brooks

Narrated by: Geraldine Brooks

Nine Parts of Desire: The Hidden World of Islamic Women is the story of Brooks’ intrepid journey toward an understanding of the women behind the veils, and of the often contradictory political, religious, and cultural forces that shape their lives. In fundamentalist Iran, Brooks finagles an invitation to tea with the ayatollah’s widow—and discovers that Mrs. Khomeini dyes her hair.

In Saudi Arabia, she eludes the severe segregation of the sexes and attends a bacchanal, laying bare the hypocrisy of this austere, male-dominated society. In war-torn Ethiopia, she watches as a female gynecologist repairs women who have undergone genital mutilation justified by a distorted interpretation of Islam.

In villages and capitals throughout the Middle East, she finds that a feminism of sorts has flowered under the forbidding shroud of the chador as she makes other startling discoveries that defy our stereotypes about the Muslim world. Nine Parts of Desire is much more than a captivating work of firsthand reportage; it is also an acute analysis of the world’s fastest-growing religion, deftly illustrating how Islam’s holiest texts have been misused to justify the repression of women. It was, after all, the Shiite leader Ali who proclaimed that “God created sexual desire in ten parts, then gave nine parts to women.”

©1995 Copyright © Geraldine Brooks 1995, 2008, 2011. (P)2012 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd

Critic reviews

“Frank, enraging, and captivating.” ( The New Yorker)

“Powerful and enlightening...Brooks presents stunning vignettes of Muslim women...and carefully distinguishes misogyny and oppressive cultural traditions from what she considers the true teachings of the Koran.” ( Publishers Weekly)

“There has been nothing finer on the subject from a Western observer...she looks at it from the heart...mixing historical perspective with piercingly observed journalism.” ( Newsday)

I would read this again.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

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Any additional comments?

I love Geraldine Brooks. I read "Year of Wonders" and was hooked on this author. She is also the narrator in that book as well. Geraldine is a superb author and, quite frankly, her voice soothes me. It does. I learned much about Islam and the dark under belly of that religion, but also the lives of women in the Middle East. Geraldine is my favorite author to day

A good read

A glimpse into a world where few foreigners get a chance to experience. Touching in places and horrific in others. A definite conversation starter.

Incredible

This book is incredible on many levels. Impressive that the author had the ability to get close to so many inside the Muslim world with her knowing the language. Her bravery and audacity in so many situations is amazing. Her compassion matched her outrage in reaching out to oppressed women. Her observations concerning the flaws of not only Islamic leadership, but that of the U.S. are disturbing. Brooks’ talent is indeed incredible.

Engaging and informative

The narrators voice is very engaging and I was led onward into the story because of her cadence and tone.

The stories were troublesome and enlightening throughout the entire book! I am looking forward to listening to this non-fiction publication and have recommended it to numerous women friends!
Thank you so much for such a thorough book for those of us who see this topic as an unknown territory. I think those who do know it will find it extremely informative as well!

the author is a great narrator, it's why I chose this book

from the description I assumed this was a story but it is a collection of the author's experiences.