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The Princess #3
Princess Sultana's Circle
With Princess Sultana's Circle, the extraordinary story of Princess Sultana continues. The forced marriage of Sultana's niece to a cruel and depraved older man, and Sultana's discovery of the harem of sex slaves kept by a royal cousin, makes this brave royal princess more determined than ever to fight the oppression of women in Saudi Arabia. Princess Sultana's cause is given an extra sense of urgency against the background of increased dissent against the Al Sa'uds, and the looming spectre of Islamic fundamentalism. But an extended family camping trip in the desert brings the luxury-loving Sultana and relatives closer to their nomadic roots, and gives her the strength to carry on the fight for women's rights in all Muslim countries.This book paints a horrifying reality for women of the desert kingdom. It is a haunting look at the danger of Saudi male dominance and the desperate lives of the women they rule.
253 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1999
338 people are currently reading
4888 people want to read
About the author
Jean Sasson
42 books1,621 followersJean Sasson was born in a small town in Alabama. An avid reader from an early age, she had read all the books in her school library by the time she was 15 years old. She also began her book collection at age 15. When given the chance to travel, Sasson accepted a position at the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre in Riyadh, and lived in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for 12 years. She traveled extensively, visiting 66 countries over the course of 30 years.
Jean started her writing career in 1991 when she wrote the book, THE RAPE OF KUWAIT. The book was an instant best-seller, reaching #2 on the New York Times bestseller list. When the Kuwaiti Embassy in Washington heard that soldiers sent to free Kuwait did not know why they were there, the Embassy sent 200,000 copies to the region. Later Sasson wrote PRINCESS: A TRUE STORY OF LIFE BEHIND THE VEIL IN SAUDI ARABIA, which is the story of a princess in the royal house of al-Sa'ud. The book was an international bestseller published in 68 different editions (also staying on the NYTIMES bestseller list for 13 weeks). Later Sasson wrote two sequels (DAUGHTERS AND CIRCLE). Please visit this link to read an interview with the author about her book "Princess": http://reith-jerevinan.blogspot.com/2....
Other groundbreaking books followed: MAYADA, DAUGHTER OF IRAQ; ESTER'S CHILD; LOVE IN A TORN LAND; GROWING UP BIN LADEN (please visit this page to read an in-depth interview with Jean Sasson about "Growing Up bin Laden" http://www.thedailybeast.com/contribu... and FOR THE LOVE OF A SON.
In March 2012, an e-book short was released: AMERICAN CHICK IN SAUDI ARABIA, which consists of the first three chapters of Sasson's autobiography. On the second day of release, the book reached #1 on Barnes & Noble biography bestseller list. Jean's latest release is YASMEENA'S CHOICE, a heartbreaker of a story about two women (one Kuwaiti and the other Lebanese) kidnapped to be raped & tortured by the Iraqi special forces in occupied Kuwait. (Please visit this link to see an itnerview with Jean Sasson about her newest book "Yasmeena's Choice: http://gulfnews.com/arts-entertainmen...).
Jean's 12th book, PRINCESS, MORE TEARS to CRY has just been released and is available in the English language in most countries. Foreign editions will be available throughout the next year. Jean Sasson's official website is: www.jeansasson.com.
Jean started her writing career in 1991 when she wrote the book, THE RAPE OF KUWAIT. The book was an instant best-seller, reaching #2 on the New York Times bestseller list. When the Kuwaiti Embassy in Washington heard that soldiers sent to free Kuwait did not know why they were there, the Embassy sent 200,000 copies to the region. Later Sasson wrote PRINCESS: A TRUE STORY OF LIFE BEHIND THE VEIL IN SAUDI ARABIA, which is the story of a princess in the royal house of al-Sa'ud. The book was an international bestseller published in 68 different editions (also staying on the NYTIMES bestseller list for 13 weeks). Later Sasson wrote two sequels (DAUGHTERS AND CIRCLE). Please visit this link to read an interview with the author about her book "Princess": http://reith-jerevinan.blogspot.com/2....
Other groundbreaking books followed: MAYADA, DAUGHTER OF IRAQ; ESTER'S CHILD; LOVE IN A TORN LAND; GROWING UP BIN LADEN (please visit this page to read an in-depth interview with Jean Sasson about "Growing Up bin Laden" http://www.thedailybeast.com/contribu... and FOR THE LOVE OF A SON.
In March 2012, an e-book short was released: AMERICAN CHICK IN SAUDI ARABIA, which consists of the first three chapters of Sasson's autobiography. On the second day of release, the book reached #1 on Barnes & Noble biography bestseller list. Jean's latest release is YASMEENA'S CHOICE, a heartbreaker of a story about two women (one Kuwaiti and the other Lebanese) kidnapped to be raped & tortured by the Iraqi special forces in occupied Kuwait. (Please visit this link to see an itnerview with Jean Sasson about her newest book "Yasmeena's Choice: http://gulfnews.com/arts-entertainmen...).
Jean's 12th book, PRINCESS, MORE TEARS to CRY has just been released and is available in the English language in most countries. Foreign editions will be available throughout the next year. Jean Sasson's official website is: www.jeansasson.com.
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June 8, 2012
***SPOILER ALERT***
My first Jean Sassoon book, and willingly, it will be the last.
A so-called true capturing of the life of Sultana a Saudi princess, Sultana tells the story of her disgust with the backwardness of Saudi men, their mistreatment of women, how women in Saudi Arabia are controlled by their male family members, and how sexual slavery in Saudi Arabia is not uncommon especially among the royal family. Although Princess Sultana herself had not been in such a position since her husband Kareem is one of the very few men in the book who are not accused of abusing and assaulting women. Sultana begins by telling the story of her niece, a princess too, who had been forced into marrying a much older man. So far the book is agreeable, but when she uncovers the story of a couple of her own sisters being abused, a friend, a group of 20 girls or more held in a royal prince palace as sex-slaves, the story of an Afghan maid, another Pakistani maid,etc.
The list becomes too long, you start doubting the credibility of the author Sassoon and the princess together. Yes they probably didn't make-up stories , but the book is stuffed with so many examples and memories of abuse, stories that are told one after another, in a manner similar to a list being read out, rather than a story being told.
Sassoon and Sultana together didn't waste a chance to emphasize on the unimaginable wealth in which the Saudi royal family is indulged.
Nor did they waste a chance to blame Islam for all the retrograde life described in Saudi and the Middle East.
The overall image, does not differ than that depicted in Disney's Aladdin: big, bearded, wealthy, savage men ruling the desert, women veiled and functioning as nothing more than sex machines.
The book portrays Sultana as the "exception" to the rule, she's the so called open-minded princess who enjoys taking off her veil whenever she can, drinks alcohol, shops at New York's fanciest stores, weeps heavily on the scene of 9/11….. just anything that will make a western reader accept her and praise her open-minded thinking. A quite lame image.
For me…neither the author nor the princess gained my respect.
My view on the Saudi community is quite the same, I've never been fond of the Saudi Royal family so this didn't exactly come as a major shock.
Overall…you'll hate every part of the book, especially the fake truthfulness it was intended to sound like.
My first Jean Sassoon book, and willingly, it will be the last.
