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The Princess #4
Princess: More Tears to Cry
When Jean Sasson's book Life Behind the Veil in Saudi Arabia was published, it became an immediate international bestseller. It sold to 43 countries and spent 13 weeks on The New York Times bestseller list. Now, in this long-awaited, compelling new book, Sasson and Princess Sultana return to tell the world what it means to be a Saudi woman today.
Through advances in education and with access to work, Saudi women are breaking through barriers; they are becoming doctors, social workers, business owners. Major steps forward have been made. But this is not the whole story. Sadly, despite changes in the law, women are still subjected to terrible suppression, abuse and crimes of psychological and physical violence. For many, the struggle for basic human rights continues.
PRINCESS, MORE TEARS TO CRY reveals the intimate struggles of Saudi women inside one of the richest, most conservative kingdoms in the world. These are stories of triumph and heartbreak amongst the highest- and lowest-born. Princess Sultana speaks frankly about her strong-willed daughters, her beloved husband and the contentious Al-Saud family whose daily battles about what it means to be a woman in Saudi Arabia mirror those of the society at large. PRINCESS, MORE TEARS TO CRY is an unforgettable journey into the hearts and minds of Saudi women, and will be forever etched into the memory of readers.
Through advances in education and with access to work, Saudi women are breaking through barriers; they are becoming doctors, social workers, business owners. Major steps forward have been made. But this is not the whole story. Sadly, despite changes in the law, women are still subjected to terrible suppression, abuse and crimes of psychological and physical violence. For many, the struggle for basic human rights continues.
PRINCESS, MORE TEARS TO CRY reveals the intimate struggles of Saudi women inside one of the richest, most conservative kingdoms in the world. These are stories of triumph and heartbreak amongst the highest- and lowest-born. Princess Sultana speaks frankly about her strong-willed daughters, her beloved husband and the contentious Al-Saud family whose daily battles about what it means to be a woman in Saudi Arabia mirror those of the society at large. PRINCESS, MORE TEARS TO CRY is an unforgettable journey into the hearts and minds of Saudi women, and will be forever etched into the memory of readers.
297 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 28, 2014
357 people are currently reading
2613 people want to read
About the author
Jean Sasson
42 books1,607 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
February 28, 2021
Again the focus is on how bad Saudi men are supposed to be,and how much subjugation the women have to endure.
It starts with how bad Princess Sultana's brother,Ali is. Then,the conflict between her two daughters,one very conservative,and the other westernized. It gets pretty whiny and repetitive,as to how bad the women's lot is supposed to be.
Then,she talks about the need for education,how young girls are forced to marry older men and are tortured.There is a chapter on how allegations of sorcery and witchcraft can spell disaster for a woman.
But,there is a note of optimism as well,that some reforms are taking place,and the women's lot is getting somewhat better. But mostly,it seems,that Jean Sasson's fund of stories,is running a bit dry.It is after all,her fifth book,on much the same subject.
It starts with how bad Princess Sultana's brother,Ali is. Then,the conflict between her two daughters,one very conservative,and the other westernized. It gets pretty whiny and repetitive,as to how bad the women's lot is supposed to be.
Then,she talks about the need for education,how young girls are forced to marry older men and are tortured.There is a chapter on how allegations of sorcery and witchcraft can spell disaster for a woman.
But,there is a note of optimism as well,that some reforms are taking place,and the women's lot is getting somewhat better. But mostly,it seems,that Jean Sasson's fund of stories,is running a bit dry.It is after all,her fifth book,on much the same subject.
July 14, 2015
I read this non-fiction book, one which I would not typically pick up and read, because it was recommended to me by my girlfriend, a woman who has lived in Saudi as an outsider and seen the way in which women are treated there. Thus, this was a book which spoke to her and so at her request I decided that I would read and discover what I could learn about the Saudi culture and women's rights.
This is a non-fiction work, from the perspective of a female member of the royalty - Princess Sultana - and the latest in a series of narratives following the same princess and her experiences in Saudi. This work is so titled 'more tears to cry' as it explains how, despite many advances in women's rights and the treatment of women, there is still plenty more work (in Saudi and around the world). As a white, middle-class male in a first world country, I know that I am among the more privileged individuals in the world and it chills me to read the stories of other men treating women like they do. It is an encouragement to continue living life as a real man should: honouring and respecting women and anyone who is mentally, physically or more emotionally vulnerable/weaker than myself. My parents and my grandparents raised me to see the value of respectful relationships between all people and it saddens me to read the horrific true stories of female genital mutilation or forced marriages.
