If Oceans Were Ink: An Unlikely Friendship and a Journey to the Heart of the Quran Paperback – 7 April 2015

Excellent - really enjoyed reading this book. I was touched by the dialogue between Carla Power and Akram Nadvi, who allowed her to shadow for a year to learn and ask about Islam. Her questions were thought provoking and offered a different perspective as a non-muslim looking into the muslin faith. As a muslim, this is an important read to understand the challenges of the world today and how people wrongly perceive the faith and it's followers. She talks about the depolarisation in both eastern and western communities, and how a bit of interaction can overcome myths and fears from both sides. She covers a range of subjects and issues from role of women, political and cultural challenges, affect of terrorism and lots more. I was moved by her account of her family background, dealing with death/loss, and why struggle against the self/ soul is the highest level of struggle in self-purification. Akram Nadvi should be highly commended for allowing her to embark on her journey by introducing her to his life, being available for her, responding to her questions in detail, allowing her to shadow him, and even inviting/showing hospitality to her in his town in India, where she interacted with his family and learned so much about muslim life. I really enjoyed reading the book about Carla's journey and search for answers, and could not put the book down.

A very well written book. The prose is very elegant and makes for good reading. I am humbled by the effort Carla takes to understand Islam and her willingness to appreciate what lies within despite the negativity in the media and world outside about it.I pray to Allah Most High to guide her and preserve her openness in future times too.

This is the first time I've written a review immediately after finishing the book...which is telling given its 4.26am.Carla has provided a beautiful read. She is a skilled writer and her honesty and openness is both refreshing and inspiring.I don't know if someone, without going through a reasoned acceptance of God and Islam can truly appreciate and full the full power of the Qur'an's beauty and trajectory. But she has come close. Although her own worldview still dominates her reading and presentation of it, she does not shy away from her embrace of the Sheikh's.I enjoyed this more than I thought I would and perhaps you will too.

I really enjoyed reading this book. It gave a wonderful insight into the life and practice of Shaykh Akram Nadwi, and also about Islamic and Muslim practice. Because it was written in a journalistic style, this meant it wasn't dry and it was a much more enjoyable read!

This is a book that you will find difficult to put down. It gives a great insight into Islam. Not only Islam, but throughout the book you understand how Dr Akram Nadwi thinks and it helps one appreciate his deep understanding of Islam and it's relevant sciences. A must read for all. Whether you are a Muslim or not.

So far it seem like a really good read. Looking forward to every chapter and her adventures and growth in knowledge

Good Read. More than Carla's Journey to India I was expecting her journey to Quran

this book is a cross between a short biography giving you an insight into sheikh akram nadwi's habits and way of thinking and the personal journey of the writer. It gave me less of an insight the the quran than I expected, but more of an insight to the people. Very well written, and surprised me by being a bit of a page turner!