Status
Available
Publication
Atlanta, GA : Windsor-Brooke Books, c2004.
Description
Sultana is a Saudi Arabian princess, a woman born to fabulous, uncountable wealth. She has four mansions on three continents, her own private jet, glittering jewels, designer dresses galore. But in reality she lives in a gilded cage. She has no freedom, no vote, no control over her own life, no value but as a bearer of sons. Hidden behind her black floor-length veil, she is a prisoner, jailed by her father, her husband, her sons, and her country. Sultana is a member of the Saudi royal family, closely related to the king. For the sake of her daughters, she has decided to take the risk of speaking out about the life of women in her country, regardless of their rank. She must hide her identity for fear that the religious leaders in her country would call for her death to punish her honesty. Only a woman in her position could possibly hope to escape from being revealed and punished, despite her cloak of anonymity. She tells of her own life, from her turbulent childhood to her arranged marriage - a happy one until her husband decided to displace her by taking a second wife - and of the lives of her sisters, her friends, and her servants. By speaking out, Sultana risks bringing the wrath of the Saudi establishment upon her head and the heads of her children. In the barren, hopeless wasteland that is the life of Saudi women today, free speech is punishable by death.… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member jshillingford
A sad, yet gripping biography of a Saudi Arabian royal daughter. An inside look at what life is like in many Middle East countries where women are denied the rights taken for granted in Western nations. SOmetimes horrifying, sometimes triumphant, thsi novel will give readers something to think
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about. Show Less
LibraryThing member DeltaQueen50
Princess by Jean Sasson is the purported true story of a Saudi princess and what her life entails. I say purported as the princess’ identity is never revealed and there have been questions as to whether she actually exists.
I am one of the suspicious as I found parts of this book did not ring
As a North American woman it is hard to believe, much less read about the degree of control that men hold, the brutality that is commonplace and accepted, the laws that treat women as a possession, and the outdated systems that are kept in place for the sole purpose of keeping women in their place. I do realize that this book takes place before the 1990's and some changes have occured since that time, but in recent years the Arab countries have swung back to a very traditional viewpoint.
An eye opening read and a frustrating look at a archaic system that should be changed but sadly probably won’t. In this country of immense wealth, the men have the power and appear to have not intention of allowing their women to step out of their shadow existence. When government, religion and tradition are set so solidly in one direction, it would be incredibly difficult or even impossible to change.
I am one of the suspicious as I found parts of this book did not ring
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true. I believe all the events described probably did happen, but not necessarily to one woman. What I don’t question is the authenticity of the general life details that are described. This is a country that holds well over half their population as valueless, and the Saudi women’s lack of rights is a disgrace.As a North American woman it is hard to believe, much less read about the degree of control that men hold, the brutality that is commonplace and accepted, the laws that treat women as a possession, and the outdated systems that are kept in place for the sole purpose of keeping women in their place. I do realize that this book takes place before the 1990's and some changes have occured since that time, but in recent years the Arab countries have swung back to a very traditional viewpoint.
An eye opening read and a frustrating look at a archaic system that should be changed but sadly probably won’t. In this country of immense wealth, the men have the power and appear to have not intention of allowing their women to step out of their shadow existence. When government, religion and tradition are set so solidly in one direction, it would be incredibly difficult or even impossible to change.
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LibraryThing member npl
A Saudi woman discusses what life is like for women in her country, describing how women are sold into marriage to men five times their age, are treated as their husbands' slaves, and are often murdered for the slightest transgression.
LibraryThing member MichaelFerris
This book was great! In a way disturbing, because it describes how different the Arab world is to the west. Yet, I have to say that there were uplifting, sad as well as happy moments throughout the whole book.
