Book Reviewed:
Ali, N. & Minoui, D. (2010). I am Nujood, age 10 and divorced. New York, NY: Broadway.

Reviewer:
Elaine Dolan

Genre:
Autobiography/Culture

Subject Headings:
Ali, Nujood, Child marriage in Yemen, Sexual abuse and child trafficking, Culture of poverty, Feminism, Violence and the narcotic drug, khat.

Review:
Childhood in poverty torn Yemen ends quickly for little girls. Before they understand who they are or what’s in store for them past the age of innocence, young females are sold by their fathers into marriage or into slavery to another household. Their parents cannot afford to feed them. Their child slavery practice is complicated by poverty, a widespread use by males members of khat (a chewable narcotic drug which begets violent behaviors), and the male Muslim justification that the prophet Mohammed married nine year old girls and hence, sexually idealized this opportunity for men forming households. Little Nujood is sold, physically and sexually abused, and escapes to plead her case to the local judge. It is the women who network to assist one another. She is tutored by her aunt when no one in her immediate family extends a helping hand. She is sheltered during the proceedings by the female lawyer pleading her case. Nujood achieves a divorce and personal triumph in a culture where this is unheard of, at age 50, much less age 10.

This telling narrative showcases the relationship between khat addiction, violent behavior, and the child slave trade in poor Muslim countries. It is rapidly being acknowledged that education is making a difference.

Originally posted on 9/26/2010 at csi-net.org