A so-called true capturing of the life of Sultana a Saudi princess, Sultana tells the story of her disgust with the backwardness of Saudi men, their mistreatment of women, how women in Saudi Arabia are controlled by their male family members, and how sexual slavery in Saudi Arabia is not uncommon especially among the royal family. Although Princess Sultana herself had not been in such a position since her husband Kareem is one of the very few men in the book who are not accused of abusing and assaulting women. Sultana begins by telling the story of her niece, a princess too, who had been forced into marrying a much older man. So far the book is agreeable, but when she uncovers the story of a couple of her own sisters being abused, a friend, a group of 20 girls or more held in a royal prince palace as sex-slaves, the story of an Afghan maid, another Pakistani maid,etc.
The list becomes too long, you start doubting the credibility of the author Sassoon and the princess together. Yes they probably didn't make-up stories , but the book is stuffed with so many examples and memories of abuse, stories that are told one after another, in a manner similar to a list being read out, rather than a story being told.
Sassoon and Sultana together didn't waste a chance to emphasize on the unimaginable wealth in which the Saudi royal family is indulged.
Nor did they waste a chance to blame Islam for all the retrograde life described in Saudi and the Middle East.
The overall image, does not differ than that depicted in Disney's Aladdin: big, bearded, wealthy, savage men ruling the desert, women veiled and functioning as nothing more than sex machines.
The book portrays Sultana as the "exception" to the rule, she's the so called open-minded princess who enjoys taking off her veil whenever she can, drinks alcohol, shops at New York's fanciest stores, weeps heavily on the scene of 9/11….. just anything that will make a western reader accept her and praise her open-minded thinking. A quite lame image.
For me…neither the author nor the princess gained my respect.
My view on the Saudi community is quite the same, I've never been fond of the Saudi Royal family so this didn't exactly come as a major shock.
Overall…you'll hate every part of the book, especially the fake truthfulness it was intended to sound like.
March 10, 2014
It was an overdose, I am from Saudi Arabia and I can tell you that women in my hometown are not treated as badly as the book suggests. In fact I was surprised at the kinds of things mentioned in the book, I have never heard of a single Saudi girl I knew who was forced into marrying a old ugly man, and this book is full of such stories and much more. Majority of the people treat their women as equals and love and respect them, they might not be able to drive but they have drivers to their services as well as taxis available. All my neighbors, friends, families I knew growing up with loved their daughters as much as they did their sons. While I understand it's ultra conservative and change is needed, there is no way on earth would I be willing to bad mouth my own country with an help of a foreigner for a world to see and point fingers at, hence I question the credibility of this book, and if princess sultana does exist, she is nothing more than a bored, pampered princess who does nothing but to talk about how unhappy she is with her life. There are good and bad people EVERYWHERE, that doesn't mean that you have to point fingers at the whole nation for that. Besides that, that princess sultana's life is far too exciting to be true, I mean seriously, fights with brother, sisters, cousins getting raped, brother molesting children and marrying lots of women, another sister in bondage with older husband and abused, then another cousin being in love with American bf and tricked into coming back and locked up until death, Sultana's daughter in a gay phase and going crazy, another daughter becoming crazy animal lover and a religious extremist....So on and so forth. There is no way in hell that all these tales can be fit into one lifetime of a human being, no matter how much you fantasize, nobody has such an exciting life, and thankfully.
June 4, 2023
“In Saudi Arabia, it is not an uncommon sight to see baby camels riding in the passenger seat of an air-conditioned truck while veiled women are riding in the open truck base at the back.”
This book mocks itself.
Saudi Arabia, the Holy Land of Mecca and Medina, the land where, young women from poor countries (especially Asian women) are bought and held in cages, Saudi women (even “princesses”) are traded, married off to men against their will, denied the right to leave their homes, drive, speak, have opinions, or own anything themselves.
The children, too, are the victims of this country’s abuses, er, laws. Our Princess sees a crippled boy being mistreated by his family (tradition!):
“I desperately wanted to scoop the little boy up and take him away with me, but such a reaction is unheard of in my country. In such a case as neglect, children are never taken away from their families, no matter what the circumstances.”
Yes, Saudi Arabia, this fist-bumping Good Friend of the USA, never has its human rights record discussed in the MSM while the benign country of Cuba, best known for providing medical care to people in desperate conditions worldwide without expectation of remuneration, has suffered from a crippling embargo, severe sanctions, imposed by the USA (sanctions opposed by the civilized world) for more than 60 years. What is the reason for the embargo on Cuba? “Human rights abuses” says the US govt, owner of the Guantanamo Bay prison.
Enough of my rant about the US’s hypocrisy and on to the insipid book written by a “Princess” of which there are Many as anyone born an Al Saud is royalty. This one is named Sultana.
I thought “Isn’t that a grape?”
“A sultana is a dried white grape, but of the seedless variety…
Also known as golden raisins, sultanas will absorb other flavors, but not as well as regular raisins.” (from The Spruce Eats)
It is truly astounding that this “princess” has so little insight. She actually sees herself as a “champion for women” as she casually orders her (immigrant, first-name-only, apparently no background or family of their own) servants to do ridiculous things most of us manage, easily and preferably, on our own (in the bathroom, privately, for instance).
Her concern for women seems fairly limited to that which bothers her daughters, or which is directly visualized by her family (a gang rape of a 14 year old Thai girl on a family trip). She writes about a niece who is being forced to marry a man known to be a pedophile and abuser. He is also a friend of her hated brother Ali.
This daughter (also a “princess” of course, we’re not in Disneyland anymore, Toto) whose marriage to this torturer is as horrible as would be predicted, is not saved:
Ali asks said daughter if she agrees to the match, in the presence of “concerned” male relatives after telling her he’d beat her if she answered him:
“I realized that Ali had cunningly used a sly trick to close the mouths of his male kin. He had repeated word for word what Prophet Mohammed had asked his own daughter, Fatima, when he had arranged for her to marry a cousin, Imam Ali. When Fatima made no response, all good Muslims know that the Prophet had interpreted the girl’s refusal to answer as a sign of great modesty.
The door slammed.”
Our Raisin Princess repeatedly and nonchalantly demonstrates how none of the oppressive laws or customs in SA apply to the corrupt royal family - clan, actually - the Al Sauds. They drink alcohol, own satellite dishes (this is written mid-90s) so they can watch whatever they please on TV, they seem never interrupted for prayer, they steal from non-royals and threaten them with horrible punishments if they complain and on and on.
“Although it is the custom in Saudi Arabia for men to eat first, and for women to eat the remains of the meal, it is a custom we do not observe.”
She describes horrific torture and beheadings for the crime of offending the governent, all at the hands of her family and their retainers.
Nonetheless our dried white grape seems to think her fam is the best to rule - apparently because Saudi Arabia, where the only diversity is the immigrant servant/slave population - would be so hard for anyone else to manage?
“The country of Saudi Arabia is made up of many different factions, including the uneducated Bedouin class, wealthy business families, and middle-class professionals. It is difficult enough for our family, which has been in power since Saudi Arabia’s creation, to keep such a diverse group of citizens happy, without having to concede democratic reforms.”
They can’t “concede democratic reforms” although she could only name 3 groups - all the same race, all Sunni Muslim?
Just for some perspective:
Saudi Arabia as a country was “created” in 1932, about 90 years ago.
Iran has had an intact culture, language, and border since 550 BCE, 2,573 years ago.
The Mexican government recognizes 69 national languages, 63 of which are indigenous, including around 350 dialects of those languages and they elect (democratically) one president.
Best not to complain, though:
“In the Muslim world, it is believed that only men may interpret the Koran. Should any woman complain of the way women… are treated, that woman would be accused of attacking our faith - an unforgivable crime assuring the severest of punishment.”
