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“In the Land of Invisible Women” by Dr Qanta Ahmed is in complete contrast to some of the books I’ve read recently. It was such an absorbing read that, apart from getting out in the sunshine for a good hike and a bit of gardening, my entire weekend was spent engrossed in this beautifully written book.
Dr Ahmed is a Muslim British physician of Pakistani origin, raised in England and trained at the State University of New York. When her US resident’s permit was not renewed, she rashly decided to go to Saudia Arabia for a 2-year period as a Critical Care physician who also specialised in sleep disorders and pulmonary conditions.
This is her amazing story of the obstacles she faced as a woman in a male-dominated world both at work and at home, as well as the friendship, support and sometimes hilarious surprises she experiences particularly from the women of Saudi Arabia as they contend with the challenges life in Saudi brings them everyday.
I agree with Gail Sheehy’s sentiments: “I’ve rarely experienced so vividly the shunning and shaming, racism and anti-Semitism, but the surprise is how Dr. Ahmed also finds tenderness at the tattered edges of extremism, and a life-changing pilgrimage back to her Muslim faith.” 
Dr Ahmed has a beautiful way with the English language and I found myself often referring to my dictionary to check the meaning of some of the words that were quite unfamiliar to me.
Highly recommended for an interesting and thought-provoking holiday read, and one that reminds me how free I am to live and work in New Zealand.
Jane’s Book Recommendation: “In the Land of Invisible Women” by Dr Qanta Ahmed