LibraryThing member mybooksmylove
My Rating: A+
My Review:
You would think after years and years of hearing about how Arab women are treated, after being a child in the early 90's when we put troops in Saudi Arabia, that it would be hard to shock me. But even after hearing from my parents and teachers what is done there, I have to
I smiled often at the little victories that these women would obtain and cried when I read of the horrors they would have to go through and were expected to put up with. I was also amazed by Sultana's brutal honesty about not only the wicked men in her country but also the 'lazy' women who would talk about fighting for their rights, but never quite stand up and do what it took.
This is an amazing and eye opening read. I recommend it to any woman!
My Review:
You would think after years and years of hearing about how Arab women are treated, after being a child in the early 90's when we put troops in Saudi Arabia, that it would be hard to shock me. But even after hearing from my parents and teachers what is done there, I have to
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admit that there where times when reading this book that I would have to set it down and digest what I'd just read. It was hard to wrap my mind around the passive violence, the archaic and brutal laws for not only women but foreigners to the land as well, and the vast wealth that the royal family in this country controls.I smiled often at the little victories that these women would obtain and cried when I read of the horrors they would have to go through and were expected to put up with. I was also amazed by Sultana's brutal honesty about not only the wicked men in her country but also the 'lazy' women who would talk about fighting for their rights, but never quite stand up and do what it took.
This is an amazing and eye opening read. I recommend it to any woman!
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LibraryThing member Saieeda
This was an excellent book. The writing is powerful and moving without being overly emotional. The writer states things simply without dwelling on either the bad or the good of the Arab world. She is factual and presents the perspective of Princess Sultana clearly and without personal bias. My copy
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included a reading guide and several appendices with helpful information on countries, Islamic law, and necessary facts. This is truly a great book for anyone who seeks to learn more about the Muslim world or the life of women in other countries. Show Less
LibraryThing member heinous-eli
People who call it racist or imperialistic are ignoring the bigger issue: the violation of the basic human rights of Saudi women. Regardless of what apologists might claim, Islam does contain in it the seeds of misogyny. Indeed, so do Christianity and the patriarchal culture prevalent all over the
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world, including the United States, but the trouble with Islam is that progress doesn't seem to be occurring, and that any criticism of Islam and Islamic cultures is reviled as racist or imperialistic. Whether or not this book is true, it does present some of the truth about the oppression of Saudi women. Show Less
LibraryThing member mldavis2
Originally published in 1992, this is the true account of a Saudi princess whose story is told by the author who has lived in Saudi Arabia for many years. It describes the incredible subjugation of women in Saudi society and, although Islamic law is never blamed directly for attitudes toward women,
Although names and situations were altered to protect the identity of the princess, the message is one of utter frustration and anger, and tells of the attempt to break away using wealth and subterfuge. Such male attitudes would seem to be an example of mindless faith on the part of men and women who adhere to customs based solely on ancient texts, and should be a warning to those who accept thoughtless religious dogma from the interpretation of others, devoid of common sense and human decency. In recent years, things have not gotten much better for Saudi women. This is a disturbing book for everyone, not just feminists.
I give it 3-stars for the simplicity of the writing style, but the content is 5-stars to anyone who really wants to know of the hypocrisy and control behind the immense wealth and veil of Islam in Saudi Arabia. It is the first of three books on Saudi by author Sasson.
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it is a scathing indictment of Saudi male supremacy directed and perpetuated by those laws.Although names and situations were altered to protect the identity of the princess, the message is one of utter frustration and anger, and tells of the attempt to break away using wealth and subterfuge. Such male attitudes would seem to be an example of mindless faith on the part of men and women who adhere to customs based solely on ancient texts, and should be a warning to those who accept thoughtless religious dogma from the interpretation of others, devoid of common sense and human decency. In recent years, things have not gotten much better for Saudi women. This is a disturbing book for everyone, not just feminists.
I give it 3-stars for the simplicity of the writing style, but the content is 5-stars to anyone who really wants to know of the hypocrisy and control behind the immense wealth and veil of Islam in Saudi Arabia. It is the first of three books on Saudi by author Sasson.
