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US Mall 1 - The Jewel of Medina
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List Price: $24.95
Our Price: $14.98
Your Save: $ 9.97 ( 40% )
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Manufacturer: Beaufort Books, Inc.
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Average Customer Rating:   
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Binding: Hardcover
Dewey Decimal Number: 813.6
EAN: 9780825305184
ISBN: 0825305187
Label: Beaufort Books, Inc.
Manufacturer: Beaufort Books, Inc.
Number Of Items: 1
Number Of Pages: 432
Publication Date: 2008-10
Publisher: Beaufort Books, Inc.
Studio: Beaufort Books, Inc.
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Spotlight customer reviews:
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Customer Rating:
Summary: full of lies
Comment: This book is full of lies, Sherry Jones does not have any idea about the history of Islam and anyone who wants to know the real story of Ayshia the wife of the Prophet Muhammad may Allah bless him the sould go to the source books.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Conroversay Aside, Bad Writing is Still Bad Writing
Comment: When I first saw this book in the bootstore, I knew nothing of the controversy surrounding it. I learned about it after I read it, (for those who don't know, it's explained in the author's notes at the end, as well as in snippets on this board.)
I can't judge it's historical accuracy, since I know very little of that period (one reason why I was excited about reading it) and was disapointed at the number of claims I've read that this book is only very loosely based on history.
In the end however, I have to judge the book on how it's written, and how I feel while reading it. "The Jewel of Medina" disapointed me because its protagonist spent most of the book being either annoying or vicimized--oftem both at once! I'm all for femminist leanings in historical women, because I don't think resisting oppression is anything new. But A'isha never really rang true to me as a woman of the seventh centruy. She created most of her own problems through her behavior (granted she was under the age of 15 during most of this time). But every time she seemed ready to grow and change, the author threw something bad her way (outside of her control) that killed whatever change she was about to make.
From the beginning, the author showed A'isha as wanting to be a warrior. Then she made A'isha's life a series of missed opportunities. There are many ways to be a warrior. If A'isha's strength and courage had been allowed to show through just a little, we could have cheered for her at the end, and seen her as warrior. Instead, I was left wanting to write my own femminist fantasy, just to get over my anger and frustration!
Customer Rating:
Summary: I enjoyed it.
Comment: The Jewel of Medina
Sherry Jones
The Jewel of Medina by Sherry Jones is set in the founder of Islam, the Prophet Muhammad's harim and the plot consists of the battle to win his favor. The story is told entirely from the point of view of A'isha, Muhammad's most beloved bride amongst a bevy of beautiful wives. Married at nine she is affectionately called "child bride", and as such her position in the harim is constantly undermined. As she navigates the politics of Muhammad's harim, she is embroiled in controversies, intrigues and betrayals. As she comes of age, A'isha tests the concepts of faith and love.
A book for Muslims and Non-Muslims alike, Jones' subject matter is absorbing. A'isha is a strong central heroine who you can't help but root for. For example, I've never rooted so hard for a pre-teen to consummate her marriage (as disturbing as that is). Jones' admits some liberties, but also educates genuinely educates her reader about Muhammad's times and the origins of Islam.
Though billed as historical fiction, the language leans a little flowery, and at times the story's tension will remind you of a romance novel. And beware--some readers will find some of the subject matter offensive. But if you're a fan of the "histomance" genre, this book is definitely recommended. But do be prepared for a cliff hanger ending, and the anticipation of Jones' second book in the series.
Customer Rating:
Summary: An average romance novel
Comment: The Quick Synopsis:
The Jewel of Medina is a historical fiction novel about A'isha bint Abu Bakr, one of the Prophet Muhammad's numerous wives and, according to Muslim history, his favorite. The story is told in first person and covers A'isha's life from childhood to young adulthood (she was 18 years old when Muhammad died.)
