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Injustice exists even in the 21st century. It's sad that in today's world, some countries still have such an archaic view of women. You have a brief history of the history of Saudi Arabia, several passages from the Koran that are negative towards women, a glossary, and information on the population and other data of various countries in the Middle East. Sure, she has luxury, but as we can see here, money does NOT buy happiness.Reading about the terrible double standards is crushing.
What I understand is that some of the events were altered. Hearing about her brother Ali torturing cats and dogs and getting away with it is just heartbreaking, as well as Sultana's bids for her father's attention and approval. Some (including the negative reviewers for this book) might not believe that this kind of thing happens - but it does. The story is crisp and clear as Princess Sultana tells us of her life, experiences, and the double standard that exists between men and women. I do know that's more of a practice of African than Saudi Muslims, so I am not sure what FGM was doing in this book. The Princess also outlines the fact that this kind of lifestyle (not just the sexual aspect) is not healthy for men, either, and that old traditions are very stifling to a young Arabic man today.She also does a great job touching on Saudi Arabia itself and its history as well as traditions and laws, to give us a better understanding of the world she lives in.The extra sections at the back are also very helpful.
Overall a enthralling - and very educational - read.Note - I am not a Saudi or Muslim woman, nor have I ever been to the Middle East. I have read the detractor's reviews for the book.
But like the book says, some events were altered. one would think that as a daughter of a nobleman (and granddaughter of the first King of Saudi Arabia) she would have a better life than common women.
It says so right in the book. The Sultana's account of the breakdown with her husband was heartbreaking and further illustrates the double standard.
Allah forbid that a Saudi woman lose her virginity to someone not her husband (or have sex with anyone beside her husband, period), but it's awwwwwwwwwright for a Saudi man to travel abroad and play with foreign whores as much as he likes, or imported foreign maids and servants. As for FGM.
So nobody should be too surprised at this and blast this book as "unrealistic" when it came with its own disclaimer.
Every book which carries Jean Sasson's name is a made up fake and is not related to any kind of truth. This shameless greedy woman has to be exposed as the HOAXER OF THE HIGHEST ORDER. For that's exactly what she is. Watch this space.
Regardless of whether the author actually got the story from a princess, the truth of the story is in the details of the life of the Saudi women. There is little new here that has not been told elsewhere, but the nature of this tale is reasonably effective, as supposedly told by one of the many royal princesses.As this story was given to the author to write, the main disappointment is in the poor literary treatment. In comparison to other ghost written "memoirs" it does not fair well.However, the popularity of this book and the two sequels means that the important message - the appalling treatment of women in the Saudi culture -gains an audience with people who do not normally reach outside the mainstream network news stories. It also gives a view of the American culture as seen from the outside, both envied and reviled.
This book is fascinating. It is hard to fathom the current religious culture where women have no rights.E.P.
I had to read this book for class but once I started reading it I couldnt put it down. I recommend it to everyone. I just bought the second book and am awaiting its arrival
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