In the Land of Invisible Women

In the Land of Invisible Women: A Female Doctor's Journey in the Saudi Kingdom by Qanta Ahmed

Description from Amazon:

"The decisions that change your life are often the most impulsive ones. Unexpectedly denied a visa to remain in the United States, Qanta Ahmed, a young British Muslim doctor, becomes an outcast in motion. On a whim, she accepts an exciting position in Saudi Arabia. This is not just a new job; this is a chance at adventure in an exotic land she thinks she understands, a place she hopes she will belong. What she discovers is vastly different. The Kingdom is a world apart, a land of unparalleled contrast. She finds rejection and scorn in the places she believed would most embrace her, but also humor, honesty, loyalty and love. And for Qanta, more than anything, it is a land of opportunity. A place where she discovers what it takes for one woman to recreate herself in the land of invisible women."

My thoughts:

Ahmed's experiences in the Saudi Kingdom are detailed and informative. I believe it is important for people to be educated about other cultures. Reading about women's rights under Sharia law reinforces how lucky I am to be living in a country where women are treated as human beings, rather than property. In the Kingdom, women cannot drive, they cannot move about freely without a male escort, they cannot show their hair in public--these are only a few "freedoms" that women in my country wouldn't even consider a "freedom" at all. Stunning commentary that made me feel grateful for my circumstances.

On the flip side, this book was not edited well. It is too long!! There is quite a bit of detail that should have been cut out to make the point of the book more effective. I felt Ahmed came across a bit superior and judgmental, but overall I enjoyed her experience.