Because she is a woman, she is considered worthless -- a slave to the whims of her male masters. She has watched sisters, cousins and friends sold into marriage as young girls to men five times their age and brutally murdered for the slightest transgression, in accordance with cruel and ancient religious law. Now bestselling author Jean P. Sasson offers a shocking glimpse into a world of opulent splendor and horrific oppression -- and presents the real-life story of a courageous modern Saudi princess... who has risked her ...
Read More
Because she is a woman, she is considered worthless -- a slave to the whims of her male masters. She has watched sisters, cousins and friends sold into marriage as young girls to men five times their age and brutally murdered for the slightest transgression, in accordance with cruel and ancient religious law. Now bestselling author Jean P. Sasson offers a shocking glimpse into a world of opulent splendor and horrific oppression -- and presents the real-life story of a courageous modern Saudi princess... who has risked her very life so that the truth may finally be told.
Read Less
This story of the harsh repression of women in Saudi Arabia, is one of hatred, frustration and cruelty. Some of the stories are shocking (the 8 year old who was raped by the subject's brother with the consent of the child's mother because of poverty is particularly gruelling). Yet the tale also shocks because the subject, Sultana, royal princess, grows into a malicious and vindictive woman, who does not rule out murder if she is to be separated from her children. Psychologically most of these women grow up warped and unhappy, full of hatred for the men who rule their lives. Their black veils cover their true feelings.
But in this culture of inequality of the sexes, isn't there a faint echo of life in the West where a woman often earns less than a man in a similar job? Isn't the man's job more important than the woman's in a family where both work? And doesn't a woman find it dangerous to walk the streets alone when darkness falls?
Of course, much progress has been made towards equality, but with this book, maybe the woman reader stops short of becoming too judgemental and complacent. A thought-provoking and traumatic tale.
kay99
Sep 17, 2008
moving story
This is a very interesting novel, it gives us an insight into the lives of women in Saudia Arabia. When I read this book for the first time I wept like a child. I could not begin to imagine that women in other parts of the world had to live the life described in the novel. It also reminds me of how blessed we are in the Western world, at least we are free agents.
Nance
May 17, 2007
I loved this book! An awesome true story. I'll be passing it along to my co workers. Highly recommend to anyone who is intersted in what life is like for women in Saudi Arabia. It will surprise you and you will be counting your blessings that you live in the country of freedom!
