After the Prophet

Simply Fantastic

I came to this book with a cursory understanding of Sunni/Shia differences, as well as -- if I'm honest, a fairly meager understanding of the history of Islam. This book pulls off a major feat in being both informational and riveting. Totally riveting. Stay-up-far-longer-than-intended riveting.

At first, I was somewhat skeptical of the narrator. Meaning simply that I wasn't sure from the sample that I would enjoy her narration.) Well, I more than enjoyed it; I loved it. I can't think of a better narrator for this

I realize that I may come across as being hyperbolic, but this is simply one of the best audiobooks I've ever listened to -- in any genre. If you have the slightest bit of interest in learning more about Islam, about divisions within the religion, or even just if you're looking for a story that will command your full attention...well, then I would highly recommend listening to this audiobook.

19 sur 19 personne(s) ont trouvé cet avis utile.

Interesting narrative history

This is a subject I am not too familiar with. I am well versed on the gulf between Catholicism and Protestantism, but the politics of Islam is new information for me. I would assume this book would be of interest to those readers not familiar with the religion of Islam.

The split in the Islam world began as Muhammad lay dying. Apparently, the battle was between the family of the favorite wife, Aisha, against his son- in- law, philosopher/warrior Ali. Fifty years later, in what is modern day Iraq, Ali is assassinated. Soldiers of the first Sunni dynasty led by Muawiya massacred seventy-two warriors led by Muhammad’s grandson Hussein at Karbala in 680 AD. Hussein’s ordeal at Karbala became a passion story at the core of Shia Islam. It is part of the annual Ashura rites.

The book is well written and researched. Hazelton’s gripping prose provides insight into origins of the most volatile blend of politics and religion. The author balances past and present as she shows how these 7th century events are alive in the Middle East today. Hazelton states all would have been simple if Muhammad had had a son, but alas he did not.

This book will supply a starting point for readers attempting to understand a complex subject. Hazelton’s writing is biased toward the Shia. I wished she had presented a neutral telling of the facts and let me make up my own mind.

I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is about seven and half hours long. Leslie Hazelton narrated her own book. She has a most interesting deep voice.

11 sur 11 personne(s) ont trouvé cet avis utile.

Gripping tale told extremely well

Absolutely loved it! Extremely detailed and gripping. I couldn't put it down. At the end of it, I was not sure if it was biased. The book spends a lot of time on Shia thought, not so much on sunni ideology. Absolutely loved it none the less. If you are unfamiliar with the history of these events, this is the book to read/listen to.

8 sur 8 personne(s) ont trouvé cet avis utile.

great explanation

fantastic story and explanation of the split, especially foe those who are not familiar with Islam

7 sur 7 personne(s) ont trouvé cet avis utile.

Must read for those interested in Islamic history.

Fantastic read. Wonderful prose. Detailed history. Hazleton makes the complex history easy to understand and captivates the reader. A very even handed historical approach in my opinion. It sheds light on the core history of any Sunni - Shia tensions.

9 sur 10 personne(s) ont trouvé cet avis utile.

Understanding

This book provides a good start for understanding the split that exist in Islam, I would highly recommend reading and listening to this book.

8 sur 9 personne(s) ont trouvé cet avis utile.

Captivating, insightful

This was an incredible look at the complex history of the Sunni-Shia divide. She did a great job of bringing me into the world of early Islam. This provided me valuable context in which to understand current events and Muslim culture.

She's a great storyteller and I love her voice. I'll listen to this one many more times!

8 sur 10 personne(s) ont trouvé cet avis utile.

Incredible

I downloaded this book bc I enjoy history but I was not expecting to enjoy it this much. The author has an excellent writing style and his reading of his work is inspiring. He is passionate and engaging. Just an incredibly interesting and worth while listen/read. I highly recommend.

1 sur 1 personne(s) ont trouvé cet avis utile.

Like the Starks vs the Lannisters.

This book was more fascinating than I could have imagined. A great story and of continued relevance today.

1 sur 1 personne(s) ont trouvé cet avis utile.

Bias but good

Would you listen to After the Prophet again? Why?

With historical accounts as these, it is often wise to remember that there is no such thing as an objective account of what happened. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, highly informative. However the choice of adjectives and tone taken towards some of the characters, particularly Aisha and Ali, can misconstrue their importance and the respect given to them by Muslims across the board.

7 sur 11 personne(s) ont trouvé cet avis utile.