In terms of the prose, this is a book with stilted writing that doesn't have an easy flow to it. However it is the content of the book which is so highly valuable. This is a work which because of its true nature, teaches and educates its reader. Or at least it should. Anyone who reads this and does not go away questioning, considering or learning something at least is perhaps not truly reading it on the deepest level possible. It is a work which at its core challenges us all to act in more respectful ways to the people around us and that makes it a truly valuable read.
October 6, 2014
A few disclaimers:
I haven't read the previous titles in this "series" by Jean Sasson
I received a free preview copy of this title from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
I liked this book. I think the information it contains about the current state of women in Saudia Arabia, the history of efforts in Saudia Arabia to increase women's independence, the limitations of what can be accomplished politically, and the cultural atmosphere of the country is important.
I enjoyed reading and learning all of this information. However, I found my enthusiasm for the book waning as the princess's personal family stories and relationships were redundantly covered in an almost saccharine voice. I very quickly learned she loves her husband immensely, hates her brother, and has a complicated relationship with her two daughters. But these same emotions were trotted out repeatedly in what felt like every single chapter.
I'm not sure why the author chose to write the book in first person narrative, since she is not the subject, nor do I believe the Princess would have written the story in this manner if she had written the book in diary form. Overall, the voice did not seem authentic to me, resulting in (for me) the same experience as when I read self-published titles that suffer for lack of an editor.
It was also slightly difficult to reconcile the Princess's lifestyle and her many, many servants and multiple houses with the stories she recounted. It almost seemed like she had no concept of the normal everyday life of everyone else in the world who doesn't have a net value in the top 1%. This made her efforts to improve the lives of women seem disingenuous to me. "Look at how wonderful I am; how much I care; how much I've done...at no personal cost, loss, or inconvenience to myself."
Perhaps both of the inconsistencies I've mentioned in the past couple of paragraphs are true to life and the author has accurately conveyed the personality of her subject, but if so, I really have to ask--'WHY is THIS the person about whom you chose to write a book?' Surely the subject matter could have been researched and published without making it a pseudo-autobiographical work, paring down the unnecessary repetition and bringing much more substance to the book.
Jean Sasson's earlier books have maintained their popularity at my library for many years, and I may read one of her previous books to see whether the voice and writing style have changed in this newest work.
However, overall I do recommend this title, primarily to women and especially young women learning what it means to be independent in the U.S., professionals and academics.
I haven't read the previous titles in this "series" by Jean Sasson
I received a free preview copy of this title from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
I liked this book. I think the information it contains about the current state of women in Saudia Arabia, the history of efforts in Saudia Arabia to increase women's independence, the limitations of what can be accomplished politically, and the cultural atmosphere of the country is important.
I enjoyed reading and learning all of this information. However, I found my enthusiasm for the book waning as the princess's personal family stories and relationships were redundantly covered in an almost saccharine voice. I very quickly learned she loves her husband immensely, hates her brother, and has a complicated relationship with her two daughters. But these same emotions were trotted out repeatedly in what felt like every single chapter.
I'm not sure why the author chose to write the book in first person narrative, since she is not the subject, nor do I believe the Princess would have written the story in this manner if she had written the book in diary form. Overall, the voice did not seem authentic to me, resulting in (for me) the same experience as when I read self-published titles that suffer for lack of an editor.
It was also slightly difficult to reconcile the Princess's lifestyle and her many, many servants and multiple houses with the stories she recounted. It almost seemed like she had no concept of the normal everyday life of everyone else in the world who doesn't have a net value in the top 1%. This made her efforts to improve the lives of women seem disingenuous to me. "Look at how wonderful I am; how much I care; how much I've done...at no personal cost, loss, or inconvenience to myself."
Perhaps both of the inconsistencies I've mentioned in the past couple of paragraphs are true to life and the author has accurately conveyed the personality of her subject, but if so, I really have to ask--'WHY is THIS the person about whom you chose to write a book?' Surely the subject matter could have been researched and published without making it a pseudo-autobiographical work, paring down the unnecessary repetition and bringing much more substance to the book.
Jean Sasson's earlier books have maintained their popularity at my library for many years, and I may read one of her previous books to see whether the voice and writing style have changed in this newest work.
