The Silence of Mohammed

Shortlisted for two French literary prizes, this is both a novel and the telling of the story of Islam. Chronicling all the notable stories, such as Mohammed's shock over receiving the first Qur'anic revelation; his marriage to the older Khadija; Khadija's Christian cousin Waraqa's recognition of Mohammed's prophecy; his friendship with Abu Bakr, non-Muslim readers will learn a great deal about Islam, and Muslim readers will enjoy the fictionalized re-telling. Interspersed are verses from the Qur'an, which enhance the storyline. Though Mohammed himself does not narrate, the main figures in his life, including his beloved Khadija, Abu Bakr, and Aisha among others, each take a chapter, telling their own version of Mohammed's and early Islam's story. Bachi departs with some long-held views, including his depiction of Mohammed as literate, which will surprise many knowledgeable readers and perhaps not pleasantly. The author's boldness is admirable; it is the rare writer who can question the veil, depict the jealousy of Mohammed's wife Aisha, and portray the lechery of an Arab warrior, all within a few pages. (Feb.)