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A Thousand Veils By D. When Fatima Shihabi, an Iraqi poet and journalist, learns she is marked for death by Saddam Hussein's secret police, she flees Iraq, evading Saddam's helicopters hunting her in the desert, only to discover that no other country will grant her asylum. Her flight from Saddam's vengeance, and the extraordinary efforts of Charles Sherman, a Wall Street lawyer, to save her life, is the subject of this gripping novel, inspired by a true story.
Their story points the way toward eventual reconciliation and synthesis between Islam and the West. Murphy is a retired international lawyer, whose practice included representation of refugees seeking asylum in the United States. Log in to rate this item. You must be logged in to post a review. Murphy" Janet Robertson This is one of the best books I've read in years.
It tells a fascinating tale, in beautiful prose and, here and there, poetry as well. I've given A Thousand Veils to several friends and they have all had the same enthusiastic reaction. One of my neighbors dropped by on New Year's Day to say she hadn't gone out the night before, but instead curled up by the fire to finish the last extremely exciting chapters of this wonderful book. We all agree that A Thousand Veils is a page-turner that at the same time gives the reader important insight into cultural differences between East and West.
Murphy provides us with a stunning scenario that allows us to occupy a front row seat as the life of Fatima Shihabi, poet-journalist and reluctant dissident unfolds. Witness to the oppression of her fellow countrymen and personal victim of Saddam's secret police, Fatima knows that she a marked woman. Should she abandon her child, place her family in jeopardy and flee her country in order to save herself? Once safe, how will she be able to rescue her daughter?
Can her brother, Omar, a U. S citizen and professor at Columbia University obtain the help she so desperately needs? A multitude of questions, all requiring answers. Taking on Fatima's case will cause a life-altering change. Charles and Fatima eventually meet on foreign soil and, through intellectual conversations, they come to know and love each other. Fatima points out the failings of the United States government, while giving insight into the women and the culture she has lived and loved.
Charles returns repeatedly to his fascination with the veils that the women in Fatima's culture use to cover themselves. Fatima opens Charles' eyes, revealing that everyone wears a veil of some creation. Murphy weaves the story beautifully. It captures the human spirit of survival and perseverance. Each character discovers hidden strengths and abilities that they never knew they had.
The persecution and resistance Fatima encounters in every step of her journey will inflame the reader, and the ending will leave you amazed at the human spirit. Jan 15, Colleen rated it liked it Shelves: I requested this book from the author because the summary sounded so interesting; it wasn't until later that I realized it was a self-published book. On the one hand, I am surprised that Murphy has been unable to find a publisher as he has the bones of a great story and is obviously able to write.
On the other hand, the opening pages alone almost convinced me not to read any further- the description of the sandstorm is as clear an example as I've ever read of overwriting. Thankfully, the use of I requested this book from the author because the summary sounded so interesting; it wasn't until later that I realized it was a self-published book. Thankfully, the use of adjectives calms down as the novel progresses and is never again as distracting as in the opening. The story here is a compelling one- journalist and poet Fatima Shihabi is forced to flee Iraq when Uday Hussein learns she has been writing subversive articles for foreign press outlets.
Fatima, whose family connections saved her once before when her writing led to weeks of imprisonment and torture, escapes Iraq through the desert only to end up in the hands of an unfriendly Saudi officer determined to send her back to her tormenters. When she is allowed a final phone call to her brother Omar in New York, he draws in corporate lawyer Charles Sherman whose contacts in Saudi grant Fatima a reprieve.
As Charles tries to work his contacts to get Fatima asylum in the U. As Fatima's past rapidly catches up with her, she makes the momentous decision to return to her daughter in Iraq, and Charles decides to accompany her. I won't share to any more details so as to avoid spoilers, but it was at this point that I felt the story began to break down.
I felt the love story between Fatima and Charles was an unnecessary complication, and everything that happened after they returned to Iraq was the kind of unrealistic series of events usually only seen on I felt the adventure aspect of the story was forced, and definitely didn't require the day by day chapter breakdowns.
I found the book long, and definitely thought the narrative lagged, especially in the philosophical conversations between Charles and Fatima. In my opinion, Murphy has a strong storyline in this book, and I am surprised he hasn't made a sale to mainstream publisher. Right now the novel is part adventure story, part love story, part condemnation of U. A strong edit that focused the book around one central message would yield a much tighter book that I think would sell well.
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- A Thousand Veils.
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I'm giving this one 3 stars- 3. May 12, Val rated it it was amazing Shelves: January 24, Publisher: A note on the review written for www. From that moment on, the story unfolds with heart stopping terror and anticipation. Fatima has grown up in Iraqi and loves her country and her family with all her heart. But his boss and mentor Art believes Charles is the right one for the case, having spent many years in Saudi Arabia brokering deals for the Arabs. Charles and Fatima eventually meet on foreign soil and through intellectual conversations, they come to know and love each other.