However, overall I do recommend this title, primarily to women and especially young women learning what it means to be independent in the U.S., professionals and academics.
September 11, 2014
Once again I find myself drawn to Princess Sultana Al'Sauds story just as I was in Princess: A Life Behind the Veil In Saudi Arabia. We learn that even in 2014 every Saudi female is born into a rigidly male society where a male will be her guardian. No woman in Saudi can escape their guardians mantle.
This is a powerful book dealing with oppression but this book and its author are not without hope because it shows us that there are woman that are trying to make a difference that are fighting for the rights that many woman take for granted.
If you want to get a new appreciation for the things as we as woman born in freedom take for granted.
I give this powerful book five out of five stars.
This is a powerful book dealing with oppression but this book and its author are not without hope because it shows us that there are woman that are trying to make a difference that are fighting for the rights that many woman take for granted.
If you want to get a new appreciation for the things as we as woman born in freedom take for granted.
I give this powerful book five out of five stars.
September 2, 2014
"Princess, More Tears to Cry" is the fourth and newest book in the "Princess" series by the New York Times best-selling author and Middle East expert, Jean Sasson.
This is the true story of the world-famous Saudi Princess, Sultana.
As a longtime reader and student of the author's works I was so excited to get "Princess, More Tears to Cry" as soon as it came out. I feverishly read it because everything Jean Sasson writes is always so fascinating and educational and I was really looking forward to this book for a long time.
After reading "Princess, More Tears to Cry" cover-to-cover I can honestly say without a shadow of a doubt that this is not only the author's very best work, but the very best book I ever read on the subject of the Middle East (and I have read dozens and dozens).
The book is not only Princess Sultana's story, but the stories of her friends, family, and the people she has come to know and help throughout her lifetime. But I am getting ahead of myself.
It's really important to know that this is not only a fascinating biography, but a highly detailed non-fiction book that will educate and inform all readers.
Jean Sasson lived in Saudi Arabia for twelve years, and also lived and traveled extensively all throughout the Middle East. She knows all about the culture, the people (from the royals that she befriended as well as to the bedouins and middle class families), the languages and the history of not just Saudi Arabia but the entire Middle East.
And she brings us all of this information in "Princess, More Tears to Cry". Even though her books are about ladies primarily, I have known many servicemen that have gotten her books and studied them before being deployed to the Middle East because they are all so educational. I would highly recommend "Princess, More Tears to Cry" to you, especially if you're traveling to Saudi Arabia or to anywhere in the Middle East for the first time.
The book starts out with a heartfelt dedication to a young girl named Amal who was viciously murdered by her father in Saudi Arabia who claimed to be a religious cleric. The world was shocked when this monster received hardly a slap on the wrist for his heinous crimes.
Princess Sultana has many stories to share in her latest book which all center on helping the women of her land because Saudi women are considered second-class citizens and have very little rights.
As an outspoken advocate for change in her country, Princess Sultana has met and heard many horror stories that are tragic and unforgivable. But as a royal princess with extreme power and wealth she is in a fortunate position to help these innocent women and children.
Nevertheless, Princess Sultana's work is extremely arduous. Because no matter what anyone says, she cannot go against the wishes of the husband's that victimize their wives because in Saudi Arabia no one comes between a husband and a wife because it is considered "private". Even Sultana's own husband who is an educated prince and a longtime supporter of women's equality is very reluctant to "interfere" between a husband and a wife in spite of how deplorable the situation may be, as described in "Princess, More Tears to Cry".
The book is called "More Tears to Cry" for a reason. You will shed a tear after reading all of these true stories that are so hopeless and tragic. One story that really touched me was about a woman whose husband threw her and their young daughters out. Even though she was homeless and penniless her own parents shunned her and didn't want anything to do with her or her daughters. But as Jean Sasson details in her new book, “Princess, More Tears to Cry” the story takes on a surprising twist!
We also learn more about Princess Sultana's daughters, Maha and Amani, who are as different as night and day. And in the new book, "Princess, More Tears to Cry" we learn about Princess Sultana's granddaughter, her namesake. Even though she is a young child she has learned by example and has a heart of gold that wants to help everyone.
But you may also cry a tear of happiness, too. Because a lot has changed since Jean Sasson first told Princess Sultana's true life story, more than twenty-two years ago, in her groundbreaking book, "Princess".
