anahhs's review against another edition
4.0
personally, i could have done without the fancy language, it would have allowed me for an easier reading comprehension. notwithstanding, i found it to be an insightful reflection on how the veil takes many facets depending on context.
shanaqui's review against another edition
informative
reflective
medium-paced
3.0
An interesting perspective from someone who has both chosen to wear a veil and not during their life. It's less about the veil as an object and more what people make of it, and her personal experience of it, though. I'd have been interested in a bit more discussion of the origins, when it might have been practical, different types, fashions, etc.
yoana_misirkova's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
Short but informative read offering a discussion on the meaning of the veil in different contexts and how it can be used to empower women. As a person with almost no background knowledge I felt like this was a very good introduction to the topic, helped by the fact that I really enjoy the author's writing style and was also interested in the personal stories she shared throughout the book.
whatadutchgirlreads's review
informative
reflective
slow-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Islamophobia
lauren_endnotes's review against another edition
4.0
"Colonialism thrived because it tested on its own epistemology, theories of knowledge that painted brown and black peoples of the world as inferior, requiring civilization and taking by the ever-benevolent Westerners. In that era, depicting Muslim women as suffering bore the advantage of presenting Muslim men as not simply racially and intellectually inferior, but also morally flawed, unable to respect their own."
From VEIL by Rafia Zakaria, 2017 by Bloomsbury
#ReadtheWorld21
From VEIL by Rafia Zakaria, 2017 by Bloomsbury
#ReadtheWorld21
arireavis's review against another edition
*ARC received fron Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review*
Dnf at 48%
Tossing for personal reasons. I felt this book was a lecture against something that many women (including myself) CHOOSE to wear. If someone feels differently about it, that's fine, but I'm not interested in reading about it.
Dnf at 48%
Tossing for personal reasons. I felt this book was a lecture against something that many women (including myself) CHOOSE to wear. If someone feels differently about it, that's fine, but I'm not interested in reading about it.
carosbcher's review
3.0
I have to say that I expected something else from the Object Lessons...this is not so much about the object veil but rather about the personal ideas of the author in regards to veils. And I mean this in a pure matter of fact way. I thought I'd get information an out the history, the material and the ways to wear a veil and got personal memories and beliefs instead. While I did find it very interesting to read about the author's choice not to wear a veil although being a female Moslem and having her share some experiences and perceptions she made, I still believe the book was lacking a bit of connection and logical next steps. Yes, the veil does offer a personal space, does provide a shelter and can also mean strength but the author makes it all sound like strength in a world dominated by males, shelter from males in situations in which a mere glance in the face of a man can be interpreted as showing romantic interest. Still, I enjoyed to learn more about veils from the perspective of a Moslem woman living in the Western world. I especially liked the passage about Western Christian feminists fighting for "freeing" Afgan women and therefore supporting the war in Afghanistan not bringing anything similar to freedom but only pain and a new level of imperialism.
balancinghistorybooks's review
4.0
Veil is part of the Object Lessons series, and the first of these which I have read. Zakaria presents a challenge to Western prejudices about wearing the veil. Her writing is intelligent, and her stance is insightful. An important book, certainly.
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