Among the believers
an Islamic journey
by V. S. Naipaul · first published 1981
4mentions
2recommended by
4HN commenters
2013–2026first – last mentioned
50% recommend25% neutral25% critical
The author focuses on the role of religion, as he sees it, in affecting the creative and intellectual resources needed by nations to develop on their own.The author describes a six-month journey across the Asian continent. V.S. Naipaul explores the culture and the explosive situation in countries where Islamic fundamentalism was growing. His travels start with Iran, on to Pakistan, Malaysia and end in Indonesia, with a short stop in Pakistan and Iran on the return to the UK. (Book content).
Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Eric Hoffer - The True Believer. Why people are seduced by mass movements, whether political or religious. V.S. Naipaul - Among the Believers. A collection of vignettes about Islam in non-Arab countries. Reza Aslan - No God But God, Beyond Fundamentalism. A non boring history of Islam. An explanation of the difference between jihadic and nationalistic…
on “Neil DeGrasse Tyson’s Eight Books Everyone Should Read” ↗…leading exponents in Iran, seconded by the theocrats. The Ayatollah talked a good game about reconciliation from France, until he came back and wiped the Socialists out in short order. [If you haven't read Among the Believers by VS Naipaul, check it out - it's one of the most engaging books I've ever read]. So somehow the Iranian socialists failed to see that Khomeini was a reactionary even worse than the Shah, until it was…
on “Iran's internet blackout may become permanent, with access for elites only” ↗…something like this is a theme in many of his books, often applied to himself, and to other people who've moved to western countries (or, into western-derived cultures). It's also close to a theme of Among the Believers etc, where (to paraphrase crudely!) he comes to view non-arab muslims as being in some sense immigrants to an Arab-centred culture, with some of the same feelings of loss.
on “V.S. Naipaul has died” ↗For someone who wrote such guff about Pakistan in Among the Believers, it's interesting to read about his second wife (and her brother Amir's tangles with the Pakistan Army he served in)
on “Out of Sir Vidia’s Shadow” ↗