Women are now afforded some more rights and can even go to school and work outside of the home in some professions. This is a big step in the right direction. But as Jean Sasson states in her book, more must be done and with the help of Princess Sultana a lot is getting done. Because, even though there are resources for women and schools and some jobs, a woman cannot do anything without the permission of her husband or father. In Saudi Arabia all women are required to have a male guardian for their entire lives!
If you're a longtime reader of Jean Sasson's books then you will absolutely love "Princess, More Tears to Cry".
And if you're a new or casual reader, I would welcome you to start here with this intriguing book. Even though it is one of four books written about Princess Sultana and her family, it is not a serial and can be read as a stand-alone book because it is so inspirational.
After reading "Princess, More Tears to Cry" I felt angry at the injustices in Saudi Arabia and sad, but I also felt fortunate that I am free and do not live by the shackles that bound all women of Saudi Arabia (even the royal Princess Sultana).
I thank Jean Sasson for writing another best-seller about Princess Sultana that will inspire the entire world to take action and open so many minds about the injustices that Arab women face. She has the courage and conviction to speak up for those that cannot speak for themselves.
This is the true story of the world-famous Saudi Princess, Sultana.
As a longtime reader and student of the author's works I was so excited to get "Princess, More Tears to Cry" as soon as it came out. I feverishly read it because everything Jean Sasson writes is always so fascinating and educational and I was really looking forward to this book for a long time.
After reading "Princess, More Tears to Cry" cover-to-cover I can honestly say without a shadow of a doubt that this is not only the author's very best work, but the very best book I ever read on the subject of the Middle East (and I have read dozens and dozens).
The book is not only Princess Sultana's story, but the stories of her friends, family, and the people she has come to know and help throughout her lifetime. But I am getting ahead of myself.
It's really important to know that this is not only a fascinating biography, but a highly detailed non-fiction book that will educate and inform all readers.
Jean Sasson lived in Saudi Arabia for twelve years, and also lived and traveled extensively all throughout the Middle East. She knows all about the culture, the people (from the royals that she befriended as well as to the bedouins and middle class families), the languages and the history of not just Saudi Arabia but the entire Middle East.
And she brings us all of this information in "Princess, More Tears to Cry". Even though her books are about ladies primarily, I have known many servicemen that have gotten her books and studied them before being deployed to the Middle East because they are all so educational. I would highly recommend "Princess, More Tears to Cry" to you, especially if you're traveling to Saudi Arabia or to anywhere in the Middle East for the first time.
The book starts out with a heartfelt dedication to a young girl named Amal who was viciously murdered by her father in Saudi Arabia who claimed to be a religious cleric. The world was shocked when this monster received hardly a slap on the wrist for his heinous crimes.
Princess Sultana has many stories to share in her latest book which all center on helping the women of her land because Saudi women are considered second-class citizens and have very little rights.
As an outspoken advocate for change in her country, Princess Sultana has met and heard many horror stories that are tragic and unforgivable. But as a royal princess with extreme power and wealth she is in a fortunate position to help these innocent women and children.
Nevertheless, Princess Sultana's work is extremely arduous. Because no matter what anyone says, she cannot go against the wishes of the husband's that victimize their wives because in Saudi Arabia no one comes between a husband and a wife because it is considered "private". Even Sultana's own husband who is an educated prince and a longtime supporter of women's equality is very reluctant to "interfere" between a husband and a wife in spite of how deplorable the situation may be, as described in "Princess, More Tears to Cry".
The book is called "More Tears to Cry" for a reason. You will shed a tear after reading all of these true stories that are so hopeless and tragic. One story that really touched me was about a woman whose husband threw her and their young daughters out. Even though she was homeless and penniless her own parents shunned her and didn't want anything to do with her or her daughters. But as Jean Sasson details in her new book, “Princess, More Tears to Cry” the story takes on a surprising twist!
We also learn more about Princess Sultana's daughters, Maha and Amani, who are as different as night and day. And in the new book, "Princess, More Tears to Cry" we learn about Princess Sultana's granddaughter, her namesake. Even though she is a young child she has learned by example and has a heart of gold that wants to help everyone.
But you may also cry a tear of happiness, too. Because a lot has changed since Jean Sasson first told Princess Sultana's true life story, more than twenty-two years ago, in her groundbreaking book, "Princess".
