how often do you hear courageous stories from Africa?

To those who are inspired by true autobiographic stories of courage and strength, this is one good book for you. It cost me only $4 from the Books Warehouse sale at Expo recently, but the lessons and values it transfused to me was way invaluable. It is simple to read because of the fact that it is a translated first hand account, so no extra effort has been made to sweeten up the plot with expressive words. The language used is succinct, hence making the reader feel the story as much as possible. And the best part of all, to me, was the fact that this story has strong relevance to Islam, and how a woman's faith in Islam helped her through this unbelievable ordeal.

I, Safiya

This is the best-selling, first-hand account of one woman's courageous struggle for justice, and the story that in 2001 made the eyes of the world turn to the small Nigerian village of Tungar Tudu.

Safiya Hussaini was accused of adultery, arrested and taken from her farming village in northern Nigeria. Brought before a Sharia court, she was sentenced to death by stoning. Her crime was to become pregnant outside of marriage and to give birth to her little girl, Adama. The child's father at first accepted responsibility, but then changed his story and denied everything and was released without penalty.

Betrayed, terrified and outcast, Safiya summoned the strength to fight for her life. Supported by her family, her lawyer and her faith in Allah, she was determined to stay alive to care for her little girl.

Let me know if you might be interested to read, cos I'm more than willing to lend you. Anyone. =)