A "modern," "educated" American woman moves to pre-revolutionary Iraq to learn about tribal village life. But to the women of the village, she is not a liberator. She is an object of their pity and compassion, a girl far from home who needs friends. This book is a brilliantly written story of two cultures colliding, an eloquent defense of cultural diversity, and a warning against imperialism. Better yet, it’s fun to read.

Warnock-Fernea creates a story that represents the best of what anthropology can do—its subjects, although presented evenhandedly, spring to life from the page, inviting the reader to feel their emotions, to empathize with their struggles, and to rejoice in their triumphs. Most important of all, especially given the extreme cultural sensitivity of the issues which this book addresses, Fernea approaches Iraqi culture with humility and respect.

Bonus: This book is also a good introduction to Shia Islam, and also hints at why America might have lost a war in Iraq many decades later.