Princess: A True Story of Life Behind the Veil in Saudi Arabia

by Jean P. Sasson

This study guide consists of approx. 41 pages of chapter summaries, quotes, character analysis, themes, and more – everything you need to sharpen your knowledge of Princess: A True Story of Life Behind the Veil in Saudi Arabia. This detailed literature summary also contains Topics for Discussion and a Free Quiz on Princess: A True Story of Life Behind the Veil in Saudi Arabia by Jean Sasson.

Genres: Book Club

Nook

First published May 16, 2011

About the author

See Jean Sasson

Reviews

[Shalu Thakur Dhillon · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is no wealth like freedom; the life story of A princess of one of the richest nations in the world strongly supports this fact. Those women in veils may have all the luxury at their feet but that one wealth they crave for is freedom and respect in the eyes of men in their society who treat them like a commodity.
Truth often tastes bitter. In that sense, I found this book quite disturbing. Sultana, a royal princess from Saudi Arabia, grows up in a luxurious palace where she has every luxury of this world to her disposal but respect and an place equal to his male counterparts in the house and society. From the very beginning, she has seen herself, her mother and sister being demeaned by his father and brother. In her world the women are considered a lowly creature whose sole duty is to follow the orders of male members of the family and not to question any of their actions, however mean it is. Honour( horror) killing is a day to day thing and many a times women are framed to save actual culprit. Horrifying Practices like circumcision of girls is common. Young girls are forced to marry men, older than their fathers and polygamy is at its peak in her world. However, Sultana is little braver than others of her gender in her society and at times opposed the wrong- doings of the male members of her family.
The saddest part of the story is when women join men in carrying out atrocities on other women, often in the name of religion. Another thing that I found laughable is in spite of having bigger issues to fight for, women are more interested in getting permission to drive.
I am not sure if the reality is as horrifying as described in the book. But if it is so, it’s disgusting and distasteful.

Overall this fast pacing book, with its simple language and gripping plot is an interesting read.

[Linda Harkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

How little Westerners understand of the lives of Muslim women of Saudi Arabia, one of the world's richest countries! The author worked as a nurse for a dozen years in Saudi Arabia in which time she met and befriended the royal princess whose story she tells. Although not intended to demean the Islamic faith, Princess Sultana's story reveals the harsh, unbalanced conditions that continue to plague females living in the birthplace of the Prophet Mohammed.

[Shalaka · Rating 3 out of 5]

Is an account of the atrocities women are subjected to in Saudia Arabia..absolutely outrageous! Bound to leave the reader disturbed. In addition to that the political turmoil faced by the Gulf nation has also been explained in depth. Overall, a fine read however,but like i mentioned earlier, very disturbing!!

[Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hesitate to say I loved this book because of some of the horrifying content in it, but I was captivated by the first page. Every woman should be made aware of the freedoms they enjoy, that they take for granted daily. It's heartbreaking to read about such abuse to our sisters, but necessary to expose it if we are ever going to demand change. Princess is a MUST read.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

If it is true its ugly :D A book which is highly 'not' recommended. If you are sensitive and phobic towards people better not read it: blood pressure will shoot up. World is a strange place............seeming is another thing truth is another. And it confuses the reader whether it is true or there is an element of exaggeration in it.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am very glad I discovered this book at a library book sale. It is a great perspective of one woman's view of her life as a Saudi Arabian royal family member. I enjoyed hearing of her 'small victories' and also heart broken at learning of the atrocities that befall women there. I have ordered the other two books that continue Sultana's story from my library!

[Jigmet katpa · Rating 4 out of 5]

