Book dossier

The Imam's daughter

by Hannah Shah

"Hannah Shah is an Imam's daughter. She lived the life of a devout family of Muslims in England but, behind the front door she was a caged butterfly. For many years, her father abused her in the cellar of their home. At 16 she discovered a plan to send her to Pakistan for an arranged marriage, and she ran away. Hunted by her angry father and brothers, who were intent on making her an honour killing, she had to keep moving house to escape them, and complete her education. Worst of all, from her family's point of view, she converted to Christianity and eventually found freedom - to live (and marry) as she wished, and to be free of the shame of her childhood. Offering a remarkable look at the lifestyle and beliefs of her family, and the rigid ideas of 'shame' and 'honour' they used to oppress her, The Imam's Daughter also shines a light on contemporary Western culture. Most of all, though, this is the inspiring story of Hannah Shah herself. How, through her courage and tenacity, she broke free from her background and embraced a new life in the world beyond its confines."--Global Books in Print.