Maybe the “merciful” part is only for Boys?
Then, of course there is always Paradise to look forward to:
For men, as we all know, there will be 72 “seductively attired” lovely, young virgins who “will attend to his every need.”
For women you ask?
Pious females entering paradise: “...will receive the greatest joy from reciting the Koran and experiencing the supreme ecstasy of beholding Allah’s face. All around these women will be children who never grow old. Of course, since Muslim women do not have any sexual desires, there will be no sexual partners awaiting them in paradise.”
Endless screaming childcare, no sex, gazing at the withered mien of a (possibly cranky?) old dude, only one book.
“In the Muslim world, it is believed that only men may interpret the Koran.
Got it.
This book mocks itself.
Saudi Arabia, the Holy Land of Mecca and Medina, the land where, young women from poor countries (especially Asian women) are bought and held in cages, Saudi women (even “princesses”) are traded, married off to men against their will, denied the right to leave their homes, drive, speak, have opinions, or own anything themselves.
The children, too, are the victims of this country’s abuses, er, laws. Our Princess sees a crippled boy being mistreated by his family (tradition!):
“I desperately wanted to scoop the little boy up and take him away with me, but such a reaction is unheard of in my country. In such a case as neglect, children are never taken away from their families, no matter what the circumstances.”
Yes, Saudi Arabia, this fist-bumping Good Friend of the USA, never has its human rights record discussed in the MSM while the benign country of Cuba, best known for providing medical care to people in desperate conditions worldwide without expectation of remuneration, has suffered from a crippling embargo, severe sanctions, imposed by the USA (sanctions opposed by the civilized world) for more than 60 years. What is the reason for the embargo on Cuba? “Human rights abuses” says the US govt, owner of the Guantanamo Bay prison.
Enough of my rant about the US’s hypocrisy and on to the insipid book written by a “Princess” of which there are Many as anyone born an Al Saud is royalty. This one is named Sultana.
I thought “Isn’t that a grape?”
“A sultana is a dried white grape, but of the seedless variety…
Also known as golden raisins, sultanas will absorb other flavors, but not as well as regular raisins.” (from The Spruce Eats)
It is truly astounding that this “princess” has so little insight. She actually sees herself as a “champion for women” as she casually orders her (immigrant, first-name-only, apparently no background or family of their own) servants to do ridiculous things most of us manage, easily and preferably, on our own (in the bathroom, privately, for instance).
Her concern for women seems fairly limited to that which bothers her daughters, or which is directly visualized by her family (a gang rape of a 14 year old Thai girl on a family trip). She writes about a niece who is being forced to marry a man known to be a pedophile and abuser. He is also a friend of her hated brother Ali.
This daughter (also a “princess” of course, we’re not in Disneyland anymore, Toto) whose marriage to this torturer is as horrible as would be predicted, is not saved:
Ali asks said daughter if she agrees to the match, in the presence of “concerned” male relatives after telling her he’d beat her if she answered him:
“I realized that Ali had cunningly used a sly trick to close the mouths of his male kin. He had repeated word for word what Prophet Mohammed had asked his own daughter, Fatima, when he had arranged for her to marry a cousin, Imam Ali. When Fatima made no response, all good Muslims know that the Prophet had interpreted the girl’s refusal to answer as a sign of great modesty.
The door slammed.”
Our Raisin Princess repeatedly and nonchalantly demonstrates how none of the oppressive laws or customs in SA apply to the corrupt royal family - clan, actually - the Al Sauds. They drink alcohol, own satellite dishes (this is written mid-90s) so they can watch whatever they please on TV, they seem never interrupted for prayer, they steal from non-royals and threaten them with horrible punishments if they complain and on and on.
“Although it is the custom in Saudi Arabia for men to eat first, and for women to eat the remains of the meal, it is a custom we do not observe.”
She describes horrific torture and beheadings for the crime of offending the governent, all at the hands of her family and their retainers.
Nonetheless our dried white grape seems to think her fam is the best to rule - apparently because Saudi Arabia, where the only diversity is the immigrant servant/slave population - would be so hard for anyone else to manage?
“The country of Saudi Arabia is made up of many different factions, including the uneducated Bedouin class, wealthy business families, and middle-class professionals. It is difficult enough for our family, which has been in power since Saudi Arabia’s creation, to keep such a diverse group of citizens happy, without having to concede democratic reforms.”
They can’t “concede democratic reforms” although she could only name 3 groups - all the same race, all Sunni Muslim?
Just for some perspective:
Saudi Arabia as a country was “created” in 1932, about 90 years ago.
Iran has had an intact culture, language, and border since 550 BCE, 2,573 years ago.
The Mexican government recognizes 69 national languages, 63 of which are indigenous, including around 350 dialects of those languages and they elect (democratically) one president.
Best not to complain, though:
“In the Muslim world, it is believed that only men may interpret the Koran. Should any woman complain of the way women… are treated, that woman would be accused of attacking our faith - an unforgivable crime assuring the severest of punishment.”
Maybe the “merciful” part is only for Boys?
Then, of course there is always Paradise to look forward to:
For men, as we all know, there will be 72 “seductively attired” lovely, young virgins who “will attend to his every need.”
For women you ask?
Pious females entering paradise: “...will receive the greatest joy from reciting the Koran and experiencing the supreme ecstasy of beholding Allah’s face. All around these women will be children who never grow old. Of course, since Muslim women do not have any sexual desires, there will be no sexual partners awaiting them in paradise.”
Endless screaming childcare, no sex, gazing at the withered mien of a (possibly cranky?) old dude, only one book.
“In the Muslim world, it is believed that only men may interpret the Koran.
Got it.
August 23, 2015
Princess Sultana's Circle is the third book in Jean Sasson's Princess trilogy. I really loved the first book. The second was good. But by the time I got to the third book I was starting to feel a little jaded.
Let me just say that I believe that a lot of events described in this book are things that do occur in Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries. I believe that women are considered and treated as even lower than second class citizens there and that they suffer greatly because of it.
That said, these books are purported to be the true stories of a single Saudi Arabian woman and I find that fact to be a little difficult to swallow.
Books require tension and conflict to be interesting, and these books were nothing if not interesting. Every single chapter seemed to outline or highlight some atrocity or violation of basic human rights. If this were a collection of women's stories from across the social board in Saudi Arabia I would find it easier to believe. But the fact that all of these things happen to or in the life of one woman sounds more like fiction than fact to me.
I think that author Jean Sasson, who spent over a decade living and working in the medical field in Saudi Arabia, had ample material gathered over the years of women and stories that she encountered in her personal and professional life and chose to attribute them all to one person.
And maybe I'm wrong. This is just what I feel.
I still think that these books highlight important issues that should be seen and heard worldwide. I think they can help to educate people about the plight of women in the Middle East. And I think people should read them with an open heart and an open mind.
I just don't think they are the true story of one single woman.
I feel more like they are the true stories of a nation of women.
Let me just say that I believe that a lot of events described in this book are things that do occur in Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries. I believe that women are considered and treated as even lower than second class citizens there and that they suffer greatly because of it.
That said, these books are purported to be the true stories of a single Saudi Arabian woman and I find that fact to be a little difficult to swallow.
Books require tension and conflict to be interesting, and these books were nothing if not interesting. Every single chapter seemed to outline or highlight some atrocity or violation of basic human rights. If this were a collection of women's stories from across the social board in Saudi Arabia I would find it easier to believe. But the fact that all of these things happen to or in the life of one woman sounds more like fiction than fact to me.