The Tempest in a Teapot:
Much controversy has surrounded this debut novel from Sherry Jones. It was originally picked up by Random House in a two-book, $100,000 deal in 2007. Prior to scheduled publication in August of 2008, galleys were sent out and a subsequent firestorm erupted when a University of Texas Professor by the name of Denise Spellberg decided to warn Random House that the book could incite violence from radical Muslim groups, calling the book "an ugly, stupid piece of work" and "soft-core pornography."
Random House dropped the book like a hot potato. Some people screamed "censorship!". Others screamed "heresy!". The publishing world was in an uproar. Enter British publisher Gibson Square, who picked up the rights and published the book. A short time later, Gibson Square headquarters were set on fire in an apparently related arson case.
Long story short, Beaufort Books, a small American publishing house who apparently knows a cash-cow when they see one, picked up the rights here in the U.S. and that's how it ended up in my reading pile.
The Literary Criticism
While I wouldn't go so far as to call it "an ugly, stupid piece of work," as Ms. Spellberg did, it's not going to be winning any literary awards in the near future. I found the novel to be something of a missed opportunity. Jones writes the novel from A'isha's viewpoint, but rather than exploring the thoughts and actions of a 7th-century Middle Eastern girl caught up in the birth of a major new faith that will change the course of history, she instead gives us a fluffy historical romance novel.
Now there's nothing wrong with a good romance novel, in my elevated opinion. (The Thornbirds, anyone?) Unfortunately, The Jewel of Medina doesn't even make a good romance novel. Jones tries to use the ol' tried-n-true romance formula:
1. Girl yearns for freedom to be an independant, free spirit who transcends the gender limitations of her era.
2. Somewhere along the way she falls in love with the perfect man.
3. They clash.
4. They overcome the obstacle.
5. They live Happily Ever After.
The reason this formula works in a historical romance novel is because modern-day women identify with the protagonists goals, which are quite attainable in the 21st-century. But it is a formula and an overused one, at that.
The problem with this formula in The Jewel of Medina is that A'isha was but six years old when Muhammad asked for her hand in marriage and only nine years old when the marriage was consummated. By modern day standards this would be considered the rape of a child. Jones tries to gloss over this by delaying consummation of the marriage until A'isha is a teenager and at the same time presenting A'isha as much more mature than a child could possibly be. She is given thoughts and dialogue more consistent with a much older girl. Except she plays with toy horses. Alot. With Muhammad (which only makes him look creepier. I can see why this might offend some people.)
Jones never seems to reconcile exactly how she wants to paint the Prophet Muhammad. She seems to go out of her way to emphasize his compassion and enlightened (at least by 7th-century standards) views of women. Yet when it comes to his acquisition of wives, which was common for the time, she ends up giving us a lecherous old man. Perhaps a dichotomy was intended, but it only reads as inconsistency instead.
Similes abound and are so heavy that they sometimes illicit an unintended chuckle:
"That evening I stepped into the courtyard to see the moon. It dangled like an ornament from the bejeweled sky, dipped in gold and looming so close it beckoned my fingers to reach out and pluck it."
Dialogue doesn't fare much better. The act of sex is continually referred to as the "scorpion's sting." Ouch. I'll leave it at that.
I fully believe that Jones holds A'isha and the Prophet in the highest regard. She clearly had the best of intentions with this novel. But we all know what the road to heck is paved with, don't we? I was looking forward to a novel full of insight into the birth of Islam and the role the Prophet's wives played. I was looking for a glimpse into the mind and life of a Middle Eastern woman in 7th-century Saudi Arabia. I was looking for...something different than what I got, I suppose.
And for those Muslims who were so worried that us Westerners would believe such things about Muhammad? Give us a little credit, please.
The Recommendation:
If you want to weigh in on the controversy by all means go ahead and buy the book, just don't have high expectations for an enlightening, engaging read. Better yet, go buy a copy of The Thorn Birds.
