In the Land of Invisible Women by Qanta A. Ahmed, M.D. 
Release date: 2008 / 437 pages
Synopsis (from back cover): Unexpectedly denied a visa to remain in the United States, Qanta Ahmen, 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…
First line: “Seeking respite from the intensity of medicine, I trained my eye on the world without.”
Review: I am on a roll! This is yet another ARC (advanced reader copy) that I have thoroughly enjoyed and whole-heartedly recommend.
The book opens with the author’s literal journey from New York to Saudi Arabia, watching the other passengers praying in special, designated areas in the plane, using the perfume in the bathroom provided for ablutions, fearing her attire would not be appropriate once she deplaned. The stewardess reassured her that the airport was international territory, but that as soon as she stepped on Saudi soil, she would be required to be fully veiled.
Once she deplaned, her passport was immediately taken from her at customs and given to her male chaperone — required of all unmarried women. Now, remember, the author is British! But Saudi law does not recognize the customs or laws of her citizenship, so Ahmed must submit.
Now, after the first 50 pages I could not put down this beautiful, gripping memoir, and I also wanted her to leave Saudi Arabia… NOW. It was terrifying being trapped in this country, even between the pages of a book. But do not fear that this is a trite “Saudi bad, Western culture good” treatise. Absolutely not. Ahmed is respectful of Saudi culture, even when she is critical. She focuses on the wonderful, complex people she meets, and we can’t help but remember that any country truly is a composite of its individuals. This is a comforting reminder at a time when the U.S. is despised by so many — that the citizens of a country may or may not support the current regime and are as complex and interesting as our own neighbors and friends.
Despite the length, this memoir went remarkably fast as Ahmed charted her two years in Saudi Arabia. We, too, become surprisingly comfortable with this country’s customs and quirks, until 9/11 occurs. At this point, the rampant anti-Semitism and anti-American furor is a frightening reminder that the “customs” of Saudi Arabia should never be considered merely “quirks.”
Ahmed’s relief at returning to the U.S. is palpable — and shared by the reader. I thoroughly enjoyed sharing Ahmed’s journey — it is truly a gift that she shares (and is so well-written, too). I feel as if I have a better understanding of the complexities of this “Kingdom of Strangers” and am grateful to Ahmed for this.
So, if you think you might enjoy reading this… please drop me a comment and I’ll draw a name soon!
Hi Kristen! I’m a longtime reader (and fellow Twin Citian!) de-lurking for a chance to win this book, as it is exactly the type of book I love to read!
Laura
Oh, I’ve got this one on my wishlist! I really want to read it!
Hi Laura! Nice to know a fellow book lover is reading this on our first official snowy day
Thank you for reading — and for stopping by!
I’ll put your name in the running!
Hi Karina! It is as good as you are hoping it will be…
You’re in the running, too!
I enjoyed reading your review ~ I’d be interested in reading this book.
I’m excited to read this book and share it with my book club. Thank you for the review it sounds great!
if you’re sending international, I would like to be included in the drawing. Has been in my WL for a while.
I’m so glad there is such interest in this wonderful memoir!! I will draw a name later tonight…
Good luck everyone!!
Congratulations, Laura!! It’s your lucky day…
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