I think that author Jean Sasson, who spent over a decade living and working in the medical field in Saudi Arabia, had ample material gathered over the years of women and stories that she encountered in her personal and professional life and chose to attribute them all to one person.
And maybe I'm wrong. This is just what I feel.
I still think that these books highlight important issues that should be seen and heard worldwide. I think they can help to educate people about the plight of women in the Middle East. And I think people should read them with an open heart and an open mind.
I just don't think they are the true story of one single woman.
I feel more like they are the true stories of a nation of women.
January 21, 2009
I thought the first book was really interesting, but by the 3rd book it was getting annoying. It's hard to take someone seriously that goes out and blows $500K on a shopping spree in New York. If she was really serious about doing something of value for women she would invest in things that would really make a difference for women like education, business opportunities, etc. I guess I found it harder to be sympathetic to her "family". I don't doubt that life is hard for her, but I can't help thinking it is a million times harder for women who don't have her wealth.
December 20, 2014
Forget how annoying it feels to read about a rich woman with privileges complaining about her problems and her helplessness, when she has no discipline over herself.or seem to exert any intelligent behaviour towards the oppressed with the resources she seems to boast about...the stories are disconnected, bland and imposed to convince that there are so many sufferring coz nobody is taking an action! But they do not actually stimulate any sympathy or empathy towards these women!
I'd have given atleast one more star if the writing style could make me feel the pain....
I'd have given atleast one more star if the writing style could make me feel the pain....
February 8, 2016
A volcano of Lies !!!
لطالما راودني سؤال المصداقية حول ثلاثية جين ساسون وما تكتبه من اخبار الاسرة السعودية .. وبقيت بين جذب وشد .. ولكن الحبل انقطع في يدي لانه قصير ..
حبل كذب قصير .. قطع بعد كتابين لاتأكد بما لا يدع مجالا للشك بان الاحداث كلها مختلقة تسمع الماتبة قصة ما فتبني عليها فصلا وبعد عدة فصول تخرج كتابا ..
تأكدت من هذه الحقيقة بعد قصة الفصل الثاني الذي اعلنت فيه الاميرة انها تستطيع خلع الحجاب في العرس حيث لا يتواجد سوى زوحها وشقيق زوجها والمطوع كما سمته والعريس .. لو ان الراوية هي سعودية فعلا لعلمت بان الثلاثة الاخرون محارم وليس لها ان تتخفف كما فهمت المؤلفة من مصدرها !!
الكتاب مليء بالتعريض والنقد للقران الكريم والهجوم الخبيث الغير مباشر على النبي ..ومليء بافكار خاطئة مقصود منها التأثير على القاريء الغربي .. الصيام يبطل حتى لو ابتلعت نقطة مياه واحده عن طريق الخطأ ص86
الدراما الكاذبة في قصة الرسوم الكاريكاتورية عن النبي ان المسلمين كان يغمى عليهم في الشوارع حين يرون الصور (...) الانتقال المفاجيء بين حدث قبل سنتين واخر قبل عشرون سنة واخر قبل مائة سنة ووضعهم في فصل وكأنهم حدثوا في ذات الاسبوع يشعرك بان الكتاب (خربطة مربطة) مثل الذي يقول لك بان لديه صورة لاجتماع نابليون مع صدام وابوعمر البغدادي ويهمس لك بانها من مصدر موثوق !
اسمع لهذه : يومن المسلمون بانهم اذا قتلوا برصاصة مدهونه بشحم خنزير فسيتم اقصاؤهم نهائيا من الجنه !!
ص 190 ... يا ولد !
قصة طفولية اخرى عن احمق صور امرأة في بيتها وهي تسبح بصدر عار (تجسسا) وذهب بها الى الهيئة التي اجبرت والدها على تزويجها احدهم درءا للفضيحة (...) تخيل ان احدهم صور امرأه عارية في بيتها وذهب بالصور للهيئة !!! اعتقد انه سيخرج منها حاملا بتوأم كما يقال
ص201 من الطبيعي ان ترى الجمل لدى البدو في المقعد الامامي بينما توضع النساء في القسم المفتوح في الخلف (الدبة) ... بصراحة احترت في هذه الفقرة ليس لاننا لا نفعل ذلك بل لانني لا اعرف نوع السيارة التي يمكنك وضع جمل في كرسيها الامامي !!!
التناقض في المتاب مشملة اخرى قائمة بذاتها في ص 219 تاخذ الحماسة الكاتبة فتقول بان قدرة الرجل السعودي على توفير كل ما تحلم به الزوجة السعودية يعد مصدر فخر كبير ... مهو كان لسه حاططها في الدبه ومركب الناقة قدام يبنت الـ.....
المترجمة بدورها (...) اخرى فحسا بدلا من حصة ومحمد المساري بدلا من المسعري يبدو بان الترجمة وبيع الضمير القومي والمهني كان على قدر المساري !!
ص277 المثل العربي يقول على لسان الاميرة : العربي اما تحت قدمك يخدمك او على عنقك يذبحك .. بالطبع لا يوجد مثل عربي بهذا المعنى ولكن يوجد مثل شرق اوسطي شبيه لنعرف من هي الاميرة الوهمية التي وسوست لجين هذه القصة !
في ص302 قصة جميلة عن حاتم الطائي حين ذبح حصانه للخليفه هارون الرشيد انصح بقرائتها للفائده !
ص311 وفقا لما ينص عليه القران جهز الشيخ فهد لزوجته خيمه خاصة !!!
المحزن انني اشتريت الكتاب نمن معرض كتب محلي ومن مكتبة محلية .. قليل من الغيرة على انفسنا ايها الناشرون
ستجدون الكثير من القراء الغربيين للكتاب مع الاسف وتقدير الكتاب جيد لذا ارجوا ممن يتقن الانجليزية ان لا يبخل بترجمة هذا التقييم ونشره هنا
لطالما راودني سؤال المصداقية حول ثلاثية جين ساسون وما تكتبه من اخبار الاسرة السعودية .. وبقيت بين جذب وشد .. ولكن الحبل انقطع في يدي لانه قصير ..
حبل كذب قصير .. قطع بعد كتابين لاتأكد بما لا يدع مجالا للشك بان الاحداث كلها مختلقة تسمع الماتبة قصة ما فتبني عليها فصلا وبعد عدة فصول تخرج كتابا ..
تأكدت من هذه الحقيقة بعد قصة الفصل الثاني الذي اعلنت فيه الاميرة انها تستطيع خلع الحجاب في العرس حيث لا يتواجد سوى زوحها وشقيق زوجها والمطوع كما سمته والعريس .. لو ان الراوية هي سعودية فعلا لعلمت بان الثلاثة الاخرون محارم وليس لها ان تتخفف كما فهمت المؤلفة من مصدرها !!
الكتاب مليء بالتعريض والنقد للقران الكريم والهجوم الخبيث الغير مباشر على النبي ..ومليء بافكار خاطئة مقصود منها التأثير على القاريء الغربي .. الصيام يبطل حتى لو ابتلعت نقطة مياه واحده عن طريق الخطأ ص86
الدراما الكاذبة في قصة الرسوم الكاريكاتورية عن النبي ان المسلمين كان يغمى عليهم في الشوارع حين يرون الصور (...) الانتقال المفاجيء بين حدث قبل سنتين واخر قبل عشرون سنة واخر قبل مائة سنة ووضعهم في فصل وكأنهم حدثوا في ذات الاسبوع يشعرك بان الكتاب (خربطة مربطة) مثل الذي يقول لك بان لديه صورة لاجتماع نابليون مع صدام وابوعمر البغدادي ويهمس لك بانها من مصدر موثوق !