Women are now afforded some more rights and can even go to school and work outside of the home in some professions. This is a big step in the right direction. But as Jean Sasson states in her book, more must be done and with the help of Princess Sultana a lot is getting done. Because, even though there are resources for women and schools and some jobs, a woman cannot do anything without the permission of her husband or father. In Saudi Arabia all women are required to have a male guardian for their entire lives!
If you're a longtime reader of Jean Sasson's books then you will absolutely love "Princess, More Tears to Cry".
And if you're a new or casual reader, I would welcome you to start here with this intriguing book. Even though it is one of four books written about Princess Sultana and her family, it is not a serial and can be read as a stand-alone book because it is so inspirational.
After reading "Princess, More Tears to Cry" I felt angry at the injustices in Saudi Arabia and sad, but I also felt fortunate that I am free and do not live by the shackles that bound all women of Saudi Arabia (even the royal Princess Sultana).
I thank Jean Sasson for writing another best-seller about Princess Sultana that will inspire the entire world to take action and open so many minds about the injustices that Arab women face. She has the courage and conviction to speak up for those that cannot speak for themselves.
September 2, 2014
very interesting book looking at through several case story described by princess sultana al'saud which details how females in Saudi Arabia are classed as second rate citizens through abuse lack of resources in education and a male dominated society
November 29, 2016
One of the worst books I've ever read :)
I've wasted a whole bunch of money on a complete failure.
Being a feminist from the Middle-East,
I was hoping for something more!
It saddens me that this book seemed to be published as a real story, but it's just a novel, marketed smartly as a true royal family story. What's true about it is only the crimes published in newspapers.
It was dressed into a political, feminist, royal dress to make it seem realistic enough for western readers.
However, it was born as an incomplete, malformed embryo.
To a foreign "distant" eye, this book shall pass!
To my Arabic eyes, not even a chance!
The royal family that she claims to know,
then goes to describe their intimate daily details,
seems bull****.
On the other hand, she mixed this novel with some
real crimes that happened in the Saudi Community.
Oddly enough, she changed the name of the victims,
even though they are NO SECRET TO NOBODY!
I recognized them one by one.
If you want to read a novel.. Then go ahead & buy it.
If you want to read a real story? Then ditch it.
I've wasted a whole bunch of money on a complete failure.
Being a feminist from the Middle-East,
I was hoping for something more!
It saddens me that this book seemed to be published as a real story, but it's just a novel, marketed smartly as a true royal family story. What's true about it is only the crimes published in newspapers.
It was dressed into a political, feminist, royal dress to make it seem realistic enough for western readers.
However, it was born as an incomplete, malformed embryo.
To a foreign "distant" eye, this book shall pass!
To my Arabic eyes, not even a chance!
The royal family that she claims to know,
then goes to describe their intimate daily details,
seems bull****.
On the other hand, she mixed this novel with some
real crimes that happened in the Saudi Community.
Oddly enough, she changed the name of the victims,
even though they are NO SECRET TO NOBODY!
I recognized them one by one.
If you want to read a novel.. Then go ahead & buy it.
If you want to read a real story? Then ditch it.
November 11, 2014
First of all, I haven't read the previous books in this series, about the Princess Sultana's life, but I never once felt lost as I read this, the fourth installment. It's artfully done in a manner in which you get bits from the previous books and yet not so much that you feel you missed something crucial. You can easily step into the Princess Sultana's life...and her life, the people she meets and helps, her family--we can learn a lot from what she sees and who she interacts with.
What I learned from this book was that there are two different Saudi Arabian women and I witnessed this most thoroughly through Sultana's two very different daughters. There's the one who lives her life mostly in Europe, has no desire to marry, and rebels against SA's rules every chance she has, from driving (illegal for women) to wearing "scandalous" clothes. There's the other daughter who utterly and completely brainwashed by religious clerics and wants to oppress her own sex. She's completely happy under the ruling thumb of men--but yet she's also one of the rare in which she's not being beaten or raped on a daily basis. If only she could walk in the other women's shoes...hm.
But most strongly talked about throughout the book is the plight of the women and children. We learn of ghastly tales that really do make one want to cry: female genital mutilation; young girls chained up, raped, killed by their fathers; women divorced and beaten for bearing too many daughters; women destitute and unable to support their children because they are not allowed to leave the house and work; women falling over each other in hallways because they can't see around their face veils; women passing out from heat stroke due to the heavy attire. And yet at the same time we meet a few women, women doctors and social workers and hairstylists, who refuse to conform and have educated themselves in order to help others.
One of the things that saddened me about the stories was how difficult it is to help the women and children. Many times Sultana steps in with her wealth to help a woman in need, but there can't be enough money to save every single downtrodden woman and child. Saudi women must find a way to change the laws and get around the clerics if ever true help can be given. Sultana will not be able to employ or provide money for every single person and her husband won't be able to bribe every cleric. And they are aware of this. Sultana is aware of this and it's so admirable how she does what she can for whatever woman crosses her path. The lawmakers aren't ready for change yet.
Something else I also took from this book: previously I rather thought all men in SA were abusers and thugs and rapists. Having "met" Sultana's husband and son in this book, I realize many men there have educated themselves about women and our capabilities and perhaps in a newer generation things will change. They are not all bad men. Emotional perhaps, but not bad.
I also got a few laughs from this. Sultana's giving birth to her second daughter and a few other scenes.
Full review, final thoughts: http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2014/...
What I learned from this book was that there are two different Saudi Arabian women and I witnessed this most thoroughly through Sultana's two very different daughters. There's the one who lives her life mostly in Europe, has no desire to marry, and rebels against SA's rules every chance she has, from driving (illegal for women) to wearing "scandalous" clothes. There's the other daughter who utterly and completely brainwashed by religious clerics and wants to oppress her own sex. She's completely happy under the ruling thumb of men--but yet she's also one of the rare in which she's not being beaten or raped on a daily basis. If only she could walk in the other women's shoes...hm.
But most strongly talked about throughout the book is the plight of the women and children. We learn of ghastly tales that really do make one want to cry: female genital mutilation; young girls chained up, raped, killed by their fathers; women divorced and beaten for bearing too many daughters; women destitute and unable to support their children because they are not allowed to leave the house and work; women falling over each other in hallways because they can't see around their face veils; women passing out from heat stroke due to the heavy attire. And yet at the same time we meet a few women, women doctors and social workers and hairstylists, who refuse to conform and have educated themselves in order to help others.
One of the things that saddened me about the stories was how difficult it is to help the women and children. Many times Sultana steps in with her wealth to help a woman in need, but there can't be enough money to save every single downtrodden woman and child. Saudi women must find a way to change the laws and get around the clerics if ever true help can be given. Sultana will not be able to employ or provide money for every single person and her husband won't be able to bribe every cleric. And they are aware of this. Sultana is aware of this and it's so admirable how she does what she can for whatever woman crosses her path. The lawmakers aren't ready for change yet.
Something else I also took from this book: previously I rather thought all men in SA were abusers and thugs and rapists. Having "met" Sultana's husband and son in this book, I realize many men there have educated themselves about women and our capabilities and perhaps in a newer generation things will change. They are not all bad men. Emotional perhaps, but not bad.
I also got a few laughs from this. Sultana's giving birth to her second daughter and a few other scenes.
Full review, final thoughts: http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2014/...
November 2, 2018
Following on from her three previous books about the life of Princess Sultana of the Saudi royal family, Jean Sasson revisits the woman who has opened her heart and life to her to expose what life is like for Saudi women today. The Princess, although leading a privileged existence in this incredibly rich country, is still bound by the laws and traditions that prevail there. However, she is keenly aware of the inequities that are enshrined by law in a deeply conservative country where men rule over every single aspect of a woman’s life. The Princess herself fights for the liberation of women but it’s an uphill struggle. There are stories in this book that are absolutely chilling. Abuse and violence against women are commonplace and men are rarely punished. Whether rich or poor the lot of women is both difficult and dangerous, and instances of unbelievable cruelty are commonplace. Basic human rights are ignored, let alone any sort of personal freedom. Some advances have been made, it’s true, some barriers have been broken, but there’s a long way to go. Saudi Arabia comes in 9th in the list of the worst countries for a woman to live, and apparently even such barbaric practices as Female Genital Mutilation are still practised in some areas, a fact mostly unknown to the rest of the world.
Altogether this is an important book, and much more than just a story about what one Princess is trying to do to change things. There are useful facts about Saudi Arabia included at the end, along with a timeline, which put things into perspective. It gives an illuminating and thought-provoking account of life both within and outside royal circles, and gives an insight into the lives of both rich and poor. Well worth reading.
