Headscarves and Hymens: Why the Middle East Needs a Sexual Revolution

Such an honest book, I admire the author for this more than anything. She's angry and has every right to be and is doing something about it. I have no doubt as someone who wants to speak up about such uncomfortable truths she is and will get a lot of criticism. She doesn't deserve it, she should be thanked. Calls the war on muslim women's bodies, from all sides, for what it is. But I think a lot of muslim women are asleep to a lot of what she talks about which is why it is SUCH an important book. Peace to a true rebel. I mean that because its hard to find peaceful acceptance with a world that is so unjust.

Just found this to be current and relevant.

This is a very important book. Some of the subject matter is very challenging (particularly the parts relating to female genital mutilation) but I believe it should be read by all, especially those who have an interest in women's issues and women's rights. The author is truly brave and can only be commended for her courage to write this book. In 2011 during a protest in Cairo she was sexually assaulted, detained and beaten until her arms were broken. This book is a rallying cry to women all across the Middle East to question the patriarchal hegemony and to challenge the status quo. A must read.

The journey Mona Eltahawy took me through was one of discovery not only of the situation of women in North Africa and the Middle East but also of the struggle all women had and have often to live in a predominantly accepted patriarchal society. None of us should keep quiet. Thank you for the reminder!

This is an important reminder that the battle for women's rights is far from won and while, as Mona Eltahawy says, change can only come from the communities affected themselves, the rest of us must be there to help and support them and not accept the nonsense about cultural relativity that the abusers hide behind. Beating people and depriving them of their feedom and right to self fufilment is abuse pure and simple, it has nothing to do with religion or culture and everything to do with the desire of many men to exert power and control over women. Unfortunatly the people who most need to read this book are the people least likely to, but that doesn't detract from the author's bravery in writing it and for standing up for the many millions of women who can't defend themselves.

Mona is a fierce and firebrand feminist who I've had the honour of meeting and engaging in conversation with. she is simply brilliant and being in a room with her is inspiring. the book deals with a multitude of things and tackles issues associated with sex and gender in the middle east through a cultural and religious lens. she calls this a 'toxic mix'. it is. a definite recommendation for other radicals alike.

I bought this via the kindle store after reading a review in the newspaper. This book is an absolutely fantastic read and would recommend it to anybody who is interested in women's rights, international relations or world affairs. It is very easy to read and is written very well. It is the best book you will read this year!

I am Egyptian living in the UK and this book was absolutely eye-opening as well as heart breaking. It definitely brought up conversations with my mum and discussions about Egypt. I would truly recommend it to anyone who wants more of an understanding of how society and the government works in the Middle East.

Un livre BRILLIANT et tres bien recherche - bravo pour le courage de Mona Eltahawy. Les femmes europeennes doivent se rendre compte le luxe de la liberte.

Mona Eltahawy is one of the most prominent voices in the Muslim feminist movement today. Her experiences working with women in conflict areas and her history of activism and public speaking have contributed richly to this book. The book is a must-read, in my opinion. It unfolds the dire situation facing Muslim women, and is a battlecry for a sexual awakening and revolution. Eltahawy's words are loud and clear- the Middle East must fight for sexual agency and freedom, and without that, nothing is possible.

Interesante, aún lo estoy leyendo

Read this book. Mona is a vocal, fierce and confident author on the subject matter: women in the Middle East. I read the book in one day and couldn't put it down. As an Arab American woman who lived in the Middle East for part of my life, I can attest to Mona's authentic narrative. This should be an essential read for anyone interested in foreign politics. It's also an important read for those of us raised in the repressive culture. It's time that we confront our issues: culture of mysogny intertwined with culture and religion which is holding back women from being free. As Mona so finely states it's time for a double revolution which starts at home! Talk about sex and desire. Liberate yourselves from the chain of patriarchy and live life! Not to mention the issue of FGM, child marriages, marital rape, rape victims being forced to marry their rapist, sexual harassment and the issue of controlling women's bodies.

So well written, and full of important information. A must-read!