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LibraryThing member amandacb
I honestly am baffled as to why this book has such rave reviews. Sultana is supposed to be a bastion of feminine change in Saudi Arabia (and lest you forget, she will remind you every two or three pages), but she does little to actually, you know, change anything aside from mouth off to her brother
The book is also full of contradictions that show that Sultana is still, at the time of writing/dictating the book, deeply immersed in the "mindset" of her country. In location 900 (I'm on a Kindle) she says, "...there are many classes of people in my land, from those various levels of the wealthy Royal Family down to that of lowly salaried workers. But no one, including foreign workers, is without the basic necessities of life. Our government ensures the well-being of all Saudis. Each male citizen is assured of a home, health care....Our female citizens are provided for by the men of their families..." Loc 1019 states that the "poorest Bedouins" have to live in tents and imply they have trouble feeding their families.
Sultana is also guilty of stereotyping against other races, as shown by this unprompted comment: "unsmiling German contractors" [loc 1704]
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every once in a while.The book is also full of contradictions that show that Sultana is still, at the time of writing/dictating the book, deeply immersed in the "mindset" of her country. In location 900 (I'm on a Kindle) she says, "...there are many classes of people in my land, from those various levels of the wealthy Royal Family down to that of lowly salaried workers. But no one, including foreign workers, is without the basic necessities of life. Our government ensures the well-being of all Saudis. Each male citizen is assured of a home, health care....Our female citizens are provided for by the men of their families..." Loc 1019 states that the "poorest Bedouins" have to live in tents and imply they have trouble feeding their families.
Sultana is also guilty of stereotyping against other races, as shown by this unprompted comment: "unsmiling German contractors" [loc 1704]
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LibraryThing member TLHelen
This book splashed the life behind the veil right into the light, with overwhelming ferocity and realism. This autobiography outlines the daily problems in Princess Sultana's life and the issues the women, even the royalty, of Saudi Arabia have to deal with. The urge for justice and the positive
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nature of Sultana is easy to visualise from the text. I think that people of all ages would enjoy this fantastic read, as nobody can be too old for a thriller and a downright adventure into the desert lands of Saudi Arabia. Show Less
LibraryThing member Kayla-Marie
This book has haunted me for years after I read it. The stories of opression and abuse that the women suffer in Saudia Arabia are so horrible that I constantly had a hard time believing that all of those things had really happened. Though it is one of my favorite books, I have yet had the courage
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to reread it and relive all of those womens' sufferings. Show Less
LibraryThing member CASonny
The book, ‘Princess: A True Story of Life behind the Veil in Saudi Arabia,’ is dedicated to raising international awareness to the cruelties that women in Saudi Arabia endure. It’s about an Al Saud princess, known as Sultana, and her life story. Her book also shows that she has dedicated her
Being known as the trouble maker in her own up, she tried to live up to reputation, by proving to her cruel brother, Ali, that he has met his match. She continues her rebellious stage until her friends are caught being ,’indecent,’ and Sultana’s father arranges a quick and speedy marriage. The punishment of her friends leaves in her in a depression until she meets her husband-to-be, and decides that she can make it work. By sheer chance she received a tolerant, and modern thinking husband, a rare find in Saudi Arabia.
Everything goes well in their marriage for many years, until she is rendered incapable of conceiving again, and her husband, Kareem, reveals that he wishes to take a new bride for the sake of children. Then, she runs away.
I would recommend this book, just because it definitely has the ,’it,’ factor . There’s something about it that makes you keep reading. Possibly , because every chapter reveals a juicy secret kept by the royals !
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life to proving that she will not conform. It’s basically a feminists’ book.Being known as the trouble maker in her own up, she tried to live up to reputation, by proving to her cruel brother, Ali, that he has met his match. She continues her rebellious stage until her friends are caught being ,’indecent,’ and Sultana’s father arranges a quick and speedy marriage. The punishment of her friends leaves in her in a depression until she meets her husband-to-be, and decides that she can make it work. By sheer chance she received a tolerant, and modern thinking husband, a rare find in Saudi Arabia.
