6. As seen through Hirsi Ali’s eyes, what factors contributed to Haweya’s death? How might members of her family describe events differently?
7. Although Hirsi Ali mostly refrains from criticizing her father, she publishes the personal letter he wrote her upon her divorce. Why do you think she included this letter? Were you surprised by any other intimate details of her life that she revealed in the book?
8. The events of September 11 caused Hirsi Ali to reread sections of the Quran and to evaluate the role of violence in Islam. Consequently, her interpretation of September 11 differs from those around her. What does she conclude? Do you agree with her analysis?
9. On page 295, Hirsi Ali lists the three goals she wished to accomplish by joining Parliament. By the book’s end, has she accomplished all three? How did her views of the Dutch government change over time?
10. Examine Hirsi Ali’s relationship with her brother. How did Mahad’s and Abeh’s reactions to her political work differ?
11. Throughout her political career, Hirsi Ali has made several bold statements challenging the Muslim world. In your opinion, were these declarations worth the risk?
12. Has this book changed the way you view Islam? According to Hirsi Ali, is Islam compatible with Western values and culture? Do you agree with her?
Enhancing Your Book Club
1. Visit the Web site of the American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research, the Washington, D.C., think tank that Hirsi Ali joined upon leaving Holland. Take a look at the articles that she has posted, and bring one to share. The Web site is located at www.aei.org.
2. Go to www.youtube.com to watch a version of Theo van Gogh and Hirsi Ali’s film, Submission: Part One.
3. Research the Quran before your group meeting and choose a passage to examine together.
4. Take a look on the Web for Hirsi Ali’s most recent statements about freedom of speech, women’s rights, or religion in schools. (For example, in April 2006 she publicly stated her support of the Danish cartoonists’ right to publish images of Muhammad.) Bring in a copy of any interviews you find and share with your group.
Also by Ayaan Hirsi Ali
The Caged Virgin:
An Emancipation Proclamation for Women and Islam
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Copyright © 2007 by Ayaan Hirsi Ali
Foreword copyright © 2008 by Christopher Hitchens
All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form whatsoever. For information, address Free Press Subsidiary Rights Department, 1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020
First Free Press trade paperback edition April 2008
For reasons of privacy, certain names in this book have been changed.
FREE PRESS and colophon are trademarks of Simon & Schuster, Inc.
DESIGNED BY ERICH HOBBING
The Library of Congress has cataloged the hardcover edition as follows:
Hirsi Ali, Ayaan.
Infidel / Ayaan Hirsi Ali.
p. cm.
1. Politicians—Netherlands—Biography. 2. Muslims—Netherlands—Biography. 3. Refugees—Netherlands—Biography. I. Title.
DJ292.H57 A3 2007
949.207’3092 B 22 2006049762
ISBN-13: 978-0-7432-8968-9
ISBN-10: 0-7432-8968-4
ISBN-13: 978-0-7432-8969-6 (pbk)
ISBN-10: 0-7432-8969-2 (pbk)
ISBN-13: 978-1-4165-3859-2 (eBook)
Infidel Page 47