WEALTH DOESN'T HOLD TRUE HAPPINESS , BUT FREEDOM!!.........
THE WHOLE BOOK TAKES US TO THE CORE OF SHELL OF MEN'S cowardice . the life of women "BE IT A PRINCESS " OR AN ORDINARY WOMEN, THEY LIVE A HECK OF LIFE AHEAD THEM. YES, THERE ARE SPLENDID DAYS BUT they breathe under a fist of men . of course THE FAITH ISLAM , is not to be held responsible for these oppressed women but the muttawas
who manipulate the message of their own holy book. this book obviously wasnt the first one i read of oppressed women but ,surely this book removed the veil of my ambiguity that though rich or poor , women do face the wrath of so called masterpiece of Allah (men). actually it is believed that man was created before followed by woman , but we must not forget the fact of art, that before any masterpiece, we first try out a rough piece. dont you see the difference how complex wee women are , be it our mindset , mood, or be it our own reproductive system .being a biology student , i remember how easily teacher would finish up with male part and how complex a female organ and its functions are . yes, a part of me feel disgust a such a patriarchal society but then this is how it is. their life and their battle , how brave are women to live their childhood without love of their father, and they face their wedding day and wedding bed, how they face every abuse of their lives. i salute them for being such courageous and living a life of torment with a smile behind their veil. this book is a must read especially women who are free but do not value their freedom and run after money. after i read this book , i felt fortunate being born to such parents , in such country where we women cherish the freedom without being hindered by men in our lives. i would love to thank SULTANA for sharing her story with us and of course JEAN SASSON .

[Dee Jha · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I am not reading this book,I think about it..When I am reading this book,I get goosebumps flesh all over..
From my point of view, its a deep insight in the lives of atrocities against women in Saudi, just narrated by "Sultana", with a helpless fury. When I read the book, I couldn't help but wonder that she being a princess could have made some change to the lives of women around. I find her complaining about her own life which was far too better than the miseries of her own blood. A person with such an emotional turmoil from within can sometimes really bring about the change much needed,with all the affluence and authority. Also if her patriarchal life was in shackles, but her husband had given her ample amount of freedom(so it seems) as compared to other women who were treated nothing more than objects of pleasure.
All these facts really make me wonder, why couldn't Sultana make atleast an iota of difference in the lives of women around her.

I cant say it was a good read because what we are indulging in, is not a fancy story..these are the lives of many women in Saudi..really heart wrenching..Kudos to the author for boldly writing them for a huge public..The post publication criticism must have been difficult for her to live with!

Great work!

[Rajesh Chaudhary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Princess is the story of Saudi Arabian princess in veil, their harrowing life behind the veil and the prejudices they face. The book deals with the love, sex, freedom and everything you can guess of when it comes about living a free life. In fact, this book is written by Jean P. Sasson who have translated what she heard from one of her friend who use to be friend of the princess. The partiality and possessiveness of male over female is being portrait in this book.

If you want to have a real picture of human right, no other books can be as perfect as this one. It's one of those expensive and must read book in the history of literature.

[Hinda561]

An amazing true story that reveals how Saudi from the royal class act in their daily life and how do the society prefer men over women. Choosing a gender made women compete and hate men for the opportunities they have. This story is really entertaining, I never got bored while reading it and i don't mind reading it over and over again!

[Linda Breiding · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered a different culture from ours; and I am horrified to see that women, in our 21st century, have no human rights and are treated like objects and at the disposal of the men. One can only hope that this book will bring awareness around the world and somehow help the women of Saudi Arabia.

It was an easy to read book.

[Zia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am from Middle East and i never knew that how the rulers lived, we do have unfairness between girls and boys but the story made me see everything in a different way it was amazing and she had courage since she was young its inspiring.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting! Fast read. Fascinating. Like watching a train wreck. You don't really want to know, but can't look away. Certainly not a life any Westerner would envy. I hope things have changed for women in Saudi Arabia in the last 20 yrs since this book was written!

[Stacy]

just finished this one for book club. An amazing read into a culture we know so little about. Amazing and even comical to know that Saudi Arabia sits on the United Nations Human Rights Council, what a crock!

[Sukanta Maikap · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sad story of how difficult life can be in a muslim country. A must read for all.

[Danielle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Short story on Kobo about a woman in an Arab country. She tells her story of discrimination against women. 2 more books have been written about her. Not bad, not great.

[Pooja · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very brave effort !

[HGrewal · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very heart touching book about the state of women in the royal families in Saudia Arabia.

[Doreen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enlightening...

[Panila · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautifully written...

[Maryann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting read about the life of a Saudi Arabian women. I had always thought life was pretty much the same for all Middle Eastern women but I was wrong.

[Mona Bomgaars · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of 2 books to be read for the IRB Book Club meeting in November. One of the first "behind the veil" books. This one told to the author by a woman in the royal Saudi family.