Murphy weaves his story beautifully. The persecution and resistance Fatima encounters in every step of her journey will inflame the reader, and the ending will leave the reader amazed at the human spirit. Jul 15, Sandie rated it it was amazing Recommends it for: With A Thousand Veils, D. Murphy provides us with a stunning scenario that allows us to occupy a front row seat as the life of Fatima Shihabi, poet-journalist and reluctant dissident unfolds. Witness to the oppression of her fellow countrymen and personal victim of Saddam's secret police, Fatima knows that she a marked woman.
Should she abandon her child, place her family in jeopardy and flee her country in order to save herself? Once safe, how will she be able to rescue her daughter? Can her brother, Omar, a U. S citizen and professor at Columbia University obtain the help she so desperately needs? A multitude of questions, all requiring answers. Eventually Fatima concludes that she must temporarily abandon her daughter, and flee her homeland to seek asylum, something most countries are hesitant, if not unwilling, to grant an Iraqi citizen in the politically charged atmosphere of a post world.
Enter Charles Sherman, high powered New York attorney and a man intensely haunted by the memory of a fateful September morning. So begins this powerful and enlightening account of a man and a woman, separated by cultural, historical and religious differences, who, through a sharing of their painful life experiences learn to put aside individual prejudices and beliefs and come to appreciate and accept each other as they work together to achieve their common goal.
Book review: D.J. Murphy's *A Thousand Veils*
This fictionalized account is based upon actual events and provides the reader with a new perspective of not only the violence in the Middle East and the events that are daily shaping our ever changing world, but also furnishes insight into the knowledge and persistence required to navigate the paperwork maze called political asylum. It is obvious that Mr.
Murphy has drawn on his legal expertise and personal experience as a human rights lawyer as he adroitly leads us through this explosive political minefield of a tale; the culmination of which leave us with an unsettling and incontrovertible understanding that freedom comes at a substantial cost, and not all of that cost is monetary in nature.
May 18, Lesley rated it really liked it. This novel took me on a wild ride with action and suspense around every corner in addition to an education on cultural diversity and US immigration policy. For some reason I was expecting more from the point of view of Fatima Shihabi, the persecuted Iraqi journalist, but instead experienced a much larger portion of the story from inside the mind of Charles Sherman — a Wall Street attorney.
I found many aspects of this book very interesting as well as heart-wrenching. In reference to Islam, I learned the difference between the Shiite and Sunni sects. I also feel a better understanding of Islam as it relates to women in that in its inception it set women free. Learning the effects that UN Sanctions had on the innocent people and children of Iraq was hard to hear but also reality. I also found the contrast and comparison of Muslim women versus western women very eye-opening, giving me cause to stop and think.
In the end, I give the storyline of this book a 5 and content a 3. A total page turner and satisfying read, I can definitely see this international, legal-action thriller being made into a blockbuster movie. View all 3 comments. Oct 03, Betty added it Recommends it for: A gripping, timely tale! My pick for best debut novel so far in Right up front, I'd like to say that if there were more than five stars this is one of the rare books I would give them to!
I kid you not! Murphy has written the best debut novel I've read so far in Set in , A Thousand Veils is a timely book about Fatima Shihabi, an Iraqi poet and journalist who has been marked for death by Saddam Hussein's secret police. Having had a happy childhood with go A gripping, timely tale!
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Having had a happy childhood with good parents and adoring brothers, Fatima has always been independent and grows to hold strong opinions about women's rights Fatima is forced to marry a sadistic older man who beats and abuses her, ultimately divorcing her when she gives birth to a girl instead of the son he so desperately wants. During the marriage, her only solace is writing poetry. Ironically, the divorce frees her. One of her beloved brothers helps her enter the university where her writing catches the eye of teachers who encourage her to publish some articles abroad, under a pseudonym.
Her free-thinking writing is the initial cause of her troubles. At one time, Hussein's police arrest and torture her, but finally release her. Many women revere her for her writing and many kindnesses to them, so one of them alerts her that they are coming to arrest her again. With help from underground acquaintances, this brave, determined woman escapes the country. Getting out is an emotional as well as physical ordeal because she is forced to leave her young daughter behind.
What does she do when no country is willing to accept her? Why isn't she allowed to go to her older brother in the United States? Does she ever get her daughter back? What happens when the brother finally catches the attention of Charles Sherman, a Wall Street lawyer with Iraqi connections. And how does Charles at last break through the wall of resistance on her behalf, then insist on meeting her in Paris.
A bond develops between them and Charles defies all odds to keep Fatima safe. Could it be love in bloom? Well, you'll have to read for yourself to find out more. This is a high-drama story filled with intrigue of the highest degree, depravity beyond human comprehension, kindness born of desperation, of love beyond measure. A story of a resourceful Iraqi woman and a determined American lawyer, bound by their common humanity. A gripping story that will enthrall you from beginning to end. Murphy writes with a powerful voice that resonates with authenticity. His style is smooth and seemingly effortless, making me feel as though I were there with the characters as they move from one exciting locale to another: The book's authenticity is partly because Murphy is a retired International lawyer whose practice included representation of refugees seeking asylum in the United States, partly because Murphy interviewed many refugees and was inspired by a true story.
