Among Muslims: Everyday Life on the Frontiers of Pakistan [Paperback]

Kathleen Jamie (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1580050867 | ISBN-13: 978-1580050869 | Publication Date: December 26, 2002

As a woman traveling alone in the early 1990s, Kathleen Jamie had exceptional access to the people inhabiting the remote Northern Areas of Pakistan: She befriended not only the men, but the purdah-observing Shia Muslim women who rarely appear in public. In the isolated mountain villages, she met locals balancing their traditions with the inevitable encroachment of tourism. When Jamie returned to the area after September 11, 2001, she was the only foreigner in the area. In an extensive epilogue, she observes how her friends and the area have changed as a result of war, tourism, and the passage of time. This intimate narrative reveals how Western women’s freedoms are perceived. One explains: “Your lifestyle is very strange and very difficult to us.” Meanwhile, Jamie is surprised to discover that they have never been to the public bazaar that she wanders through so casually. As Jamie discusses arranged marriage, divorce, children, education, travel, and attitudes toward freedom and risk with them, she draws a compelling and lively portrait of their lives and offers important insights for Americans seeking to better understand this remote part of the world. Among Muslims has been shortlisted for the Thomas Cook Award. “Illuminated throughout with a vision that sees beneath surfaces.”—Norman Lewis “... a wonderfully sensual study of the land and its people which feels more timeless than topical.”—The Observer (London) “The publication of [Among Muslims], with its plea for understanding and tolerance, couldn't have been better timed.”—The London Times (London)

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Kathleen Jamie is one of the U.K.'s foremost poets and has published four books of poetry; She has won several prestigious poetry awards, including the Somerset Maugham, Forward, Creative Scotland Award, and Geoffrey Faber Memorial award (twice). As well as poetry, Jamie writes for the London Review of Books and is a frequent writer and presenter of travelogues for Radio Four. She currently teaches Creative Writing at St. Andrews University and lives in Fife, Scotland.

Product Details

• Paperback: 264 pages
• Publisher: Seal Press (December 26, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1580050867
• ISBN-13: 978-1580050869
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,000,224 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Wonderfully Written Book, February 8, 2003

By 

Ehsan Ahmed (Harrisonburg, VA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Among Muslims: Everyday Life on the Frontiers of Pakistan (Paperback)

As a native of Pakistan who has lived in the U.S for over 25 years, I have always been interested in what Western writers are writing about Pakistan and people of Pakistan. I bought 2003 edition of this book last Christmas for a light reading. When I started to read it, I could not put it away. Jamie had visited the Northern Areas in early 1990's. She talks about not just beautiful landscaps but ordinary people. People she met during her travel to Gilgit and Skardu. "Gilgit going"! that's exactly what the locals with little English knowledge would say anywhere in Pakistan. She is not judgemental but paints a beautiful portraits of life in that part of the world. People might not have lots of luxuries but they are contended with what they have and show wonderful hospitality to visitors. She had lots of access to women in that part of world. It is nice to read a story of people beyond the prejudice which exists among the Western media. There are no Mullahs and no Talibans in this story. A young Western woman travels fearlessly in this distant, remote part of Pakistan. I have not seen most of these areas but found myself visiting these areas through this book. What's even more impressive that Jamie revisits the same areas 11 years later and meets many of those women again. Lots has changed since her last visit. Progress in terms of roads, electricity and internet has come in many areas but people are still the same. Kathleen Jamie's book is wonderful and I strongly recommend it to all. It is as if I was there visiting those beautiful areas for few days!

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars thoughtful and unpretentious, July 8, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Among Muslims: Everyday Life on the Frontiers of Pakistan (Paperback)

A senstive look at the daily lives, joys and worries that shape rural communities in northern Pakistan. Jamie does not pretend to write a scholarly analysis of political developments, customs or beliefs. Instead she depicts attitudes and actions of everyday citizens, thus helping readers both understand and break down stereotypes. Jamie has a gift for painting pictures - of sights, people and situations - with words.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Interesting, a bit judgmental, June 29, 2011

By 

ST "S.T." (Virginia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Among Muslims: Everyday Life on the Frontiers of Pakistan (Paperback)

The book was somewhat slow, but overall an interesting read. I felt there was an underlying orientalist bent towards women, even though it seems that the author's intention is to be as objective as possible. As another reviewer mentioned, it is important to remember this book describes a small subset of people in Pakistan.

It is also interesting to note that the book was republished after 9/11, due to a surge of interest in learning about Islam and Muslims. I don't think it's a good book to read if that is your intention - there is the danger of extrapolating what you learn from this book to all Muslims. But I would recommend it to those who are already familiar with the region (Pakistan) or the religion, as it is likely to give you a new insight into the tremendous diversity within the Muslim community.