''Avoids both the sensational and the stereotypical... insightful... a valid, entertaining account of women in the Muslim world. -- The New York Times Book Review ''A rare look at a significant segment of the world's population that literally has been cloaked in mystery for generations. -- The Seattle Times ''There has been nothing finer on the subject from a Western observer... she looks at it from the heart.. .mixing historical perspective with piercingly observed journalism. -- Newsday ''Powerful and enlightening... Brooks presents stunning vignettes of Muslim women... and carefully distinguishes misogyny and oppressive cultural traditions from what she considers the true teaching of the Koran. -- Publishers Weekly