Edited 2/11/2018 to say that I have just read that there exists controversy over whether Princess Sultana actually exists or whether she is a fiction form Jean Sasson
Altogether this is an important book, and much more than just a story about what one Princess is trying to do to change things. There are useful facts about Saudi Arabia included at the end, along with a timeline, which put things into perspective. It gives an illuminating and thought-provoking account of life both within and outside royal circles, and gives an insight into the lives of both rich and poor. Well worth reading.
Edited 2/11/2018 to say that I have just read that there exists controversy over whether Princess Sultana actually exists or whether she is a fiction form Jean Sasson
September 2, 2014
Another addition to the trilogy (now a Quartet), I was really excited for this one since its been more than a decade since PRINCESS SULTANA'S CIRCLE. This one, out of all three, was much more insightful, you got to see a lot more of the princess's life, her family, close friends. You see a much more wiser sultana and a just-as-wise grand daughter. There is a lot of character development (they are of course real people, so instead of developing they mature ) and a lot of new characters to go with it. The book will make you smile and laugh, it'll also make you grieve and cry. I bought this the day it came out, and I finished it this morning, that is progress to me, especially when I travel. Though it did get me out of my reading slump, I am now in another because I finished another of Sasson's books. Princess Sultana's stories always make me have even more tears to cry.
February 20, 2016
I did not actually read the book, I managed to read about 1/3 of it and I don't think I ever finish it, it is that bad.
The writing is soooo poor...and I got through 3 parts of '50shades of Grey', so I know bad writting when I see one. It looks like this book was written by a 10year old with no imagination and very limited vocabulary. This alone makes it very hard to read over 400 pages. The author repeats herself constantly, she writes about the same qualities, of the same people, over and over again. It is so boring, that it makes me wonder why this book even exists. It seems to me someone wanted to make some money so they decided to write a book with barely any content.
If the stories that are actually there were at least a bit interesting I could probably finish the book as I really don't like to leave a book unfinished, but every chapter sounds more ridiculous than the previous one, so continuing reading this feels like a waist of time. I mean, the whole 'stolen picture' story and the part with red paint... I don't even know if I want to laught or cry. It is like a soap opear with women crying and screaming every chance they get, every reaction is so exagerrated it leaves me speachless.
And the characters...omg...it's like a disney story, everyone who is described as a 'good one' is also beautiful, and lovely, and smart and supports the beliefes of the main character, while the 'bad guys' are all ugly and stupid and narrow-minded. It is so shallow and dull that it makes me question if anything in this book is actually true, or is it just some made up story that was supposed to shock people(for me the biggest shock is that I actually paid for this book...).
I hoped I would learn something about the situation of women in Saudi Arabia, but when the author finally gets to the point (at least my understanding was that THIS is the point of this book), it gets lost between the description and another beautiful and lovely relative and another family argument, so it does not bring any valuable information at all. If I was to gather the facts I learned from this book (at least frist 150 pages of it), it would be much shorter that this review...
The writing is soooo poor...and I got through 3 parts of '50shades of Grey', so I know bad writting when I see one. It looks like this book was written by a 10year old with no imagination and very limited vocabulary. This alone makes it very hard to read over 400 pages. The author repeats herself constantly, she writes about the same qualities, of the same people, over and over again. It is so boring, that it makes me wonder why this book even exists. It seems to me someone wanted to make some money so they decided to write a book with barely any content.
If the stories that are actually there were at least a bit interesting I could probably finish the book as I really don't like to leave a book unfinished, but every chapter sounds more ridiculous than the previous one, so continuing reading this feels like a waist of time. I mean, the whole 'stolen picture' story and the part with red paint... I don't even know if I want to laught or cry. It is like a soap opear with women crying and screaming every chance they get, every reaction is so exagerrated it leaves me speachless.
And the characters...omg...it's like a disney story, everyone who is described as a 'good one' is also beautiful, and lovely, and smart and supports the beliefes of the main character, while the 'bad guys' are all ugly and stupid and narrow-minded. It is so shallow and dull that it makes me question if anything in this book is actually true, or is it just some made up story that was supposed to shock people(for me the biggest shock is that I actually paid for this book...).
I hoped I would learn something about the situation of women in Saudi Arabia, but when the author finally gets to the point (at least my understanding was that THIS is the point of this book), it gets lost between the description and another beautiful and lovely relative and another family argument, so it does not bring any valuable information at all. If I was to gather the facts I learned from this book (at least frist 150 pages of it), it would be much shorter that this review...
