What do you think?
Rate this book
I'll Fly Away
In the spring of 1986, Kelly, a small town girl from Idaho, meets Ibrahim at the International Festival held every year at a small university in the sleepy town of Pocatello. His looks screamed Italian with his light creamy olive complexion, large Romanesque nose and full lips, but his accent was French. As he served her his country’s pastry, baklava immersed in rosewater syrup, she found herself confused about the ethnicity of this French-speaking Italian with a Jewish name serving a Greek pastry. All she knew was when he looked at her with those dark penetrating eyes she melted.
Fast forward to February 2002, a few months after 9/11, Kelly found herself forced to move to her husband’s native Beirut, Lebanon. To her horror, she realizes that because she is married to a Muslim, she is subject to Sharia law and has lost all of her former rights. Trapped in his family building watched constantly, her husband refuses to let her and their daughters, ages four and nine, return home. And now, she finds that his family is rejecting her because she refuses to convert to Islam. Here is the incredible story of her odyssey to save herself and her two daughters.
A moving story of a mother’s love, courage and faith.
Fast forward to February 2002, a few months after 9/11, Kelly found herself forced to move to her husband’s native Beirut, Lebanon. To her horror, she realizes that because she is married to a Muslim, she is subject to Sharia law and has lost all of her former rights. Trapped in his family building watched constantly, her husband refuses to let her and their daughters, ages four and nine, return home. And now, she finds that his family is rejecting her because she refuses to convert to Islam. Here is the incredible story of her odyssey to save herself and her two daughters.
A moving story of a mother’s love, courage and faith.
- GenresReligion
319 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 29, 2015
9 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 26, 2018
Kelly's story was compelling. And I appreciated the opportunity to read about her struggle and strength.
I struggle with any autobiography/memoir which is mostly reconstructed dialogue. Our brains are not designed to be accurate in retelling lengthy dialogues over a 14-year span. I don't discount the events or the legitimacy of the overall meaning of each exchange. As a reader, I look for more reflection. I also struggled with the reflection that was offered lacked depth for me to truly connect with her. While her Christian faith is fundamental to her, it left me with the sense that the answer was to fight extremism with opposing extremism. At the core of her story is one of domestic abuse. This plays out in all walks of life, including homes where both are Christians. While I don't doubt Kelly's faith was pivotal in saving her from her situation, I think there were opportunities lost to explaining her faith that could have provided more insight into what compelled her to leave her situation. It's completely unclear to me how much understanding she had about Islam before agreeing to live with her husband or how much initiative she took in learning about it.
I wanted to like this more because I believe it's a relevant conversation.
I struggle with any autobiography/memoir which is mostly reconstructed dialogue. Our brains are not designed to be accurate in retelling lengthy dialogues over a 14-year span. I don't discount the events or the legitimacy of the overall meaning of each exchange. As a reader, I look for more reflection. I also struggled with the reflection that was offered lacked depth for me to truly connect with her. While her Christian faith is fundamental to her, it left me with the sense that the answer was to fight extremism with opposing extremism. At the core of her story is one of domestic abuse. This plays out in all walks of life, including homes where both are Christians. While I don't doubt Kelly's faith was pivotal in saving her from her situation, I think there were opportunities lost to explaining her faith that could have provided more insight into what compelled her to leave her situation. It's completely unclear to me how much understanding she had about Islam before agreeing to live with her husband or how much initiative she took in learning about it.
I wanted to like this more because I believe it's a relevant conversation.
July 25, 2022
This is one of those gripping "please don't let this really be happening" books--and it's non-fiction!
A compelling memoir about the dangers of being "unequally yoked."
There are quite a few typos, but they are worth overlooking in the raw emotion of the tale.
Content Warning: This is the true story of a physically and verbally abusive marriage.
A compelling memoir about the dangers of being "unequally yoked."
There are quite a few typos, but they are worth overlooking in the raw emotion of the tale.
Content Warning: This is the true story of a physically and verbally abusive marriage.
June 9, 2023
Absolutely gripping story. Minus one star for clunky dialogue and disjointed plot.
August 25, 2024
This is an important book to read. It was difficult to read at times; her struggle, oppression and sadness was overwhelming at times. Knowing that women and children continue to suffer, in these types of environments, has stayed with me. I feel grieved with the knowledge that the indoctrination of the Muslim/Islamic ideology begins at birth and is constantly being perpetuated with each generation.
November 14, 2019
Most of us were vulnerable during our college years, especially if from a happy, safe environment. What a surreal life she found herself in! Ignoring the facts and trying to make the best of her promise to Ibrahim. Her decisions ended up being based on survival for her and her girls every moment of her day. I hope she and the girls continue their freedom.
September 6, 2021
An interesting look into the harsh reality of how women are treated in the Muslim religion. And especialy for American women who live in the muslin countries. Also to be aware of falling in love with people outside of your own beliefs. An important read.
October 20, 2019
The author had a story to tell, but there were many inconsistencies in the writing and the editing was poorly done.
October 7, 2016
In 1986, an all American girl, in College, meets a Muslim from Lebanon. She falls in love with him. She is ignorant about the religion called Islam. Ms Nielson never read the Quran, never had any lessons in this religion. In short, she does not know what she is in for. She and her husband, Ibrahim have two daughters. After a short period of harmony she is confronted with the reality of marriage to a Muslim. For example, Ms. Nielson finds her husband in the arms with another woman. Well, American law would put this in the frame of "adultery", however since he is 1) Muslim and is allowed more than one wife and 2) he has dual citizenship with the US and Lebanon mean he can legally have two or more wives in America.
