Voice of an Exile : Reflections on Islam

Rating:
Summary: Captivating Narrative of a Muslim Scholar of Islam
Review: As Abu Nasr Zaid's story takes shape on the pages of this remarkable book, readers become aquainted with a man of great integrity, deep human kindness, and commitment to the importance of applying intellect to matters of faith and belief. Esther Nelson's telling is captivating. Not only do readers meet, in Abu Nasr Zaid, a devoted Muslim who is sharply critical of the unexamined application of sacred texts to contemporary circumstances, but we also come to like him. It is as though we are at the kitchen table with Zaid and Nelson, privy to personal stories of growth and challenge, travel, loss, and learning, all told with the sense of an endearing humanity. This is an important book for its contribution to our understanding of Islam today - and it's fun to read.

Rating:
Summary: Modern literary and historical criticism of the Quran
Review: Dr. Nasr Zaid and Professor Nelson have provided a realistic and sobering view of the dangers of an Egyptian scholar applying modern "western" literary and historical criticism techniques to the Quran. By telling his life story, these two authors not only give the reader a wonderful feel for what life was like in Egypt during the last half of the twentieth century, but also the trials and dangers of questioning the religious authority in an Islamic country. In addition, Dr. Nasr's life speaks to all disenfranchised or persecuted people, regardless of their religious beliefs.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book

Rating:
Summary: A Fresh Perspective
Review: It's discouraging to shift through all the disinformation regarding Islam, Middle East, and related issues commonly found in the news today.

However, Esther Nelson's book represents a great departure from this overworn path. "Reflections on Islam" reveals an fascinating, well balanced view of the Middle East and Islam through the perspective of an extremely relevant individual - Dr. Nasr. Gone is the typical propaganda, gross generalizations, and antagonism which have accompanied a publication in this subject matter. The complexities of human emotion, the hopes, dreams and disappointments which are universal human truths are so beautiful articulated in this book.

Esther Nelson and Nasr Abu Zaid should be commended for bringing this important point of view to the public consciousness. If you are a reader who wants to see past the anti-Islamic propaganda and the radical Islamic theology, for a more sophisticated understanding of Islam and the Middle East, this book will satisify your search for a balanced, relevant perspective.