Everything goes well in their marriage for many years, until she is rendered incapable of conceiving again, and her husband, Kareem, reveals that he wishes to take a new bride for the sake of children. Then, she runs away.
I would recommend this book, just because it definitely has the ,’it,’ factor . There’s something about it that makes you keep reading. Possibly , because every chapter reveals a juicy secret kept by the royals !
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LibraryThing member k.lamberton.31929
I received a huge eye opener from reading Princess: A True of Life Behind the Veil in Saudi Arabia and every one else that reads it will too. The plot takes place in Saudi Arabia with Sultana as the main character. Throughout the whole book Sultana is constantly expressing her views on her
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countries cultural aspects of women. Women are second-class, and live in a highly male influenced society. If a woman does not follow their culture exactly, they are looked down upon and are considered scandalous. Through the entire duration of Sultanas life, she has always been the rebel. Growing up, she was the “problem child” and was her fathers least favorite. As a child, she was apart of a club that she and her friends made up that had the ultimate plan leading towards women’s rights. The club was a secret but being children, their plans leaked to their father through her brother. As expected, her father was furious and cut her off from the group. Being a rebel, this made her furious. Eventually, things like this just rolled off her back and had no effect on her. Sadly, in the end only a small break from the cruel customs came for women, but was shortly destroyed. Reading this book has taught me that patience is key and also to never back down from your personal beliefs or let anyone else change you. Overall, I would rate this book an eight out of ten, and I defiantly encourage anyone to read this inspiring story. Show Less
LibraryThing member lindawwilson
Interesting and a "must read", but not an entertaining book and not particularly well written. The characters in the book, including the princess are not likable.
LibraryThing member Reader2201
"Princess" is the true biography of Princess Sultana, a Saudi Princess. Her story is shocking and very profound yet it is also universal because everyone that reads this book can relate to her. The author, Jean Sasson has written a new book titled "Yasmeena's Choice" which is also a true story.
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Although it is not about a princess, the book is just as gripping and I would highly recommend it. Show Less
LibraryThing member shdw_knife
There are books that makes one realize how lucky one is to be born in a country that grants women the basic rights that they deserve........this book is one of them. Its hard to imagine the oppression women are subjected to even today, the hardships and tyranny they face. A view in the life of a
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Saudi royal princess, but also into the lives of thousands of other women in Muslim countries. Show Less
LibraryThing member mrsdowney
If you care about the treatment of women in any country, read this book. If you want to know more about harem cultures (which even modern Saudi Arabia still reflects), read this book. It may tear at your heart a bit, but you'll walk away glad that you've educated yourself. And perhaps wondering how
And how many lives have you lived in such cultures as this? Do you carry an echo within you? Does your relationship with either gender reflect this subtle influence? I know I have a strong, past-life connection to harem lifetimes, as both man and/or woman, proven by my flashbacks and experiences in the present life, as detailed in my own book. It's important to ferret out any leftover imbalances in attitude in the present, and this book will help you do it. We live such lives to learn, but now's the time to discard the less useful elements through our objectification and analysis.
The sad aspect is that both men and women in such a restrictive social world are suffering from the lack of equal partnerships, or, as I like to call them, polarity relationships, which could otherwise do so much for their happiness, peace of mind, and productivity.
Do I think the Princess of the title is a real person? Hard to say. What a risky thing these two women did by creating this book! I waited two decades to read it, after my own close call with an opportunity to live in Saudi Arabia. From all I've learned from insiders about life in that country, I believe every story told in the book is true or as close to truth as could safely be conveyed. Since identities needed to be so securely hidden, some of the stories may have been many times repeated, but I didn't sense a lot of exaggeration, based on my knowledge of the customs.
It's a highly readable book, and you may find yourself compelled to keep turning pages, even when the situations are so shocking you'd like to quit.