Next her husband is returning to Lebanon. He can legally take the children because of his dual citizenship. She can stay in America and lose her daughters or she can go to Lebanon as a family. The harsh realities have hit Ms. Nielson and she is in a legal dilemma. I am still wondering how this ended. I am not certain she got home with both girls.
This is not the first book on this issue of American women marrying Muslims. They are all ignorant of Islam. The first book I read was “At the Drop of a Veil” which is a mirror image of the same experience of Ms Nielson. So many American women have fallen into this same dilemma, of marrying a Muslim and ending up in an Islamic country and under Sharia law. Why?
How can this be? It is simple to understand. America is very ignorant of Islam. We are so politically correct we will lie under the illusion that we cannot insult anyone. Those that attack us are doing so without America defending our boards. This was not always the case.
We have fought the Barbary Pirates of North Africa and won. These Islamic nations that attacked our merchant fleet in 1785 that brought the USA into the Barbary Pirates War (1800-05) and we won.
Since the 1967 war, we have been involved in 5 Mideastern wars (directly and indirectly) where we have spent Hundreds Of Billions of Dollars. America has invented the Internet, a better standard of living ever witnessed by humanity, and so much more, but we are mired in years of problems with the Mideast. But we lose every issue and war with the Mideast.
The day America has no issues with Islam or the Mideast will be when we can confront the reality and deal with it. Just like the Barbary Pirates.
Last, back to Ms. Nielson, as long as we are so ignorant of Islam, there will be many more women with this same problem.
Next her husband is returning to Lebanon. He can legally take the children because of his dual citizenship. She can stay in America and lose her daughters or she can go to Lebanon as a family. The harsh realities have hit Ms. Nielson and she is in a legal dilemma. I am still wondering how this ended. I am not certain she got home with both girls.
This is not the first book on this issue of American women marrying Muslims. They are all ignorant of Islam. The first book I read was “At the Drop of a Veil” which is a mirror image of the same experience of Ms Nielson. So many American women have fallen into this same dilemma, of marrying a Muslim and ending up in an Islamic country and under Sharia law. Why?
How can this be? It is simple to understand. America is very ignorant of Islam. We are so politically correct we will lie under the illusion that we cannot insult anyone. Those that attack us are doing so without America defending our boards. This was not always the case.
We have fought the Barbary Pirates of North Africa and won. These Islamic nations that attacked our merchant fleet in 1785 that brought the USA into the Barbary Pirates War (1800-05) and we won.
Since the 1967 war, we have been involved in 5 Mideastern wars (directly and indirectly) where we have spent Hundreds Of Billions of Dollars. America has invented the Internet, a better standard of living ever witnessed by humanity, and so much more, but we are mired in years of problems with the Mideast. But we lose every issue and war with the Mideast.
The day America has no issues with Islam or the Mideast will be when we can confront the reality and deal with it. Just like the Barbary Pirates.
Last, back to Ms. Nielson, as long as we are so ignorant of Islam, there will be many more women with this same problem.
October 31, 2015
Stunning and raw
Powerful and raw. This is a moving story that could not have been easy to share. I admire the author willing to open up and allow us to see her story. This is such a reminder how love can be a blinding tool to something that isn't right for our lives. Also a reminder to really educate yourself about other cultures and religions before blindly walking through them.
Powerful and raw. This is a moving story that could not have been easy to share. I admire the author willing to open up and allow us to see her story. This is such a reminder how love can be a blinding tool to something that isn't right for our lives. Also a reminder to really educate yourself about other cultures and religions before blindly walking through them.
September 22, 2016
I am glad that I was given this book to read in book club. It shows the difference between 2 cultures and 2 religions and the freedoms we lose as Americans without knowing it when we enter another country...even when we have children there. The ending got my heart pumping. I would have liked to have know what happened a little more in depth at the very end but I understand. I am very happy I ready this book and being from Nampa it really hit home.
October 20, 2016
This was such an incredible story! I couldn't put this book down. Kelly's story is a sad but triumphant one. In it, she demonstrates the power of courage, strength, and faith. It provides hope for all women who are in abusive relationships. After reading this, I feel like I know her on a personal level and I am proud that she found her inner strength and was able to finally 'Fly Away'.
A must read for all audiences!!!
A must read for all audiences!!!
June 23, 2015
Freedom is hunted in the background as the story quickly moves through enlightening details about a very foreign culture.
Intense read! You are cheering for freedom while learning about another culture. Fast paced and exciting. Amazing true story! ....Freedom is hunted in the background as the story quickly moves through enlightening details about a very foreign culture.
Intense read! You are cheering for freedom while learning about another culture. Fast paced and exciting. Amazing true story! ....Freedom is hunted in the background as the story quickly moves through enlightening details about a very foreign culture.
June 12, 2016
I found this book really fascinating. From Lebanese law, to Islamic culture.... I really liked learning about a part of the world I know very little about. The ending was intense- couldn't put it down!
June 4, 2016
Wowza! So grateful to be living in America and the freedoms and rights as women we have. Unbelievable that women are treated the way they are in other countries.
January 12, 2017
Captivating story. I wished for a little more at the end. It wrapped up really quickly.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews