Nine Parts of Desire: The Hidden World of Islamic Women

Ayatollah, meaning “reflection of God,” is a title conferred upon the most learned of religious teachers and law interpreters in Shiite Islam. The term is integral to discussions around religious authority and its influence on cultural and societal norms within the book. The presence of ayatollahs in the narrative underscores the central role of religious leaders in shaping and interpreting Islamic laws and practices.

A burka is a face mask made of leather or stiff fabric, worn by women in the Arabian Gulf, covering the entire face except for the eyes. In Nine Parts of Desire, the burka symbolizes the varying interpretations and practices of modesty and female visibility in Islamic societies. The discussion around the burka reflects broader themes of gender roles, personal freedom, and societal expectations.

A chador is a square piece of fabric that covers a woman from the top of her head to her ankles, held or pinned closed under the chin. Commonly worn in Iran and among Lebanese Shiite women, the chador in the book represents the interplay between religious observance, cultural identity, and female autonomy. It represents a flag of cultural and religious defiance for some, as seen during the Iranian revolution. For others, like the author, Geraldine Brooks, it serves as a means of blending into and navigating a society where a Western woman might otherwise face barriers. The chador’s role illustrates the subjective nature of modesty and the societal pressures on women’s choices and bodies.