Although a completely different story, this book reminds me of my choice for debut novel of , Echoes from the Infantry: Betty Dravis, Author of: Mar 31, Michele rated it really liked it. Fatima Shihabi is a beautiful young woman and gifted poet, who like many Iraqi women of her generation, is born into extremely limiting circumstances. Forced into an arranged marriage and then divorced when she produces a daughter Latifa rather than a son, she's taken in by one of her kind brothers and manages to get an education and a position with Iraq's government-controlled newspaper, Babel.
As a professional journalist she writes about the plight of her fellow countrymen, doing her best to infiltrate the work with both genuine praise to Allah and false praise of Hussein's regime. And even though she manages to keep her revealing, personal poetry a secret, she's soon discovered as a threat and an enemy, tortured and marked for death because of her writing and because of information that is revealed to her.
He's in the midst of a career make-or-break contract negotiation and has a rather rocky romance to deal with as well. Because of his inordinate number of appropriate worldwide contacts and his highly likeable and heroic nature, he's the perfect man for the job. Thoroughly taken in by the story, I found it hard to put down this book.
At times, however, I felt the minute-to-minute details burdensome and wished the story moved more quickly.
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Other times I felt the urge to get out my editor's red pen and turn five words into one, and cut blocks of copy where it bogged down. Also, I'm all for word wealth, but this reading experience sent me to my dictionary a few times when lofty vocabulary words were used in place of simpler more readable selections, particularly in the beginning. Fortunately, this technique subsided after the first few chapters and I was pleased to learn some basics regarding the Sunni and Shiite differences and conflicts, and consider the differences between American and Muslim cultures.
They, by the way are better illustrated through simple character development than Fatima's preaching, but at least it made Charles all the more likeable--and believable--particularly as he's taken in by Fatima's obsidian eyes and her sometimes strong, sometimes wavering resolve. She, nevertheless, is a classic tragic heroine--hence the romanticism of this modern story. Murphy is clearly a writing talent and I appreciate time spent reading A Thousand Veils. Feb 12, Irene rated it it was amazing.
In his debut novel, A Thousand Veils, D. Murphy offers us an extraordinary fusion of sinuous literary vision interlaced with compelling dialogue as he relates the remarkable journey of Fatima Shihabi. Morally compelled to write her poignant literary chronicles about the ordinary lives of the Iraqi people, she has dishonored her family and again h In his debut novel, A Thousand Veils, D.
A thousand veils : a novel
As the rasping sand gusts around her, Fatima wraps her veil tightly around her face, her eyes watching those around her. Such passionate moments are fleeting for a Bedouin Muslim woman. Her past reward for seditious writing was torture and a prison sentence. She will not wait for the death sentence. Her only alternative is torture in itself, leave her young daughter with her brother, and escape from her beloved country. Charles Sherman, a brilliant but morally challenged NYC attorney enters the foray at the request of a colleague.
He is quick to find reasons for rejecting an ambiguous assignment that involves facilitating the rescue and US asylum of an unknown Iraqi woman. Currently engrossed in a corporate coup, one that could propel him to the peak of monetary and public recognition, he is reluctant to exhaust his intellectual abilities, and time constraints for a pro bono obligation.
Why Charles finally acquiesces to this unusual request is initially a mystery.
- Hazrat Inayat Khan Quote: “The soul is covered by a thousand veils.” (7 wallpapers) - Quotefancy;
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One the reader is encouraged to discover. As a debut novel, the author has provided remarkable insight into the horrific and inhumane dictatorship of Saddam Hussein and his equally despicable sons. Based on a true story, one in which I believe the author was prominent, this reader was left with intense emotional feelings of respect for the ordinary Iraqi people who were subjected to a narcissistic regime with no regard for the daily hardships endured.
Jan 11, Don rated it liked it. While I found the beginning a bit forced, like how I might write were I to gather the courage to tackle the page, after a slightly rocky beginning, Veils took off for me. It is very hard to illustrate the well-known hardships of a people, their landscape and their government without being a tad cliche. Murphy got through it, however, and delivered a good story that surprised me.
Occasionally moralizing and text-bookish in the way that it conveys the history of Islam, Veils nevertheless delivers While I found the beginning a bit forced, like how I might write were I to gather the courage to tackle the page, after a slightly rocky beginning, Veils took off for me.
Occasionally moralizing and text-bookish in the way that it conveys the history of Islam, Veils nevertheless delivers a good read and a window to a world that consistently and violently finds itself in the center of the news. I really enjoyed this novel. Please enter your name. The E-mail message field is required. Please enter the message. Please verify that you are not a robot. Would you also like to submit a review for this item?
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Her flight from Saddam's vengeance, and the extraordinary efforts of Charles Sherman, a Wall Street lawyer, to save her life, is the subject of this gripping novel, inspired by a true story. Their story points the way toward eventual reconciliation and synthesis between Islam and the West. Allow this favorite library to be seen by others Keep this favorite library private.
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