Beyond Belief: Islamic Excursions
Among the Converted Peoples by
V.S. Naipaul
Beyond Belief By V.S. Naipaul
Acclaimed writer V.S. Naipaul has the eye of a novelist, the fearless
curiosity of a 2-year-old, and the tenacity of a cornered badger. In Beyond
Belief, he puts these three attributes to use in delving into the secrets of
Islam--the other Islam, that is. Journeying into the non-Arab Islamic
countries of Indonesia, Iran, Pakistan, and Malaysia, Naipaul wonders
about how these young nations are absorbing a resurgent Islam into their
ancient societies and where it might lead them. His exploration is at the
grassroots level, through the people living and breathing Islam today.
Naipaul illustrates his points with vignettes about characters he meets, by
both happenstance and calculation, along the way. We learn about their
histories, their families histories, their motivations, and their dreams. The
mosaic that materializes is not always appealing, for Naipaul is a
sensitive but disinterested observer, more a watcher than a champion.
Islam, we learn, is a font of hope for the converted peoples, sweet when

taken in gulps but often bearing an acrid aftertaste. It buries traditional
cultures under promising new foundations, indirectly encourages broken
families through polygamy, and turns only tentatively to face the issues of
modernity. From beginning to end, we find ourselves empathizing with
Naipauls subjects, seeing ourselves in their struggles with family, religion,
and nation, feeling their drive to create a fresh world of virtue and
prosperity. --Brian Bruya
Personal Review: Beyond Belief: Islamic Excursions Among the
Converted Peoples by V.S. Naipaul
In my point of view, this book is a Classic.
First because its prose, its writing quality. Naipaul is a great writer, a
master who can describe richly what he sees, what he thinks and what he
experiences - as few writers could. He moves quickly from a single detail
of daily life to a big panorama of history. He can be subtle, and he is also
sharp. Several times he is ironical, and most of all his writing is fluid and
simple, unregarding the complexity of his themes.
A second thing is the very particular situation of this book. I had never
read a book in which the same author travels to countries he had been 20
years before. Besides, for us of the West, it's an entry into the islamic
world. Through his words, we have a very clear look over Iran, Pakistan,
Malasia and Indonesia social and political experiences. And what results
those systems brought.
Another great thing about this book is how Naipaul is a keen observer of
culture. The past, present and the future are linked. Waves of subtle
transformations and assimilations sometimes occur very very slowly.
Sometimes abrupt facts take place. The people who talk to Naipaul are
real, and they tell him their "own truth" through many different ways: their
lives, behaviors, way of speaking, gestures. Every little sign counts, and
fortunately Naipaul is there.
Those who want to complete Naipaul's journey should also read "Among
the Believers", 1979. Great narratives by a master, these books bring a lot
of reflections about culture, religion, politics, and our values. Everyone
should read! I'm glad I did.
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