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
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  • ID: 1695
  • Added: 2025-10-08
  • Updated: 2025-11-29
  • ISBN: 9780330413336
  • Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  • Published: 2003-01-01
  • Formats: 17
  • Reviews: 4

In 'Among the Believers,' V.S. Naipaul embarks on a compelling journey through Asia, focusing on the Muslims he encounters along the way. He vividly portrays young people striving to return to the original purity of their faith, providing a deep and nuanced understanding of modern Islam. Naipaul's exploration delves into the comforting simplifications offered by religious fanaticism, shedding light on the complex dynamics of belief and identity in a rapidly changing world. /n/n The book is not just a travelogue but a profound examination of the cultural and religious landscapes of Asia. Naipaul's insights are both personal and universal, offering readers a window into the lives and struggles of those who seek meaning and purpose through their faith. His observations are timely and relevant, making this a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of religion, culture, and politics.

Reviews
The StoryGraph · 2025-10-20
engrossing 4.00

The reviewer finds the book completely engrossing and interesting, offering a unique perspective on the Muslim world in the late 1970s compared to today.

This review highlights the book's ability to engage readers with its perspective on the Muslim world during a transformative period. The reviewer appreciates the comparison between the late 1970s and today, finding it quite insightful.

Quick quotes

    Completely engrossing and quite an interesting perspective, to see how the Muslim world was back in the late 1970s as compared to today.

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

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

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.

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