Disenchanted:: One Woman's Journey for Independence from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

by Victoria Kilbury EdD

Based on a true account, author Victoria Kilbury shares the story of Nabila, a woman who struggles between two worlds and two drastically different her homeland in the Middle East and the United States she experiences as a young newlywed. As a child in Saudi Arabia, Nabila knew no other life than that in which she lived, a society where women had no rights. Females could not attend school, pursue careers unless sanctioned by the government, drive cars, or choose their husbands. From birth to marriage, women in Nabila’s culture remained under the control of a father, husband, son, or brother. One Woman’s Journey for Independence from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is Nabila’s story of trying to find happiness and fulfillment in her homeland, but ultimately, having to sacrifice family for freedom.

262 pages, Paperback

First published January 17, 2013

Reviews

[Christy Keeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Disenchanted" is a fantastic overview of life in Saudi Arabia from the perspective of one woman. Nabila's story is fascinating and the author's telling describes cultural mores in a manner understandable to western women. Having spent much of her youth in Egypt and her young married years in the United States, Nabila did not experience traditional indoctrination into Saudi society. As such, she has a unique perspective--that of a Saudi woman as witnessed through eyes shadowed with Western experiences. Nabila was clearly born a strong-willed woman and, coupled with her early experiences abroad, was particularly sensitive to gender discrimination. A stabbing theme throughout the text is required dependence on men and Kilbury's descriptions clearly illustrate discrepancies between Saudi genders.

Kilbury does not make the mistake of treating Quran-based Muslim beliefs and radical Islamic beliefs as synonymous; she clearly delineates the two and, through scriptural passages leading each chapter, focuses on the beauty of Muslim tenets. Kilbury does, however, unabashedly tell one woman's story. I would love to read a companion biography, also by Kilbury, telling the life story of a Saudi woman who was born, raised, and naturally-indoctrinated into the culture.

The book is very easy to read and extremely insightful. I recommend it for western women who wish to better understand Islamic cultures and for women in Islamic countries who wish to better understand how western women view their culture.

[Gina Geldbach-Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fabulous story of a woman's journey, not only from another culture, but in life as well. Her poignant story is one for all women who struggle to maintain family, traditions, and heritage. I can honestly say that Nabila's story has made me very glad that I was raised in a society that celebrates women's rights and honors them in society. Victoria Kilbury did an excellent job in capturing the images and personal struggle(s) of Nabila's life as a woman in Saudi Arabia and her journey to finding peace and a place of acceptance. Thank you for sharing that journey and story with us. I was truly enchanted!
Gina Geldbach-Hall, author of Firegal... Rising from the Ashes.

[Gail · Rating 2 out of 5]

While the story is an amazing one, the author repeats and repeats the same things. The book is often disjointed and skips from one time period to another, and then back again. I do think I would rather not exist than have to exist in Saudi Arabia. What a truly horrible place..........for women, pure hell. For men, not that much better. This is a culture I would never ever want to experience in any way, shape, or form. Depressing !!!