Book SummaryNine Parts of Desire, by Geraldine Brooks

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Nine Parts of Desire

The societal roles, personal stories, and rights of women within Islamic societies.

In her book "Nine Parts of Desire," Geraldine Brooks explores the varied lives of women in the Muslim world, delving into the ways in which their existence is molded by their faith, cultural norms, and societal anticipations. She dismantles the monolithic perception of Muslim societies, illustrating a range of experiences among women that span from secluded and constrained lives as a result of rigid interpretations of religion to influential roles shaped by egalitarian interpretations of Muslim traditions and values.

Cultural norms that restrict the autonomy and liberty of women.

This section of the narrative delves into the stringent elements that curtail women's autonomy and liberties within certain Muslim societies, highlighting long-established customs that impose restrictions. Brooks emphasizes the distortion of traditions claimed to be rooted in Islamic teachings, which have led to considerable damage to women's mental and physical well-being, highlighting the urgent need for reform and a return to the egalitarian spirit present at the beginning of Islam.

The practice of genital modification is frequently justified by referencing Islamic doctrines.

Brooks delivers a compelling depiction of the profound physical and emotional trauma caused by the practice of altering female genitalia, informed by her personal observations in Eritrea. She recounts the experiences of Dr. Abrehet Gebrekidan, a gynecologist, who dedicates her work to mitigating the damage inflicted on women through clitoridectomy and infibulation, procedures often performed on young girls under the erroneous belief that it will curb their sexual desires and preserve their family's honor.

Geraldine Brooks observes that the continuation of FGM, which has origins before the advent of Christianity, is partly sustained by certain communities within the Islamic faith. Geraldine Brooks explores the customs prevalent in the Buraimi Oasis, a locale within the United Arab Emirates, where the purity of young girls was preserved through a procedure believed to protect male honor by ensuring their chastity. Brooks argues that these traditions starkly contrast with the principles advocated by Muhammad, who supported women's independence in sexual matters and their right to enjoyment within marriage. She emphasizes the traditional customs and instructions linked to the founder of Islam, stressing the significance of intimacy before intercourse, endorsing various forms of sexual relations within marriage, and viewing the denial of such intimacy as an act of cruelty towards women.

Practical Tips

• You can educate yourself further by reading articles and research papers on the psychological impact of trauma. Understanding the broader context of trauma can help you empathize with survivors and recognize the long-term effects that extend beyond the initial physical harm. For example, you might explore how trauma affects trust and relationships, which can inform your interactions with those who have experienced such events.
• Enhance your cultural literacy by reading fictional literature from regions where female genital mutilation has been practiced. Choose novels or short stories set in the relevant historical periods or cultural contexts. By immersing yourself in the narratives and characters, you'll gain a more nuanced understanding of the social and cultural dynamics that contribute to the perpetuation of such practices.
• Start a journal to reflect on your personal beliefs about gender roles and sexual independence, focusing on how these views impact your relationships. By writing down your thoughts and feelings, you can identify areas where you might unconsciously uphold stereotypes or expectations that don't align with the idea of women's independence and enjoyment within marriage. This self-reflection can lead to more open discussions with your partner about mutual satisfaction and autonomy.
• Introduce variety and experimentation into your marital intimacy with mutual consent. This could involve trying out new settings, times of day, or expressions of affection that both you and your partner are comfortable with. The key is to keep an open mind and maintain ongoing communication to ensure that both partners feel respected and their boundaries are honored.
• Engage in non-sexual forms of intimacy, such as holding hands, cuddling, or giving massages, to build a foundation of trust and closeness with your partner. By emphasizing the importance of non-sexual touch, you can cultivate an environment where intimacy is not solely linked to intercourse, thereby reducing the perception of cruelty when sexual intimacy is not immediate.

Other Perspectives

• Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is not prescribed by Islamic law, and there is no mention of it in the Quran. Many Islamic scholars and organizations have condemned the practice as harmful and not representative of Islamic teachings.
• Education and empowerment of women and communities can lead to the abandonment of FGM, as informed individuals are more likely to challenge harmful traditions and advocate for the rights of girls and women.
• The practice may not effectively prevent premarital sexual activity or infidelity, as these behaviors are complex and influenced by many factors beyond physical ability.
• The interpretation of religious texts, including those in Islam, can vary widely, and what may seem like a contradiction could be a matter of differing scholarly opinions or contextual applications of Muhammad's teachings.

In some instances, the perceived compromise of a woman's chastity can lead to deadly repercussions.

Brooks discusses the distressing occurrence where male family members take the lives of their female kin, claiming to uphold purity. She recounts distressing stories from nations where Islam is prevalent, including the...

Nine Parts of Desire Summary Women's participation in the workforce and public affairs, in addition to their academic endeavors.

This part explores the complexities surrounding the pursuit of education by women, their engagement in the workforce, and their contributions to community initiatives across various Muslim societies. Brooks emphasizes the stark differences in the circumstances of women, pointing out that the societal framework of Saudi Arabia enforces substantial limitations, whereas women in Iran and Egypt enjoy relatively greater liberty, and she stresses the critical role of education in enabling women to engage fully in their communities.

The accessibility of learning and advancement options for women differs among countries with a majority Muslim populace.

Brooks highlights the considerable differences in educational prospects for women across diverse Muslim societies, noting the influence of cultural norms and political agendas on these opportunities. She underscores the contrast between the scant educational and literacy prospects for women in Saudi Arabia and Iran's post-revolutionary attitude, which considers women's education crucial to the development of a strong Islamic society.

Attempts to establish schools for girls have encountered opposition within Saudi Arabia and...

Nine Parts of Desire Summary The intersection of Islamic principles with the broader notion of human rights and the rights of women.

This section delves into the intricate and often contested relationship between universally recognized values for women and all individuals and their intersection with Islamic beliefs. Brooks explores the intricate task of aligning principles that originate from Islamic jurisprudence with universally accepted human rights, and she tackles the heated discussion about whether to place more importance on individual rights or on the power of cultural and religious teachings.

Discrepancies between the principles of Islamic law and worldwide standards of human rights.

Brooks highlights the tension between the principles of Islamic law and universally accepted standards of human rights. She cites examples where laws based on sharia conflict with principles of equality and individual liberty, especially in situations that are prone to the erosion of the rights afforded to women.

Matters concerning the marriage of minors, the dissolution of marital relationships, and the rights that arise after the passing of a relative.

Brooks explores the complex regulations of Islamic customs that dictate practices of early marriage, annulment, and inheritance laws. Geraldine Brooks...