اسمع لهذه : يومن المسلمون بانهم اذا قتلوا برصاصة مدهونه بشحم خنزير فسيتم اقصاؤهم نهائيا من الجنه !!
ص 190 ... يا ولد !
قصة طفولية اخرى عن احمق صور امرأة في بيتها وهي تسبح بصدر عار (تجسسا) وذهب بها الى الهيئة التي اجبرت والدها على تزويجها احدهم درءا للفضيحة (...) تخيل ان احدهم صور امرأه عارية في بيتها وذهب بالصور للهيئة !!! اعتقد انه سيخرج منها حاملا بتوأم كما يقال
ص201 من الطبيعي ان ترى الجمل لدى البدو في المقعد الامامي بينما توضع النساء في القسم المفتوح في الخلف (الدبة) ... بصراحة احترت في هذه الفقرة ليس لاننا لا نفعل ذلك بل لانني لا اعرف نوع السيارة التي يمكنك وضع جمل في كرسيها الامامي !!!
التناقض في المتاب مشملة اخرى قائمة بذاتها في ص 219 تاخذ الحماسة الكاتبة فتقول بان قدرة الرجل السعودي على توفير كل ما تحلم به الزوجة السعودية يعد مصدر فخر كبير ... مهو كان لسه حاططها في الدبه ومركب الناقة قدام يبنت الـ.....
المترجمة بدورها (...) اخرى فحسا بدلا من حصة ومحمد المساري بدلا من المسعري يبدو بان الترجمة وبيع الضمير القومي والمهني كان على قدر المساري !!
ص277 المثل العربي يقول على لسان الاميرة : العربي اما تحت قدمك يخدمك او على عنقك يذبحك .. بالطبع لا يوجد مثل عربي بهذا المعنى ولكن يوجد مثل شرق اوسطي شبيه لنعرف من هي الاميرة الوهمية التي وسوست لجين هذه القصة !
في ص302 قصة جميلة عن حاتم الطائي حين ذبح حصانه للخليفه هارون الرشيد انصح بقرائتها للفائده !
ص311 وفقا لما ينص عليه القران جهز الشيخ فهد لزوجته خيمه خاصة !!!
المحزن انني اشتريت الكتاب نمن معرض كتب محلي ومن مكتبة محلية .. قليل من الغيرة على انفسنا ايها الناشرون
ستجدون الكثير من القراء الغربيين للكتاب مع الاسف وتقدير الكتاب جيد لذا ارجوا ممن يتقن الانجليزية ان لا يبخل بترجمة هذا التقييم ونشره هنا
October 4, 2011
This is a tale of men with great 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 woman who, despite having the means to obtain almost anything they desire at any cost, cannot gain their ultimate desire: Freedom. This is a tale of oppression, in which women have no right to map out their own futures, but instead are married off as young girls to men twice their age and are treated with the utmost brutality. This novel unveils the ugly truths hidden beneath masks of greatness, wealth and power. This is reality...
This book is the third book in the Daughters of Arabia series, the first being the internationally-acclaimed book Princess, which provided a shocking expose on the lives of Saudi royalty by narrating the true-life account of Princess Sultana Al-Sa’ud as a young girl born into a life of wealth and privilege as a member of the Al-Sa’ud royal family. In this book, we are taken through Sultana’s life as a married woman with two daughters, Maha and Amani, and a husband she has grown to love (a rare occurrence in Saudi marriages since women are often forced to wed men who do not suit their tastes).
In this book, Sultana speaks of her despair and disillusionment in the face of helplessness when attempting to fight for the cause of Saudi women. After witnessing the marriage of her niece, Munira, to an evil and heartless older man, Sultana turns to alcohol in an attempt to drown her sorrow. She speaks of the many Saudi women within the royal family who abuse drugs to avoid facing the pitiful reality of their lives. We learn that men have more privileges than women and that it is not unusual for Saudi men to be unfaithful to their wives. We come across a cousin of Sultana’s who maintains a private harem of young girls ranging from eight years of age and we read of the brutal treatment inflicted on women and the injustices practiced in the name of religion, when in fact, most of these practices go against the teachings of Islam.
This book moved me to the depths of sorrow and the heights of fury. It was, nevertheless, interesting, informative and provided valuable insight into the lives of one of the richest families in the world. This book proves that wealth cannot provide happiness and after reading it, I am grateful for the fact that I live in a country that acknowledges women’s’ rights. I would not trade freedom for all the wealth the world has to offer. I would recommend this book to those who are able to read a book filled with tales of injustice and brutality without tearing it to shreds in a burst of fury.
This book rates 8/10.
This book is the third book in the Daughters of Arabia series, the first being the internationally-acclaimed book Princess, which provided a shocking expose on the lives of Saudi royalty by narrating the true-life account of Princess Sultana Al-Sa’ud as a young girl born into a life of wealth and privilege as a member of the Al-Sa’ud royal family. In this book, we are taken through Sultana’s life as a married woman with two daughters, Maha and Amani, and a husband she has grown to love (a rare occurrence in Saudi marriages since women are often forced to wed men who do not suit their tastes).
In this book, Sultana speaks of her despair and disillusionment in the face of helplessness when attempting to fight for the cause of Saudi women. After witnessing the marriage of her niece, Munira, to an evil and heartless older man, Sultana turns to alcohol in an attempt to drown her sorrow. She speaks of the many Saudi women within the royal family who abuse drugs to avoid facing the pitiful reality of their lives. We learn that men have more privileges than women and that it is not unusual for Saudi men to be unfaithful to their wives. We come across a cousin of Sultana’s who maintains a private harem of young girls ranging from eight years of age and we read of the brutal treatment inflicted on women and the injustices practiced in the name of religion, when in fact, most of these practices go against the teachings of Islam.
This book moved me to the depths of sorrow and the heights of fury. It was, nevertheless, interesting, informative and provided valuable insight into the lives of one of the richest families in the world. This book proves that wealth cannot provide happiness and after reading it, I am grateful for the fact that I live in a country that acknowledges women’s’ rights. I would not trade freedom for all the wealth the world has to offer. I would recommend this book to those who are able to read a book filled with tales of injustice and brutality without tearing it to shreds in a burst of fury.
This book rates 8/10.
June 15, 2008
Woohoo! I finally made time away from the kids to read a book and I loved it. What I enjoyed about this book is it was TRUE, based on the life of PRincess Sultana of Saudi Arabia. This book allowed me to learn about other cultures and how women are treated within. I was also able to learn about the royal family of Saudi Arabia and the crazy life of extreme wealth they live, yet with all the material wealth they possess, women still have little power.
Desert Royal was a real eye opener to me of how difficult life can be as a woman in many countries today and made me grateful for what I have.
Desert Royal was a real eye opener to me of how difficult life can be as a woman in many countries today and made me grateful for what I have.
April 17, 2008
There is an entire series of these Princess books, all of which I have read with an open heart. I wish I could say that I have searched for ways to make a difference, but, I have cherished my many freedoms with a clearer head and more open heart.
