Qanta Ahmed

A female, Pakistani doctor describes her practice treating women in Saudi Arabia, where the harsh code of orthodoxy for women is contradicted by some of the private behavior of wealthy women, but imposes a harsh reality on poor women.

A Female Doctor's Journey in the Saudi Kingdom

In the Land of Invisible Women

Nico J

This novel absolutely blew me away and rattled a cage of ignorance. People usually have an idea of Saudi Arabia that may or may not be a precise and accurate narrative, and even those who do have to wade through garbage to find the truth, if there is such a simple thing. Like many cultures, a staggering amount of complexity, layered and woven tightly, makes it difficult to grasp the many attitudes and conflicting social ideas, classes, and realities. Qanta is aware of her privilege, but I do not believe that is the only idea at the forefront - fractured slivers of cultures who are determined to rule the roost and promote classism at any cost, the convoluted sexism as well as currents of feminist ideas and changes flowing throughout. I felt jarring emotions that were in line with Qanta's perspective as well. One minute I had a sliver of hope and change, and in the next line it is dashed with strongly reinforced religious and cultural notions.

This acquainted me deeply with Islam tradition, particularly how religion and society functions and expresses itself in the context of Saudi Arabia. Though these experiences were years ago and the area has been tumultuous with social change, it is definitely clear how ingrained a way of life is and how long it will take to change it, even when covered with social movements. The roots go deep. At the end, I truly don't know how I feel, but it has most certainly prompted me to move forward and learn more about a culture, religion, and world that feels so incredibly foreign. Strands of commonality and universality seem rare, but I believe that there are more if we self-reflect honestly. 

Finally, I enjoy the duality and multifaceted issue of identity. As immigration becomes more prevalent all around the world, people are connected and form relationships among those quite removed and "foreign" from themselves, learning needs to be a key factor in the progression of social improvement. One minute there is a sense of solidarity, and it can scattered in an instant and someone is left alone. It's mind-boggling. Identity is as layered as anything else, and in the end is the convoluted product of gender, role, class, self-identification as well as all the labels bestowed on you by others. All in all, could have used a little more editing for clarity (hence 4 stars), but a great recollection and decent introduction to a place that is confusing and a sprawling melting pot of people, culture, and religion.

In the Land of Invisible Women A Female Doctor's Journey in the Saudi Kingdom

Reviews

Highlights