Customer Rating:
Summary: insightful
Comment: I found this book to be enlightening toward Muslimism. After getting passed the juvenile titillation, the attitude toward women, as well as so called "infidels", helps to explain why radicals can promote their attitudes through violence. I now know why certain factions of the Muslim community did not want this book to be published, the same reason cartoon creators have prices put on their heads. I just hope Miss Jones is not in any peril.
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Editorial Reviews:
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Customer Rating:
Summary: full of lies
Comment: This book is full of lies, Sherry Jones does not have any idea about the history of Islam and anyone who wants to know the real story of Ayshia the wife of the Prophet Muhammad may Allah bless him the sould go to the source books.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Conroversay Aside, Bad Writing is Still Bad Writing
Comment: When I first saw this book in the bootstore, I knew nothing of the controversy surrounding it. I learned about it after I read it, (for those who don't know, it's explained in the author's notes at the end, as well as in snippets on this board.)
I can't judge it's historical accuracy, since I know very little of that period (one reason why I was excited about reading it) and was disapointed at the number of claims I've read that this book is only very loosely based on history.
In the end however, I have to judge the book on how it's written, and how I feel while reading it. "The Jewel of Medina" disapointed me because its protagonist spent most of the book being either annoying or vicimized--oftem both at once! I'm all for femminist leanings in historical women, because I don't think resisting oppression is anything new. But A'isha never really rang true to me as a woman of the seventh centruy. She created most of her own problems through her behavior (granted she was under the age of 15 during most of this time). But every time she seemed ready to grow and change, the author threw something bad her way (outside of her control) that killed whatever change she was about to make.
From the beginning, the author showed A'isha as wanting to be a warrior. Then she made A'isha's life a series of missed opportunities. There are many ways to be a warrior. If A'isha's strength and courage had been allowed to show through just a little, we could have cheered for her at the end, and seen her as warrior. Instead, I was left wanting to write my own femminist fantasy, just to get over my anger and frustration!
Customer Rating:
Summary: I enjoyed it.
Comment: The Jewel of Medina
Sherry Jones
The Jewel of Medina by Sherry Jones is set in the founder of Islam, the Prophet Muhammad's harim and the plot consists of the battle to win his favor. The story is told entirely from the point of view of A'isha, Muhammad's most beloved bride amongst a bevy of beautiful wives. Married at nine she is affectionately called "child bride", and as such her position in the harim is constantly undermined. As she navigates the politics of Muhammad's harim, she is embroiled in controversies, intrigues and betrayals. As she comes of age, A'isha tests the concepts of faith and love.
A book for Muslims and Non-Muslims alike, Jones' subject matter is absorbing. A'isha is a strong central heroine who you can't help but root for. For example, I've never rooted so hard for a pre-teen to consummate her marriage (as disturbing as that is). Jones' admits some liberties, but also educates genuinely educates her reader about Muhammad's times and the origins of Islam.
Though billed as historical fiction, the language leans a little flowery, and at times the story's tension will remind you of a romance novel. And beware--some readers will find some of the subject matter offensive. But if you're a fan of the "histomance" genre, this book is definitely recommended. But do be prepared for a cliff hanger ending, and the anticipation of Jones' second book in the series.
Customer Rating:
Summary: An average romance novel
Comment: The Quick Synopsis:
The Jewel of Medina is a historical fiction novel about A'isha bint Abu Bakr, one of the Prophet Muhammad's numerous wives and, according to Muslim history, his favorite. The story is told in first person and covers A'isha's life from childhood to young adulthood (she was 18 years old when Muhammad died.)
The Tempest in a Teapot:
Much controversy has surrounded this debut novel from Sherry Jones. It was originally picked up by Random House in a two-book, $100,000 deal in 2007. Prior to scheduled publication in August of 2008, galleys were sent out and a subsequent firestorm erupted when a University of Texas Professor by the name of Denise Spellberg decided to warn Random House that the book could incite violence from radical Muslim groups, calling the book "an ugly, stupid piece of work" and "soft-core pornography."
