I read this book a while back and have started to write a review a few times, but always ended up not finishing. Why? I don’t really know, maybe it’s because the book didn’t grab me the way I thought it would.The author didn’t flesh out what was going on like I wanted. I wanted more of what was happening to the people, and less of the government/organizations. I wanted to get to know her better and find out what she was thinking and going through on a deeper level. That never happened. I still don’t think I “know” much about the emotions the author had while there.I was left feeling underwhelmed. With all the turmoil, heartache, killings etc. , I thought I should have felt so much more deeply touched than I did. Barefoot in baghdad has been successful in creating pathos and touching my heart greatly. It is probably because I myself am a muslim living in a country torn and vindicted by war. Although I am not being affected directly by it but the overall tension and atmosphere of distrust is heartwrenching. I think this novel by Manl Omer is a very small part of the picture she is trying to build. I dont think anyone could write about the atrocities and harsh difficulties faced by the iraqi civilians. Their only fault is that they have been tied up in the events of a terrible and fatal war. But they are determined and hopeful for a brighter tomorrow.And this is what Manal Omer might be trying to do; telling the world about their awe inspiring struggle to secure their futures. And the fact that this a memoir makes the story all the better. I have seen the religious maturity she has gained. Her middle eastern roots that she wants to discover is not necessarily her ancestoral roots it could he her cultural and religious roots. That the fact that many of her statements are conflicting portrays her inner struggle and turmoil at the enfolding of different events and their impact on her work. The slight touch of romance and fairytalish effect that she has successfully added in her book is a surplus. As a muslim girl I know the conflicting emotions or thereof lackof emotions or misjudgement of emotions is quiet possible and expected. Reading this book from a muslim it seems perfect but reading it as a non islamic member of the society,the norms and social morals and values and the authors point of veiw might seem prejudiced, at times absurd and very conservative. The book is inspiring and gives a vivid image of the hurdles faced by the iraqi women as the part of a country on war. It highlights the problems faced by the aid workers working in Iraq and the reluctance of the iraqi's to trust the americans. This novel also shows the ignorance and innocence of the young soliders posted in Iraq. And conveys the mesdsage that with love and hope all can be conquered. At the end of the novel she accepts the fact that Iraqi's can only find freedom with their own power and strongwill. It can also be percieved that until there is love all can be captured.
What do You think about Barefoot In Baghdad (2000)?
Good book -- would be a good book for a book club
—kusum
A great read! Very moving and very well written!
—kitten49107
