Now They Call Me Infidel

Now They Call Me Infidel is a memoir from Egyptian-American human rights activist Nonie Darwish that chronicles her journey from growing up in Egypt to embracing Western values and becoming an advocate for reform. The book examines her experiences as the daughter of an Egyptian military officer and her life under Islamic law in Gaza and Egypt. The narrative tracks Darwish's evolving perspectives on Israel, Judaism, and the United States as she moves to America and begins questioning the beliefs and cultural practices she was raised with. Her account provides insight into the daily realities of life for women in traditional Muslim societies and the challenges faced by those who choose to speak out against extremism. This memoir grapples with themes of religious freedom, women's rights, and cultural identity while raising questions about the intersection of faith, politics and human rights in the modern world. The author's personal transformation serves as a lens through which broader issues of reform and modernization in Islamic societies are explored.

Readers praise Darwish's firsthand perspective as someone who lived in both Islamic and Western societies. Many reviews note her personal stories help explain complex cultural differences and religious conflicts. Several readers mention the book opened their eyes to women's experiences under Sharia law. Positive reviews highlight: - Clear writing style and engaging narrative - Balanced critique without hate - Specific examples from author's life in Egypt - Historical context about Middle East conflicts Critical reviews mention: - Some repetitive passages - Occasional lack of scholarly sources - Writing can be simplistic at times Ratings: Amazon: 4.7/5 (500+ reviews) Goodreads: 4.2/5 (1,000+ ratings) One reader noted: "She presents her criticism of radical Islam through personal experience rather than political rhetoric." Another wrote: "The book would benefit from more academic citations to support certain claims about Islamic doctrine."

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🔹 Nonie Darwish's father, an Egyptian army officer, was assassinated by Israeli forces in 1956 when she was only eight years old, shaping her early views on conflict in the region. 🔹 After moving to America in 1978, Darwish underwent a profound ideological shift, eventually converting to Christianity and becoming an advocate for religious freedom. 🔹 The book's title refers to how she is now viewed by many in her former community, having chosen to speak out against aspects of Islamic law and cultural practices. 🔹 Growing up in Gaza in the 1950s, Darwish witnessed firsthand the impact of Nasser's pan-Arab socialism on Egyptian society and women's roles. 🔹 The author founded Arabs for Israel, an organization promoting peace and understanding between Arabs and Israelis, demonstrating her dramatic transformation from her early anti-Israeli upbringing.