Wow! I JUST finished reading a book about the women (mostly brides) of ISIS, "Guest House for Young Widows." It's nonfiction, but so many of the questions I had after finishing it are similar to what you touched on here! I imagine there were more than a couple of girls who packed the wrong clothes when leaving their western homes... There is a very short moment in "Guest House" where a British convert/bride who wants to leave ISIS pitches a fit because she can't bring all of her belongings (and pets!) with her while being smuggled out of the country. Can't wait to read this fiction take on the subject, since it seems much more honed in on a specific character instead of an overarching research-based view. Great timing and great interview!
I'm looking forward to reading this. A hilarious, energetic, fun, smart girl I went to school with ended up married to someone who committed an extremist murder. For some reason I'd naively assumed extremists didn't have a sense of a humour so I was ever so surprised her life went that direction.
Oh wow that’s fascinating—reminds me of something Nuss really digs into, which is the idea that fundamentalism is attracts ignorance. The idea being is they knew there were alternatives, then they wouldn’t choose that route. But Nuss shows that Nadia, who is incredibly intelligent, was almost seduced by it, and that she *herself* as a teenager almost suffered the same fate
Loved this recommendation! I too gulped this in 2 sittings. Curious- with all the books you read how do you decide who to interview? Do you base it on the books the left you hungry for more? Or is this more the case for practical author availability?
Thank you so much for this recommendation. I have just finished it and wow the story and writing are so captivating! I thoroughly enjoyed it and will be recommending to anyone else who is looking for a new read
She has very bad opinions of practically every nation in the world. At first you think she is a bit prejudiced against certain nationalities but then you realise she is jaded and has bad opinions about everyone having worked in the disciplining of UN soldiers. She is more of the cynical well doer category. She held that job not due to any moral or ethical conviction but because she needed to support for family, and yet she saved countless people from sex trafficking and other horrors. Her opinion of the UN also interests me - compared to most who aren’t engaged in the activities of the UN she is very damning of its abilities to do much and the inefficiencies and corruption inherent in the structure. But at the same time compared to some friends who are deeply engaged with world affairs but only theoretically and from afar she recognises the need for an entity like the UN. Strong lady, warlords have been known to cower from her.
I hadn't heard of this yet and it sounds incredible. Emailing my local indie so she can get it in for me. Bonus, I really want to make friends with the bookstore owner, and I keep hoping I'll impress her with my smart book choices!
10/10 review - I really want to read this! As someone who seriously wanted a career in something similar for a long time, I am super interested to read a critical (and satirical) perspective on it.
Wow! I JUST finished reading a book about the women (mostly brides) of ISIS, "Guest House for Young Widows." It's nonfiction, but so many of the questions I had after finishing it are similar to what you touched on here! I imagine there were more than a couple of girls who packed the wrong clothes when leaving their western homes... There is a very short moment in "Guest House" where a British convert/bride who wants to leave ISIS pitches a fit because she can't bring all of her belongings (and pets!) with her while being smuggled out of the country. Can't wait to read this fiction take on the subject, since it seems much more honed in on a specific character instead of an overarching research-based view. Great timing and great interview!
thank you so much for this rec—I’m going to check that one out
Oh Guest House was so good!
Oooh, not Wilde being referenced as British 🫣
ha ha oh god good spot!!!
I'm looking forward to reading this. A hilarious, energetic, fun, smart girl I went to school with ended up married to someone who committed an extremist murder. For some reason I'd naively assumed extremists didn't have a sense of a humour so I was ever so surprised her life went that direction.
Oh wow that’s fascinating—reminds me of something Nuss really digs into, which is the idea that fundamentalism is attracts ignorance. The idea being is they knew there were alternatives, then they wouldn’t choose that route. But Nuss shows that Nadia, who is incredibly intelligent, was almost seduced by it, and that she *herself* as a teenager almost suffered the same fate
Really looking forward to reading the book, loved the post.
This one really wasn’t for me but I definitely seem to be in the minority based on all the reviews I’m seeing now it’s published!
Loved this recommendation! I too gulped this in 2 sittings. Curious- with all the books you read how do you decide who to interview? Do you base it on the books the left you hungry for more? Or is this more the case for practical author availability?
Just read the book. Laughed a lot. Brilliantly written. Thanks for this.
Thank you so much for this recommendation. I have just finished it and wow the story and writing are so captivating! I thoroughly enjoyed it and will be recommending to anyone else who is looking for a new read
I cannot wait to read this
My partner’s mother worked for the UN for decade. So many thoughts, but largely aligns. Ill have to read the book and maybe gift it to her
Oh I'd love to know what she thought!
She has very bad opinions of practically every nation in the world. At first you think she is a bit prejudiced against certain nationalities but then you realise she is jaded and has bad opinions about everyone having worked in the disciplining of UN soldiers. She is more of the cynical well doer category. She held that job not due to any moral or ethical conviction but because she needed to support for family, and yet she saved countless people from sex trafficking and other horrors. Her opinion of the UN also interests me - compared to most who aren’t engaged in the activities of the UN she is very damning of its abilities to do much and the inefficiencies and corruption inherent in the structure. But at the same time compared to some friends who are deeply engaged with world affairs but only theoretically and from afar she recognises the need for an entity like the UN. Strong lady, warlords have been known to cower from her.
FASCINATING
I hadn't heard of this yet and it sounds incredible. Emailing my local indie so she can get it in for me. Bonus, I really want to make friends with the bookstore owner, and I keep hoping I'll impress her with my smart book choices!
This is like Ross ordering pizzas (god, 1999, this ages me)
Making friends as a 40-year-old working mum in a small, insular town - sometimes you've got to go to extreme lengths!
10/10 review - I really want to read this! As someone who seriously wanted a career in something similar for a long time, I am super interested to read a critical (and satirical) perspective on it.
This is a great interview, thank you. Will definitely be picking up the book.
needed this book in my hands yesterday!
I cannot wait to hear your thoughts
Really enjoyed this piece and can’t wait to read the book !
Loved reading this piece and even more excited about reading the book!
This sounds brilliant!