In the Name of Identity: Violence and the Need to Belong Paperback – 1 Mar. 2012

One of the small number of books that change the way you think....lives on the book shelf next to 1984, animal farm, darkness at noon

This book says more about the events of Sept. 11th than any newspaper article, book or worthy journal I have read. By rising above murderously devisive concepts of identity, we can prevent the creation of a world dominated by fear of terrorism. Maalouf's deep humanity and love of diversity provides a vision we all need - the basis for a new global identity and respect for all cultures.

I don't think I received this item

The considerations presented in the first part of this short book are thought-provoking. However I did not give the book five stars as the concluding chapter was very weak on its suggested solutions to the problems that face our modern world in the form of a cruel terrorism whose protagonists owe allegiance to neither nation, ethnicity, religion nor even ideology. Clearly what we have in the disappointingly failed Arab Spring especially as it is being played out in Iraq-Syria and Libya does not have a quick fix. The 'International Community' or UNO clearly has a responsibility to the people in the conflict areas but also to those fleeing from them. In both failure is more obvious than success. Strategies must not be based on political expediency but a fundamentally moral/ethical stance that builds on the human and humane qualities present in all nations. That strategy was not developed in any realistic way by Amin Maalouf.

Great on how fluid history is - and how Islam has more history of tolerance than Christianity does.But ways forward seem too idealistic to me.And to ignore economic, social and educational inequalities.

Quality of book wasnt good. Worn out

This is a really important book. You should buy it and read it if you have any interest in the troubled state of the world at present. But DON'T buy it as well as 'On Identity' which Amazon unhelpfully suggest you buy in addition, because it's the SAME BOOK only with a different title!!!! Buy something else by Maalouf - 'The Crusades through Arab eyes' is excellent.