November 20, 2020
"Čak i u najžešćem boju, dobro se srce bori pošteno"
Uhhhhh 😳... ovakvim uzdisajem sam i počeo sa čitanjem Kruga princeze Sultane, znajući kakva me ispovest čeka, te sam se psihički pripremio za sve to, a takođe sam istim uzdisajem i završio čitanje jer me je na kraju dočekao jedan divan događaj, jedna iskra pobune, smelo suprostavljanje nametnutim normama koje može pokrenuti lavinu novih sa ciljem da se poboljša položaj žena u surovom arapskom svetu gde su one robovi duboko utemeljenog verskog fundamentalizma. Ne mogu vam konkretno govoriti o događaju jer je spojler, ali se nadam da se 4. i 5. knjiga nastavljaju na ovaj događaj i da nisu neke forme spinoff-a prethodnih knjiga (kako mi naslovi nagoveštavaju), jer želim još Sultaninih ispovesti o daljoj borbi protiv okrutnog, verski "opravdanog" seksizma u njenoj zemlji.
Moram ovo da napomenem. Sve Sultanine priče uzimam sa rezervom jer ne znam koliko je sve ovo tačno, nekada i sam ne mogu poverovati u pojedine događaje iz knjige jer mi se u mislima sukobljava takav primitivizam u razlikama između polova sa ogromnim bogatstvom kojima arapski svet raspolaže... valjda bi to trebalo sa godinama da ih civilizuje, učini liberalnijim i natera da ostave iza sebe običaje koje su praktikovali beduini pre otkrića nafte. Da ih natera da idu u korak sa svetom.🤔
Ako je sve ovo tačno, poražavajuće je što je sve to primitivno ustvari njihova priroda koja se ne da iskoreniti uprkos životu u neverovatnoj raskoši.
Pisaću malo i o Sultani, koja mi je izuzetno draga i dopadljiva. Prkosna i energična, i u zrelim godinama ponekad malo detinjasta, ali odvažna i hrabra kada je u pitanju borba da se ispravi nepravda. Sultana je heroj svog vremena i društva. U surovom svetu gde je reč muškarca gotovo i jedina, ona uspeva da njena reč često bude poslednja. U Sultani tinja strast i borbenost protiv duboko ukorenjenog režima koju sam osetio i kod Ketnis (Igre gladi) i Ofredove (Sluškinjina priča), i zato je kupila moje srce poput pomenute dve junakinje.
Ne znam ko je Sultana (kopao sam po netu tragajući za njenim pravim identitetom ali ta informacija nigde nije dostupna), ne znam da li je živa i da li je uspela nešto da promeni i poboljša život svojih sugrađanki. Znam samo da je njena priča, bila 100% istinita ili ne, kod mene pokrenula lavinu emocija: od tuge zbog strašne sudbine nekih devojaka zbog "grehova" koje su počinile do besa zbog ponašanja i opravdanja muškaraca da te grehe kazne. Iskreno se nadam da se verski ekstremizam, poput onog opisanog u knjizi, polako iskorenjuje u svim zemljama sveta.
Nije ova priča lepa, definitivno nije za razonodu i razbibrigu. Ali ako želite da saznate nešto više o arapskom svetu, o njihovom društvu i običajima, sa posebnim osvrtom na ekstremnu neravnopravnost između žena i muškaraca (opet kažem; uzimajte sve ovo sa rezervom) biće ovo štivo za vašu dušu. Ali počnite serijal od početka zbog upoznavanja sa likovima.
Moja ocena za ovaj deo serijala, zbog bombastično dobrog kraja priče koji zaokružuje Sultaninu borbu, je 5🌟
Uhhhhh 😳... ovakvim uzdisajem sam i počeo sa čitanjem Kruga princeze Sultane, znajući kakva me ispovest čeka, te sam se psihički pripremio za sve to, a takođe sam istim uzdisajem i završio čitanje jer me je na kraju dočekao jedan divan događaj, jedna iskra pobune, smelo suprostavljanje nametnutim normama koje može pokrenuti lavinu novih sa ciljem da se poboljša položaj žena u surovom arapskom svetu gde su one robovi duboko utemeljenog verskog fundamentalizma. Ne mogu vam konkretno govoriti o događaju jer je spojler, ali se nadam da se 4. i 5. knjiga nastavljaju na ovaj događaj i da nisu neke forme spinoff-a prethodnih knjiga (kako mi naslovi nagoveštavaju), jer želim još Sultaninih ispovesti o daljoj borbi protiv okrutnog, verski "opravdanog" seksizma u njenoj zemlji.
Moram ovo da napomenem. Sve Sultanine priče uzimam sa rezervom jer ne znam koliko je sve ovo tačno, nekada i sam ne mogu poverovati u pojedine događaje iz knjige jer mi se u mislima sukobljava takav primitivizam u razlikama između polova sa ogromnim bogatstvom kojima arapski svet raspolaže... valjda bi to trebalo sa godinama da ih civilizuje, učini liberalnijim i natera da ostave iza sebe običaje koje su praktikovali beduini pre otkrića nafte. Da ih natera da idu u korak sa svetom.🤔
Ako je sve ovo tačno, poražavajuće je što je sve to primitivno ustvari njihova priroda koja se ne da iskoreniti uprkos životu u neverovatnoj raskoši.
Pisaću malo i o Sultani, koja mi je izuzetno draga i dopadljiva. Prkosna i energična, i u zrelim godinama ponekad malo detinjasta, ali odvažna i hrabra kada je u pitanju borba da se ispravi nepravda. Sultana je heroj svog vremena i društva. U surovom svetu gde je reč muškarca gotovo i jedina, ona uspeva da njena reč često bude poslednja. U Sultani tinja strast i borbenost protiv duboko ukorenjenog režima koju sam osetio i kod Ketnis (Igre gladi) i Ofredove (Sluškinjina priča), i zato je kupila moje srce poput pomenute dve junakinje.
Ne znam ko je Sultana (kopao sam po netu tragajući za njenim pravim identitetom ali ta informacija nigde nije dostupna), ne znam da li je živa i da li je uspela nešto da promeni i poboljša život svojih sugrađanki. Znam samo da je njena priča, bila 100% istinita ili ne, kod mene pokrenula lavinu emocija: od tuge zbog strašne sudbine nekih devojaka zbog "grehova" koje su počinile do besa zbog ponašanja i opravdanja muškaraca da te grehe kazne. Iskreno se nadam da se verski ekstremizam, poput onog opisanog u knjizi, polako iskorenjuje u svim zemljama sveta.
Nije ova priča lepa, definitivno nije za razonodu i razbibrigu. Ali ako želite da saznate nešto više o arapskom svetu, o njihovom društvu i običajima, sa posebnim osvrtom na ekstremnu neravnopravnost između žena i muškaraca (opet kažem; uzimajte sve ovo sa rezervom) biće ovo štivo za vašu dušu. Ali počnite serijal od početka zbog upoznavanja sa likovima.
Moja ocena za ovaj deo serijala, zbog bombastično dobrog kraja priče koji zaokružuje Sultaninu borbu, je 5🌟
September 2, 2016
Za nijansu slabiji od prethodnog dela, ali mi se poslednja scena pred epilog posebno svidela. Dopalo mi se kako je završena trilogija (iako sam čula sa imaju još dva nastavka koja btw ne planiram da čitam): "Nadam se da će se svaka žena jednog dana pridružiti mom krugu, i da će svaka žena na svetu sada moći da pomogne drugoj ženi u nevolji" TAKO JE! GIRL CODE! Možda mi na Balkanu nemamo takve probleme kao u Saudijskoj Arabiji ali definitivno imamo probleme (kao i ostali delovi sveta) sa kojima moramo da se suočavamo svakodnevno i za koje nam je potrebna sva moguća pomoć kako bismo ih iskorenili.