[Helen Barbaglia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Scary true story- never want that life

[Eleanor Groom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book, but horrifying story. Women are no more than sex slaves in Saudi Arabia.
Another book that leaves me thankful that I was born in the USA.

[Verča Masopustová · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tajemná princezna - Život za závojem

[Manoj Keats · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the women who talk about feminism,must read this novel.This is not about racism but about feminism.

[Kanwarpal Singh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Princess

Princess Sultana Al Sa'ud and the other women from this story offered us a poignant look at what life is like for women in Saudi Arabia and the wealthiest and most "privileged" women are not spared the cruelty of the misogynistic and oppressive culture. Women are treated as property to be "owned" and managed by men.

Princess Sultana's accounts highlight that from birth, girls are treated as disappointment to their family and inferior to all males heirs as they would become the next kin to whatever title their father holds in the Saudi Arabia , which make growing up with a spoiled and sadistic younger brother Ali . No matter what he did, she would always be wrong. Sexual abuse is also rampant in the world that Princess Sultana described. Young girls are forced to marry much older men, while older wives are forced to take a backseat while their husbands forsake them for their younger brides.

While the girls "virtue" is fiercely guarded -- their body sacred until such time as their father or other male guardian decides to gift it to another -- the boys and men engage in a variety of depraved sexual acts. One especially disturbing scene tells the story of a trip to Egypt where Sultana's brother and other men commit acts of extreme sexual violence. It was absolutely heartbreaking and terrifying.

This book was pretty depressing. It will anger and sadden you. However, turning a blind eye to atrocities like the ones that play out on the pages of this book does not make the reality go away. Raising awareness is important in order to facilitate change . It's a reminder ,how blessed women feel after reading this that life outside this part of the world is better place for them.

[Saba Muneer]

The book is written by the well known writer Jean Sasson, she lived in Saudi Arabia from 1982 to 1990. she worked in hospital there where she came across with local women and the princess of Saudi Arabia. where one princess told her story to be shown to the world. she hide her identity, she refer her as Sultana.
Princess Sultana is real princess of Saudi kingdom, despite of have immense wealth, jewelries but there is no freedom and control over her own life. she and women there were living miserable life, there sole purpose is to please their guardian (male) of their family, and to produce children. and if any of the female princes or an ordinary girl violated the customs then they will be given death and any other severe punishment. in this book she narrates her life struggles form childhood to become a mother. she lightened the male dominance and their barbaric treatment with females.
My teacher suggest this book to me, I am glad that I have read this book, I came to know about internal situation in Saudi Arabia which from outside look very Islamic, religious and they call themselves as a leaders of Muslim world, but sadly there no such thing I used to imagine exists there. I highly recommend this book, but people need know that this book is written and the story is of decades ago, but now things little bit improved there.

[SusanCope · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, written in 1992, gives a first -hand account of life in the royal family of Saudi Arabia. It is chilling to read how even very rich women had no freedom at all. There was no chance of help from the police, since the religious right there was so powerful. Women there were still being sentenced to death by stoning or be-heading for "lewd behavior", which included being so unfortunate as to be gang-raped in your own home. The book makes it clear how these laws have warped the men's views of women and led to a rampant sexual slave trade (Filipino maids, trips to Thailand). It also made it clear that the women are very aware of their lack of freedom, but have no recourse. A man can divorce his wife on a whim, cutting her off from the children forever. The rich men commonly had 3 or 4 wives and many, many children. There was no birth control, as big families were desired by the men. Almost like running a puppy mill..... I fear that not much has changed in the last 25 years.

[Fatima Hamed Attia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story is quite touching. I grew to love Sultana and found myself deeply immersed in her life as if it were my own. Having once lived in Saudi Arabia, I totally grasp the reality behind Sultana’s experiences—stories like hers are not rare and have been lived by many many Saudi women. However, I don’t fancy the writer’s way of portraying the Arabs poorly while elevating the west and the Americans (this can be seen so evidently with the American pilot and copilots in chapter 4). This undertone of cultural superiority, and at times Islamophobia, detracts from what could have been a more balanced and respectful portrayal of a complex society.