Book Review of
Shackled

Lynn's Review

Shackled by Mariam Ibraheem is the memoir of a woman’s dramatic triumph over persecution, gender abuse, and a death sentence. It was published in 2022. 

Shackled is about Mariam’s life as a Christian in the Muslim-ruled country of Sudan. 

It is the story of being born in a refugee camp, her difficult childhood, which involved a horrific scarring event, her journey to college, marriage, motherhood, and being beaten and imprisoned for her faith. 

Mariam Ibraheem refused to deny Christ and submit to Muslim law. Because of that, she was sent to prison, beaten repeatedly, and sentenced to death by hanging. It was only because people from around the world fought for her that she escaped a death sentence and Sudan. 

I think this book is an important read. I may have some theological differences with Mariam Ibraheem, but her story is powerful. It is a story that is hard to comprehend as an American.

Mariam grew up in a Muslim country where people are subjected to Muslim law and women are not treated well. 

By not being treated well, I mean that they are severely abused in all kinds of ways. In many ways, they are treated like trash that can be disposed of. 

Mariam grew up studying the Koran, so she knows Muslim law and she lives with the consequences of not obeying the men who demanded she live by that law. 

I have heard people say that Muslims and the laws they follow are not compatible with America and the freedom we value. After reading Shackled and Mariam’s stories, I understand more why that is said. 

Many people think we have it rough in America, but we have no idea how bad it could be. Mariam’s story reminded me that although our country is not perfect, our freedom is something we take for granted. 

One of the things Mariam had to endure as a child was being burned with iron rods as a form of medical treatment. Yes, she was “branded” multiple times as required by the teachings of Sunnah and backed by the punishment of Sharia Law. 

Although it might not be popular for me to say this in our current culture, after reading this book, I feel like American women need to stop complaining about our difficult lives and we need to start fighting for women around the world in Muslim-ruled countries like Sudan, who are abused, beaten, and scarred simply for being women and girls. 

I did enjoy this book, and I think it is an important one to read, but it is very dark in places. It was not an easy read, and I wanted to give you some trigger warnings. 

Chapter eight was especially hard to read when Marium went into detail about the abuse and mutilation she suffered as a child. I think reading what Marium went through makes her story more powerful and impactful, but I understand why some might find parts of this book, especially chapter eight, extremely difficult to read. 

If you have any questions about that or the book, feel free to ask.