To što momci uglavnom smatraju (NE SVI, ČAST IZUZECIMA) da se devojke za njih oblače, šminkaju i sređuju pa osećaju potrebu da stalno komentarišu šta im se kod nas sviđa a šta ne je samo mali deo problema. Jeste da neretko mogu da se čuju komentari na osnovu kilaže, bubuljuca, izgleda lica, 'atributa', čak i bezveznih stvari kao što su ukus muzike i filmova (od stane oba pola) ali to nije ništa u poređenju sa tim što devojke ne smeju- ne osećaju se sigurno da idu same noću zbog mogućnosti da budu napadnute (ubijene, otete, silovane) od strane pijanih (ili ne) muškaraca. Zato umesto da učimo ćerke da se čuvaju, budimo generacija majki koje će učiti svoje sinove da se ponašaju sa pažnjom i poštovanjem, i to ne samo prema ženskom polu.
Btw predivne korice
To što momci uglavnom smatraju (NE SVI, ČAST IZUZECIMA) da se devojke za njih oblače, šminkaju i sređuju pa osećaju potrebu da stalno komentarišu šta im se kod nas sviđa a šta ne je samo mali deo problema. Jeste da neretko mogu da se čuju komentari na osnovu kilaže, bubuljuca, izgleda lica, 'atributa', čak i bezveznih stvari kao što su ukus muzike i filmova (od stane oba pola) ali to nije ništa u poređenju sa tim što devojke ne smeju- ne osećaju se sigurno da idu same noću zbog mogućnosti da budu napadnute (ubijene, otete, silovane) od strane pijanih (ili ne) muškaraca. Zato umesto da učimo ćerke da se čuvaju, budimo generacija majki koje će učiti svoje sinove da se ponašaju sa pažnjom i poštovanjem, i to ne samo prema ženskom polu.
Btw predivne korice
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November 19, 2017The conclusion of the 'Princess' trilogy. Reading the books in sequence allows the reader to follow the progression of the life of Sultana, Princess of the House of Saud, of Saudi Arabia. Unfortunately, I cannot, at this time, get my hands on the second book, 'Princess Sultana's Daughters.' In this book, as with previous ones, there are torturous and despicable depictions of culturally-approved and sanctioned use and abuse of women as property by men in Arabia, and the battle and struggle of Sultana as she rises to fight against this oppression.
July 26, 2011
It's such a shame reading about a dysfunctional "nuclear" family with problems like all regular normally human all over the world families and then disgrace and stamp a whole nation to be like wise. That was related to the first few chapters.
Later on.. comical, fictional and unbelievably boring. I'd say the childish book.
Later on.. comical, fictional and unbelievably boring. I'd say the childish book.
July 27, 2012
Very powerful. Anyone curious about the lives of middle eastern women should read this book. It is a little graphic but very good. Great ending to this series!
May 12, 2011
this is a trilogy worth reading.
September 25, 2019
This is the third book in the Princess series,and by now things have become a bit repetitive.
August 22, 2021
We Saudi women owned nothing but our souls, and only because no man had yet devised a method to seize them!
I read this series because I was hoping to gain an understanding into a culture I knew little about.
While the reader does gain insight into the experiences of a Saudi Arabian princess set in a time period many decades ago, I question whether her experience was comparable to that of a non-royal Saudi woman.
Sultana spends her time championing herself as a fighter for women's equality yet she frequently backtracks into cruel petty judgment of women she came into contact with, all the while congratulating herself of thinking charitably about them. She occasionally displayed moments of self-awareness, when she would ask herself what she could own when it came to improving the lives of individual women.
For the most part, however, looks, wealth, and status were her idols. She carelessly refers to Huda, her family slave, without a thought to Huda's circumstances or life beyond Sultana's immediate concerns. Having no real life of her own, she resulted to spying on her children, who were seemingly raised by others. It was difficult to relate to, or even like Sultana, when she did things such as cheat on her Eid resolution and then attempt to absolve herself of her sins by having her husband feed needy families, all the while without having to repent or trouble herself in the least. Sultana constantly name dropped designer brands, the hundreds of thousands of dollars she blew through on a New York shopping trip, or the number of new SUVs purchased for a desert camping trip.
She railed against the inequities in her society and occasionally her religion, pointing out the advantages of paradise for Muslim men and contrasting it with paradise for Muslim women. "Of course, since Muslim women do not have any sexual desires, there will be no sexual partners awaiting them in paradise" (my emphasis added). While all of her fiery opposition was an indicator of her personality, she was impotent when it came to stopping real violence against women, from her niece, a harem of her cousin, to her brother and the rapes and abuse he perpetuated on others. Her powerlessness, despite her gilded cage, was all very enraging. If someone of her status was unable to help others, what hope could women from the non-ruling classes, especially domestic help, expect to have?
It is my hope that Saudi women's right have advanced in the years that have passed since Sultana was young but even if Saudi women now have the right to drive, I'm sure that they are harassed and still not allowed out without being accompanied by a male family member or driver, so how much freedom have they really gained? I would love to read more about Saudi women from a non-royalist's perspective. I read an excellent trilogy by Zoe Ferraris, which, in my opinion, was much better than this series. I learned a lot more about the culture. Finding Nouf is the first book in the series.
I read this series because I was hoping to gain an understanding into a culture I knew little about.
While the reader does gain insight into the experiences of a Saudi Arabian princess set in a time period many decades ago, I question whether her experience was comparable to that of a non-royal Saudi woman.
Sultana spends her time championing herself as a fighter for women's equality yet she frequently backtracks into cruel petty judgment of women she came into contact with, all the while congratulating herself of thinking charitably about them. She occasionally displayed moments of self-awareness, when she would ask herself what she could own when it came to improving the lives of individual women.
For the most part, however, looks, wealth, and status were her idols. She carelessly refers to Huda, her family slave, without a thought to Huda's circumstances or life beyond Sultana's immediate concerns. Having no real life of her own, she resulted to spying on her children, who were seemingly raised by others. It was difficult to relate to, or even like Sultana, when she did things such as cheat on her Eid resolution and then attempt to absolve herself of her sins by having her husband feed needy families, all the while without having to repent or trouble herself in the least. Sultana constantly name dropped designer brands, the hundreds of thousands of dollars she blew through on a New York shopping trip, or the number of new SUVs purchased for a desert camping trip.
She railed against the inequities in her society and occasionally her religion, pointing out the advantages of paradise for Muslim men and contrasting it with paradise for Muslim women. "Of course, since Muslim women do not have any sexual desires, there will be no sexual partners awaiting them in paradise" (my emphasis added). While all of her fiery opposition was an indicator of her personality, she was impotent when it came to stopping real violence against women, from her niece, a harem of her cousin, to her brother and the rapes and abuse he perpetuated on others. Her powerlessness, despite her gilded cage, was all very enraging. If someone of her status was unable to help others, what hope could women from the non-ruling classes, especially domestic help, expect to have?
It is my hope that Saudi women's right have advanced in the years that have passed since Sultana was young but even if Saudi women now have the right to drive, I'm sure that they are harassed and still not allowed out without being accompanied by a male family member or driver, so how much freedom have they really gained? I would love to read more about Saudi women from a non-royalist's perspective. I read an excellent trilogy by Zoe Ferraris, which, in my opinion, was much better than this series. I learned a lot more about the culture. Finding Nouf is the first book in the series.
