"An engrossing read, not because it tells the story of one woman's journey from 'subjugation' within a puritanical sect of Islam to finding 'liberation' by taking off her veil, but because it refuses and interrogates these facile labels."--Monica Ali, from cover

Anguish -- Assimilation -- Second generation -- Theft -- Unexpected visitors -- Early talker -- Education -- Ultimatum -- Scripts -- Home, again -- Extremism -- Jet skiing on the Mediterranean -- Hair diaries -- Children -- 'Please water me'.

At the age of 23, Ayesha Chaudhry removed her face veil to begin her studies in New York City. Braiding together Western, South Asian and Quranic storytelling styles, Chaudhry weaves her personal experiences with incisive social commentary to uncover the meaning of faith and belonging, love and betrayal, family and womanhood. In so doing, she offers us a vision of freedom that isnt measured in fabric. Chaudhry is a Professor of Gender and Islamic Studies at the University of British Columbia.