A Thousand Veils

by D.J. Murphy and Annabeth Albert

Book Overview

When Fatima Shihabi, an Iraqi poet and journalist, learns she is marked for death by Saddam Hussein's secret police, she flees Iraq, evading Saddam's helicopters hunting her in the desert, only to... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1435705319
• ISBN13: 9781435705319
• Release Date: January 2008
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Length: 400 Pages
• Weight: 1.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.1" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Veils that mask the human condition

Fatima Shihabi was a child of the Iraqi desert, its "veiled promises" providing abundant inspiration for her poetry. Fatima lived a Muslim woman's dual life under the veil, outwardly anonymous in the black abayah but strongly creative and individualistic in her inner life. After a brutal but brief marriage Fatima raises her daughter in Baghdad, completing her education and writing for a daily newspaper. In 2002 her writings about the conditions of life in Iraq bring her, disastrously, to the attention of the brutal Hussein regime. Forced to flee the country, she is captured and imprisoned in Saudi Arabia and about to be transported back to Baghdad where torture and death will be her inevitable fate. Fatima's urgent case lands on the desk of Charles Sherman, a Wall Street lawyer and deal-maker. From the beginning, even from so far away, he is intrigued with Fatima's story and highly motivated to bring her to the West where she can be safe and resume her powerful writing. The suspense and pathos of this story have been effectively told by other reviewers; like them, I was enthralled with every aspect. The characterizations and plot are beautifully handled, with a lyrical yet crisp prose perfectly suited to the mystery and allure of Fatima's story. Charles himself has his own terrors, stemming from the disaster of September 2001 and his subsequent rethinking of his lifestyle and career priorities. A few themes set A Thousand Veils in a class of its own. For example, Fatima gives voice in her poetry and her life to the Muslim ideals so perverted by the totalitarian regimes we abhor. The author handles this theme so sensitively that the reader is challenged to stand outside the usual front-page perspective -- but always with a pathway to compassionate understanding. We see the extremes of human behavior and everything in between: cruelty, indifference, tolerance, and selflessness. Read this book with no partisan preconceptions. For me, the author's tour de force is the use of the veil as a metaphor for a lack of self-awareness: the veil as disguise, as protection; strips torn from a veil binding Charles's wounds; the veil as both giver and taker of freedom. Through his sacrifice for Fatima, Charles learns to throw off his own veils, "...the veils of capitalistic success, material possessions, and even conventionality itself -- veils that served only to mask the predicament of the human condition... " (p. 389) This subtle thread is a highly effective integrating factor throughout the book. Author D.J. Murphy called on his credentials as a corporate lawyer and an advocate for refugees seeking asylum. With this first novel he gives us a fascinating story, unforgettable characters, and some mind-stretching themes that deserve to see the light of day. A Thousand Veils does what the best books do: leaves you satisfied yet wishing for more. Highly recommended Linda Bulger, 2008

A gripping, timely tale! My pick for best debut novel so far in 2008.

Right up front, I'd like to say that if there were more than five stars this is one of the rare books I would give them to! It's fabulous! I kid you not! Author D. J. Murphy has written the best debut novel I've read so far in 2008. Set in 2002, A Thousand Veils is a timely book about Fatima Shihabi, an Iraqi poet and journalist who has been marked for death by Saddam Hussein's secret police. Having had a happy childhood with good parents and adoring brothers, Fatima has always been independent and grows to hold strong opinions about women's rights ... which gets her into trouble on more than one occasion in a society that suppresses women. Fatima is forced to marry a sadistic older man who beats and abuses her, ultimately divorcing her when she gives birth to a girl instead of the son he so desperately wants. During the marriage, her only solace is writing poetry. Ironically, the divorce frees her. One of her beloved brothers helps her enter the university where her writing catches the eye of teachers who encourage her to publish some articles abroad, under a pseudonym. Her free-thinking writing is the initial cause of her troubles. At one time, Hussein's police arrest and torture her, but finally release her. Many women revere her for her writing and many kindnesses to them, so one of them alerts her that they are coming to arrest her again. With help from underground acquaintances, this brave, determined woman escapes the country. Getting out is an emotional as well as physical ordeal because she is forced to leave her young daughter behind. What does she do when no country is willing to accept her? Why isn't she allowed to go to her older brother in the United States? Does she ever get her daughter back? What happens when the brother finally catches the attention of Charles Sherman, a Wall Street lawyer with Iraqi connections. And how does Charles at last break through the wall of resistance on her behalf, then insist on meeting her in Paris. A bond develops between them and Charles defies all odds to keep Fatima safe. Could it be love in bloom? Well, you'll have to read for yourself to find out more. This is a high-drama story filled with intrigue of the highest degree, depravity beyond human comprehension, kindness born of desperation, of love beyond measure. A story of a resourceful Iraqi woman and a determined American lawyer, bound by their common humanity. A gripping story that will enthrall you from beginning to end. Author D. J. Murphy writes with a powerful voice that resonates with authenticity. His style is smooth and seemingly effortless, making me feel as though I were there with the characters as they move from one exciting locale to another: Saudi Arabia, Baghdad, the French Alps, New York, Paris. The book's authenticity is partly because Murphy is a retired International lawyer whose practice included representation of refugees seeking asylum in the United States, partly because Murphy interviewed many r

A Thousand Veils

I found " A Thousand Veils" a truly gripping novel. Couldn't put it down. With the background of the Middle East and Europe supplied by an obviously knowledgeable author, it tells the story of the courage, disappointment, and perserverance it takes to just to survive in Iraq. The leading characters are well-defined and leave you with one question: When's the movie coming out? Howard Spivak

A Thousand Veils by D. J. Murphy, a "Must Read"

D. J. Murphy has produced a suspenseful masterpiece that is likely to endure for generations. As the author metes out colorful geographic description of the diverse settings, he also refreshes memories with pertinent historic and early 21st century events. The story's 2002 time horizon is post-9/11, pre-American invasion of Iraq. "A Thousand Veils," based in part on a true story, has it all - intense emotion, love, suspense, drama, action; richly conveyed in highly descriptive prose, complemented with gems of beautiful poetry reflecting Fatima Shihabi's life of struggle under often difficult mores and the oppressive regime of Saddam Hussein. Her interaction with Charles Sherman, a high-profile corporate attorney, in a quest to escape Saddam's ubiquitous secret police, to seek a life where she can write truthfully without censorship, and contribute to the cause of women's rights in Iraq, takes the reader on a series of adventures that will both captivate and charge emotions. Each short, breathtaking chapter leads to the next; you will not want to put this novel down. For those of us who have, since 9/11, quite naturally come to view Middle Eastern culture in general, and Islam in particular, with suspicion, this tome should broaden our prospective somewhat while affording a better understanding of our disparate cultures.

A Gripping Story!

A Thousand Veils is a gripping story of political oppression, moral courage, and the binding and blinding power of love. I've given the book to several friends, who have also loved it. One friend appeared on New Year's Day to tell me she had passed up festivities the night before because she couldn't put the book down. I was also glued to the book from the opening sandstorm to the last beautifully-written word.