I was reading part of Nonie Darwish's book ( I haven't finished it yet) and was struck by her observations connecting a wide variety of factors. It is thoughtful, and it gives a framework in which seemingly illogical actions can be seen as... human. Imperfect, but not insane in context. Sane people in extreme situations may do things that seem irrational to outsiders. Only by understanding the environment they are in, and the tools and training available to respond to that environment, can something be judged irrational, or not.

The first person point of view is enhanced by the sense of disconnection she felt with her society even while she was immersed in it. That disconnection was facilitated by the inability to engage in discussion about things that disturbed her. There was a "don't rock the boat-or else" undercurrent even within the family, that didn't allow a space to question the status quo. When you cannot discuss something important to you, you cannot really come to terms with it. Even if you push it from your mind, somewhere... it festers.

Not everyone can be an observer of their own society - too much is taken for granted. Constants are rarely questioned. Only change ( for better or worse ),or exposure to people, perspectives and ideas local to other social groups or societies can call up discomfort or uncertainty. She had some early exposure to other people and points of view, along with very personal changes in the shape of her family ( the death of her father) and the family finances impacted by changes in local laws... She was both an insider and an outsider in relation to her own society. While not wholely unique, it is a rare and valuable perspective.