Customer Reviews

Among Muslims: Everyday Life on the Frontiers of Pakistan

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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!

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.

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.

This book is so boring, don't waste your time. The author is clearly capitalizing on the West's increased interest in Islam and Muslims post-September 11. If you are looking for a thorough anthropoligical examination of this small subset of Muslims living in Pakistan, this isn't your book.