July 14, 2023
Labai įdomi ir lengvai skaitoma knyga. Joje pasakojama tikra istorija apie Saudo Arabijos princesę, kuri drąsiai kalba apie šios šalies valdymą, moterų padėtį. Patiko, kad pasakotoja (princesė Sultana) yra nelengvo charakterio moteris, kuri ne visada paiso daugelio musulmoniškų ir kitokių sukurtų taisyklių.
Knygoje rasta ir patikusi arabų patarlė: „Tavo liežuvis – tavo žirgas. Jeigu jį paleisi, jis tave išduos.“
Knygoje rasta ir patikusi arabų patarlė: „Tavo liežuvis – tavo žirgas. Jeigu jį paleisi, jis tave išduos.“
January 7, 2020
Just need to be proof read before printing!
Love it!
Love it!
December 28, 2018
Made it to page 120 in this book, it just doesn’t ring true. I wanted to learn more about Saudi Arabia after the horrendous news stories regarding the Prince. This book offered nothing, like a gossip rag. It does make me thankful I do not live in the Middle East, visiting was enough for me. DNF
June 1, 2010
ugh. i really hated this. i read the first of the series some months ago, and although not written well, i felt like it was an important story to tell. i was disappointed to be reading this third installment about utter misogyny. the sultana is a woman who's place in society is that of a victim, victim to her circumstance of dirty money and idle time. i do not doubt that she is limited to help women, a cause, she vehemently says she believes in. however, i do believe with a little self control and the use of the brilliant mind and limitless wealth she has been blessed with, could indeed do a bit more. a bit more then spending $338,000 at an afternoon shopping spree at bergdorf's. don't get me wrong, i love a shopping spree- but this is supposed to be a book about something more than that and unfortunately it heralds a woman who has more money and time then the god in which she believes.
December 22, 2012
As I was finishing this book it saddened me that finally Princess Trilogy is ending. I read all three books in the trilogy and its a very fun read with many many amazing moments shared by Sultana with her readers. Her witty character and her high spirited heart have made the readings incredibly joyful!
Princess Sultana has open a lot of eyes and minds about the reality of women in the Middle East, although coming from a Princess's point of view, still oppressed and live under the ruling of the men in power. Princess Sultana's effort to lift women's standard in the Middle East and other parts of the world (the stories she told about Philipino maids and sex slaves) is amazing and encouraging, as she lifted my spirits too. Throughout her books I learn so much about women's suffering in those countries and how lucky are we not having to live their lives or walk their shoes. I am still hoping for more stories form Princess Sultana, as her stories never bore me =)
Princess Sultana has open a lot of eyes and minds about the reality of women in the Middle East, although coming from a Princess's point of view, still oppressed and live under the ruling of the men in power. Princess Sultana's effort to lift women's standard in the Middle East and other parts of the world (the stories she told about Philipino maids and sex slaves) is amazing and encouraging, as she lifted my spirits too. Throughout her books I learn so much about women's suffering in those countries and how lucky are we not having to live their lives or walk their shoes. I am still hoping for more stories form Princess Sultana, as her stories never bore me =)
May 8, 2014
A splendid piece of true account. The author has put forward the ill moral characters of the Saudi Men before the whole world in a candid manner.
Being a Muslim and holding great reverence for the KSA being the birth place of Prophet Muhammad PBUH, I was disgusted to learn how the men behave and their attitude towards women. Islam & Prophet Muhammad teach us to be humble towards the females and never to exercise force against them.
However, the Saudi's do behave like sex lunatics. I have heard even this that if you are in KSA then board a taxi first and get out of the taxi after your wife has done so. After reading this I totally believe this.
I'd love to visit KSA in near future and hope that till that time Princess Sultana's efforts have materialized and women are not oppressed rather enjoy the freedom Islam entitles them to.
I am so eagerly waiting for the 4th part as it is in the pipeline. Would recommend Princess series to all my friends to read.
Being a Muslim and holding great reverence for the KSA being the birth place of Prophet Muhammad PBUH, I was disgusted to learn how the men behave and their attitude towards women. Islam & Prophet Muhammad teach us to be humble towards the females and never to exercise force against them.
However, the Saudi's do behave like sex lunatics. I have heard even this that if you are in KSA then board a taxi first and get out of the taxi after your wife has done so. After reading this I totally believe this.
I'd love to visit KSA in near future and hope that till that time Princess Sultana's efforts have materialized and women are not oppressed rather enjoy the freedom Islam entitles them to.
I am so eagerly waiting for the 4th part as it is in the pipeline. Would recommend Princess series to all my friends to read.
March 11, 2015
Read books 1 and 2 years ago and they were enjoyable easy reads so enduring another reading slump, the second in 1 month I was glad to start reading this. At least back to reading again.
Eta: update March 11. Yes back to reading but not so good in writing my thoughts after reading my books. Oh well.
This was just an easy read. Not as interesting as book 1. I did bookmark a lot of things about their religion that angered me but I can't be bothered to look at them again.Finished this book nearly a week ago you see. ;)
3 stars.
Eta: update March 11. Yes back to reading but not so good in writing my thoughts after reading my books. Oh well.
This was just an easy read. Not as interesting as book 1. I did bookmark a lot of things about their religion that angered me but I can't be bothered to look at them again.Finished this book nearly a week ago you see. ;)
3 stars.
May 24, 2010
Loved it. I Could not put it down.
November 29, 2010
Another wonderful book my Jean Sasson. You can just keep reading...
Read
November 5, 2020DNF.
The writing is soooo boring that I just couldn’t anymore. Plus I no longer believe these stories to be true or, at least, not true in this form.
I sincerely doubt that all of this happened to a same person, and with this regularity.
I’ll probably end up giving away my entire series in paperback.
If anyone’s interested in Serbian copies please let me know!
The writing is soooo boring that I just couldn’t anymore. Plus I no longer believe these stories to be true or, at least, not true in this form.
I sincerely doubt that all of this happened to a same person, and with this regularity.
I’ll probably end up giving away my entire series in paperback.
If anyone’s interested in Serbian copies please let me know!
June 11, 2017
While much more gripping and entertaining than the second book, here is my conclusion of the entire trilogy:
Jane Stasson has major white savior syndrome.
In an attempt to try to remain respectful of Princess Sultana's religious beliefs, one such as myself is only forced to acknowledge how stupidly people cling to their religion and cherry pick from it what suits them the best. Even in the event of a woman being raped, Sultana comforts herself with the idea that Allah disapproves of such behavior, which is the same fucking god damn line of reasoning the rapist uses to justify what he does with his "property."
There is on evidence, or reason, to assume any of the accounts in the trilogy aren't embellished, as there is also no reason to assume Princess Sultana is even based on a real person.
All this trilogy does is make me hate religion and rapists more.
Jane Stasson has major white savior syndrome.
In an attempt to try to remain respectful of Princess Sultana's religious beliefs, one such as myself is only forced to acknowledge how stupidly people cling to their religion and cherry pick from it what suits them the best. Even in the event of a woman being raped, Sultana comforts herself with the idea that Allah disapproves of such behavior, which is the same fucking god damn line of reasoning the rapist uses to justify what he does with his "property."
There is on evidence, or reason, to assume any of the accounts in the trilogy aren't embellished, as there is also no reason to assume Princess Sultana is even based on a real person.
All this trilogy does is make me hate religion and rapists more.
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