Among the Believers: an Islamic Journey

by V.S. Naipaul
Among the Believers: an Islamic Journey cover
Good Books rating 3.8
Travel and Adventure
Technical:
  • ID: 1695
  • Added: 2025-10-08
  • Updated: 2025-10-10
  • ISBN: 9780330413336
  • Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  • Published: 2003-01-01
  • Formats: 5
  • Reviews: 4
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In 'Among the Believers,' V.S. Naipaul embarks on a compelling journey through Asia, where he encounters Muslims deeply committed to their faith. He vividly portrays the struggles of young people striving to restore what they believe is the original purity of Islam, offering a unique insight into modern Islamic beliefs and the comforting simplifications found in religious fanaticism. Naipaul's account is not just a travelogue but a deep dive into the social and religious dynamics shaping the region. /n/n This book provides a nuanced understanding of the complexities of modern Islam, highlighting the tensions between tradition and modernity. Naipaul's observations are both insightful and provocative, making this a must-read for those interested in religion, culture, and the human experience.

Reviews
LibraryThing · 2025-10-09
thought-provoking 3.50

The book provides a lot of food for thought on the social and cultural aspects of Islam but fails to fully convince in its exploration. It offers a unique perspective on how faith shapes the lives of people in the Islamic world.

The reviewer appreciates the book for its deep dive into the social and cultural aspects of Islam, noting that it provides a lot of food for thought. However, they feel that the book does not fully convince in its exploration of these topics. The reviewer acknowledges the unique perspective it offers on how faith shapes the lives of people in the Islamic world, but finds some of the arguments lacking in depth.

Quick quotes

    Naipaul focuses on the social and cultural aspects of Islam and provides a lot of food for thought but never really convinces when exploring ...

    He brings us close to the people of Islam – how they live and work, the role of faith in their lives, how they see their place in the modern world.

    To Naipaul the new Islam raises political issues without providing political solutions, thus encouraging anarchy.

The StoryGraph · 2025-10-09
interesting 3.50

The book is very interesting but could be more controversial given the events since its publication. It offers a unique perspective but leaves room for more in-depth exploration.

The reviewer finds the book very interesting and appreciates the unique perspective it offers on the Islamic world. However, they feel it could be more controversial, especially considering the events that have occurred since its publication. The reviewer suggests that the book could benefit from a more in-depth exploration of certain aspects, making it a more comprehensive and provocative read.

Quick quotes

    This book was very interesting, but I thought it could be a little more controversial.

    A lot has happened since its publication in 1982 and this book seems to miss out on some of the more recent developments.

    It offers a unique perspective but leaves room for more in-depth exploration.

The Storygraph · dwijo · 2025-10-08
empathetic 4.20

The reviewer notes Naipaul's biases but finds them to create an empathetic connection with certain characters. They appreciate the depth of the inner monologues and struggles depicted in the book.

The reviewer here acknowledges Naipaul's biases but feels they actually help to create a deeper empathy for certain characters. They appreciate how these biases allow Naipaul to connect with characters whose inner monologues and struggles align with his worldview. It seems like the reviewer finds this approach both insightful and engaging, even if it might not be universally applicable. They seem to value the depth and complexity that Naipaul brings to the characters and their experiences.

Quick quotes

    Naipaul's biases also make him particularly empathetic to characters whose inner monologues and struggles lend themselves best to his world view.

    No matter how much one might disagree with Naipaul's perspective, his ability to capture the essence of these characters is commendable.

    The depth of the inner monologues and struggles depicted in the book is truly compelling.

The Christian Science Monitor · 2009-03-01
compelling 4.00

The journey through the Islamic world is described as vivid and poignant, capturing the complexities of daily life and deeper societal issues. The reviewer values the nuanced portrayal of a world in transition.

This reviewer really enjoys the vivid and poignant portrayal of the Islamic world in transition. They feel the book captures the complexities of daily life and deeper societal issues beautifully. The reviewer appreciates how the book artfully contrasts the vicissitudes of daily life with broader cultural and political changes. It seems like they find the narrative compelling and thought-provoking, offering a deep insight into the Islamic world during a significant period of change.

Quick quotes

    The result is a vivid sense of traveling through a world in transition, with pungent vicissitudes of daily life artfully played off the deeper issues.

    Naipaul's conviction that it is no favor to a country to withhold negative views of it.

    The delicate mockery that exemplifies the Naipaul conviction is never far from the surface.

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