BKMT READING GUIDES
The Jewel of Medina
by Sherry Jones
Hardcover : 432 pages
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Introduction
A’isha bint Abi Bakr is the daughter of a rich merchant from Mecca in the harsh, exotic world of seventh-century Arabia at the time of the foundation of Islam. When she is married to the Prophet Muhammad at the age of nine, she must rely on her wits, her courage, and even her sword in a struggle to control her own destiny and carve out a place for herself in the community, fighting religious persecution, jealous sister-wives, political rivals, and her own temptations. As she grows to love her kind, generous husband, her ingenuity and devotion make her an indispensable advisor to Muhammad. Ultimately, she becomes one of the most important women in Islam, and a fierce protector of her husband’s words and legacy. Extensively researched and elegantly crafted, The Jewel of Medina evokes the beauty and harsh realities of life in an age long past, during a time of war, enlightenment, and upheaval. At once a love story, a history lesson, and a coming-of-age tale, The Jewel of Medina introduces readers to the turmoil that surrounded the birth of the Islamic faith through the eyes of a truly unforgettable heroine. Extensively researched and elegantly crafted, The Jewel of Medina presents the beauty and harsh realities of life in an age long past, during a time of war, enlightenment, and upheaval. At once a love story, a history lesson, and a coming-of-age tale, The Jewel of Medina provides humanizing glimpses into the origins of the Islamic faith, and the nature of love, through the eyes of a truly unforgettable heroine.
Excerpt
Scandal blew in on the errant wind when I rode into Medina clutching Safwan’s waist. My neighbors rushed into the street like storm waters flooding a wadi. Children stood in clusters to point and gawk. Their mothers snatched them to their skirts and pretended to avert their eyes. Men spat in the dust and muttered, judging. My father’s mouth trembled like a tear on the brink. ...
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Discussion Questions
1. Does this story encourage you to learn more about the Muslim faith and what they stand for? Why?2. Do you feel this story, even though it is set centuries ago, is still relevant today? How so/not?
3. Aisha’s character is strong-willed and courageous. How do you think she was viewed back then? How would she be viewed in present society?
4. Do you wish the story would have taken a different route than it did? If so, where did you see the story going?
5. Aisha is forced to grow up at a very young age. How do you think she handles the responsibilities given to her? Explore her growth throughout the novel. How would you describe her transformation?
6. The Jewel of Medina has garnered growing public response. Do you feel the response is justified? Do you feel those who are outraged by the novel have read it? What would you say to someone who objects to this novel?
7. Who do you believe is the jewel of Medina? Is it clearly Aisha or perhaps someone or something else?
Notes From the Author to the Bookclub
Dear Reader, I was inspired to learn more about Islam after 9/11. In my reading I eventually found Nine Parts of Desire: The Hidden World of Islamic Women, written by Geraldine Brooks, who had worked as a journalist in the region and fellow journalist Jan Goodwin’s Price of Honor. When I began researching Muslim women I learned of A’isha bint Abi Bakr, who is known throughout the Muslim world as Muhammad’s favorite wife and child bride, but who remains largely unknown in the West. A’isha was a remarkable heroine: Given in marriage when she was nine to the fifty-two-year-old Prophet Muhammad, this girl whose destiny was controlled by men became a political advisor and scholar and the most beloved wife one of the most charismatic and influential men in history. As I learned about A’isha’s life I began thinking about how a young girl, engaged at 6, grew to hold such an important role in Muhammad’s life. For me, growth and experience comes from learning from mistakes, so I imagined A’isha would have evolved from a child into a strong woman by overcoming these kind of obstacles. I would like people to see The Jewel of Medina as an epic love story, a lesson on the origins of Islam, and a book that, like The Red Tent, provides a glimpse into the lives, hopes, fears, desires, jealousies, and friendships of the twelve women in the Prophet Muhammad’s harem. I hope you enjoy reading The Jewel of Medina and find A’isha and the story of her life as engaging as I have. Sherry JonesBook Club Recommendations
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