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this sort of cultural influence or gender bias might still be affecting even so-called "free" women in the United States. And how many lives have you lived in such cultures as this? Do you carry an echo within you? Does your relationship with either gender reflect this subtle influence? I know I have a strong, past-life connection to harem lifetimes, as both man and/or woman, proven by my flashbacks and experiences in the present life, as detailed in my own book. It's important to ferret out any leftover imbalances in attitude in the present, and this book will help you do it. We live such lives to learn, but now's the time to discard the less useful elements through our objectification and analysis.
The sad aspect is that both men and women in such a restrictive social world are suffering from the lack of equal partnerships, or, as I like to call them, polarity relationships, which could otherwise do so much for their happiness, peace of mind, and productivity.
Do I think the Princess of the title is a real person? Hard to say. What a risky thing these two women did by creating this book! I waited two decades to read it, after my own close call with an opportunity to live in Saudi Arabia. From all I've learned from insiders about life in that country, I believe every story told in the book is true or as close to truth as could safely be conveyed. Since identities needed to be so securely hidden, some of the stories may have been many times repeated, but I didn't sense a lot of exaggeration, based on my knowledge of the customs.
It's a highly readable book, and you may find yourself compelled to keep turning pages, even when the situations are so shocking you'd like to quit.
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LibraryThing member PattyLee
I found myself really torn about this book- it seemed a bit far-fetched to imagine a Saudi princess befriending an American author; the main character's tantrums I grew tired of, almost in spite of the importance of the issue she was protesting i found I didn't really like her very much- always a
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weakness when you are looking for empathy or sympathy. I am glad I read it even though not much was a real surprise, except for the depth of the hatred males and females seem to have for each other.Sad. Show Less
LibraryThing member cbilbo
My heart was breaking about this story. I couldn't put it down. Then, I couldn't stop talking about it. It's awful to hear how women are treated over there. This was an excellent book, every American, man or woman needs to read this!
LibraryThing member edspicer
“Sultana” is a princess who has to hide her name in this biography. She tells her life stories to bring awareness to the world so that one day her daughters will be able to be equal to men- not cattle. She is a strong, amazing woman. Who has (although confined) seen many things. She even
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reveals her servants’ stories as well. She also goes into details about her arranged marriage and how she handled the ideal of another wife. I read this book because the title, cover and summary. Show Less
LibraryThing member FAR2MANYBOOKS
This is a tale of men with outrageous wealth and power, whose morals have lowered to such an extent that they seek their pleasure at the expense of others. This is a tale of women who, despite having the means to obtain almost anything they desire at any cost, cannot gain their ultimate desire:
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Freedom. Show Less
LibraryThing member cbilbo
My heart was breaking about this story. I couldn't put it down. Then, I couldn't stop talking about it. It's awful to hear how women are treated over there. This was an excellent book, every American, man or woman needs to read this!
LibraryThing member Kuglar
One extra star because this book starts needed conversations. I'm on the fence about whether Sultana is a real person but in the end. I don't think it matters; the issues seem real enough.
LibraryThing member mahallett
hard to believe that if this is true, saudi people didn't know who sultana was. how much can you rearrange and still be true?
well written, informative about saudi life.
well written, informative about saudi life.
LibraryThing member Salsabrarian
A quick read (got it done in one round-trip to Vegas) that's distressing and eye-opening. The Saudi royals may have it all in terms of wealth but the social structure and rules as "inspired" by Islam doesn't bring a lot of personal happiness or growth, especially for the women. An inside look that
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doesn't provide a lot of hope for a system that will be slow to change, if ever. Not terribly literary writing but the subject matter is absorbing. Will be interesting to follow Sultana's continued story in the two follow-up titles...if I ever get around to them! Took me years before I got to this one! Show Less
Awards
Eliot Rosewater Indiana High School Book Award (Nominee — 2001)
Language
Original publication date
2001
Physical description
291 p.; 22 cm
ISBN
9780967673745
Local notes
Autobiography