Random House dropped the book like a hot potato. Some people screamed "censorship!". Others screamed "heresy!". The publishing world was in an uproar. Enter British publisher Gibson Square, who picked up the rights and published the book. A short time later, Gibson Square headquarters were set on fire in an apparently related arson case.
Long story short, Beaufort Books, a small American publishing house who apparently knows a cash-cow when they see one, picked up the rights here in the U.S. and that's how it ended up in my reading pile.
The Literary Criticism
While I wouldn't go so far as to call it "an ugly, stupid piece of work," as Ms. Spellberg did, it's not going to be winning any literary awards in the near future. I found the novel to be something of a missed opportunity. Jones writes the novel from A'isha's viewpoint, but rather than exploring the thoughts and actions of a 7th-century Middle Eastern girl caught up in the birth of a major new faith that will change the course of history, she instead gives us a fluffy historical romance novel.
Now there's nothing wrong with a good romance novel, in my elevated opinion. (The Thornbirds, anyone?) Unfortunately, The Jewel of Medina doesn't even make a good romance novel. Jones tries to use the ol' tried-n-true romance formula:
1. Girl yearns for freedom to be an independant, free spirit who transcends the gender limitations of her era.
2. Somewhere along the way she falls in love with the perfect man.
3. They clash.
4. They overcome the obstacle.
5. They live Happily Ever After.
The reason this formula works in a historical romance novel is because modern-day women identify with the protagonists goals, which are quite attainable in the 21st-century. But it is a formula and an overused one, at that.
The problem with this formula in The Jewel of Medina is that A'isha was but six years old when Muhammad asked for her hand in marriage and only nine years old when the marriage was consummated. By modern day standards this would be considered the rape of a child. Jones tries to gloss over this by delaying consummation of the marriage until A'isha is a teenager and at the same time presenting A'isha as much more mature than a child could possibly be. She is given thoughts and dialogue more consistent with a much older girl. Except she plays with toy horses. Alot. With Muhammad (which only makes him look creepier. I can see why this might offend some people.)
Jones never seems to reconcile exactly how she wants to paint the Prophet Muhammad. She seems to go out of her way to emphasize his compassion and enlightened (at least by 7th-century standards) views of women. Yet when it comes to his acquisition of wives, which was common for the time, she ends up giving us a lecherous old man. Perhaps a dichotomy was intended, but it only reads as inconsistency instead.
Similes abound and are so heavy that they sometimes illicit an unintended chuckle:
"That evening I stepped into the courtyard to see the moon. It dangled like an ornament from the bejeweled sky, dipped in gold and looming so close it beckoned my fingers to reach out and pluck it."
Dialogue doesn't fare much better. The act of sex is continually referred to as the "scorpion's sting." Ouch. I'll leave it at that.
I fully believe that Jones holds A'isha and the Prophet in the highest regard. She clearly had the best of intentions with this novel. But we all know what the road to heck is paved with, don't we? I was looking forward to a novel full of insight into the birth of Islam and the role the Prophet's wives played. I was looking for a glimpse into the mind and life of a Middle Eastern woman in 7th-century Saudi Arabia. I was looking for...something different than what I got, I suppose.
And for those Muslims who were so worried that us Westerners would believe such things about Muhammad? Give us a little credit, please.
The Recommendation:
If you want to weigh in on the controversy by all means go ahead and buy the book, just don't have high expectations for an enlightening, engaging read. Better yet, go buy a copy of The Thorn Birds.
Customer Rating:
Summary: insightful
Comment: I found this book to be enlightening toward Muslimism. After getting passed the juvenile titillation, the attitude toward women, as well as so called "infidels", helps to explain why radicals can promote their attitudes through violence. I now know why certain factions of the Muslim community did not want this book to be published, the same reason cartoon creators have prices put on their heads. I just hope Miss Jones is not in any peril.
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