October 2, 2015
Jean Sasson caught my eye one time when I was stuck at an airport for two hours and nothing much to do. So I decided to check out a nearby book shop and spend my time. the cover of her latest book on princess Sultana had just released and I was delighted that the book shop owner did not mid me sitting there and reading. Once I started reading the book I could not put it back and ended up buying it. and hence it began. I have read all the other books of the author of this princess who is striving to improve the quality of women in Saudi Arabia and many countries nearby. Jean Sasson gives a complete account of the life of Princess Sultana in first person. This particular book is about her children and other people close to her. She also stresses on how things have improved for women in her country but there are more tears to cry.
for complete review, visit:
http://acupofcoffeeandafairytale.blog...
for complete review, visit:
http://acupofcoffeeandafairytale.blog...
December 3, 2015
Although I have heard and read about the struggles of women in the Middle East, this is the 1st book that I picked up which tells the experiences of other women as told by the princess. I live in a majority Muslim country but what happens in the book does not even come close to what my society has been practicing. Therefore, I feel grateful to be able to have been born and raised here. By reading this book, I learn to sympathize more with the struggles that the women over there are facing.
September 17, 2014
And my heart is broke, once again Princess Sultana has reminded me of the blessings in life and the horrible truths of the horrors that are still happening to women worldwide.
"Ana Amal"
"Ana Amal"
August 20, 2017
Манипулативна, измислена, сензационно гадно булевардна и лъжлива - точно по американски! Четвъртата книга за принцеса Султана е просто кошмар!
Прочетох първите 130 страници, след което просто се отказах да си пълня главата с тея небивалици и измислици, представени от Джийн Сасън като истина! Тази жена наистина заслужава да я вкарат в някой саудитски затвор, заради глупостите, които пише!
Хронологично: прочетох първата книга за принцеса Султана "Една арабска принцеса разказва" може би през 2005-а/2006-а. Тогава книгата много ми хареса, освен опознавателно, чисто и стилово и сюжетно. 10 години по-късно обаче четвъртото продължение на историите за Султана е кошмар с отворени очи: едни и същи истории се повтарят - за женското безправие в Сауди Арабия, за терора и роболепието на слабия пол под давление на мъжете; башка, че в книгата първите 20 страници са преразказ на живота на Султана от преди, за да се запознаят новите читатели с живота й.
Стил - няма! Изнесени са глупави факти, разтегнати в измислени истории. Който не знае - Султана е сред късметлийките, която е женена за любящ съпруг - Карим, докато всички останали жени в СА са бити, тероризирани и убивани с камъни. Тя има две дъщери - религиозна и модерна, и синче като злато, възпитан от нея да бъде уважаван жените мъж. Клише до клише!
Джийн не е писателка, а една лъжкиня, която използва статистика, за да пише глупавите си истории. Пример: щерките на Султана - Амани (религиозна) и Маха (атеист) се карат относно шофирането (който не знае, известно е едва преди няколко години разрешиха на жените да шофират в Сауди Арабия) Та... Маха: - Амани, само 14% от жените в Сауди Арабия имат право да шофират и ти отказваш да си от тях, защо? / О, бога ми, защо си вкарваш така статистиката от Уикипедия??
Глупаво, глупаво... Принцеса Султана и тайната й личност не спира да разказва как помагала на жените да се образоват, да ги прави лекарки, тук-таме разказва някаква история за жени, взети от племена, които никой не ги е искал - ни майка, ни баща, ама те се изучили и еманципирали, станали зъболекарки, преуспели...
Измислиците относно разточителствата на кралското семейство са много нереални и глупави - има епизод с една снимка на майката на принцеса Султана. По принцип в Исляма изображенията са забранени, но в религията, не в арабските държави. Тъпата Сасън да си проверява инфото, а не да пише като папагал. Та, Султана намира единствената снимка на майка си, която видиш ли ти никой не е знаел, но тя я оставила в някакво, разбира се, златно ковчеже, защото била снимка-грях... За снимката ще се прави охрана като от Френски дворец, аларми, измислици глупости... Боже, тая жена пише наистина глупава фантастика. Вкарани са ей така истории за някаква арабка, която имала първата болест в света "елизабет тейлърово пристрастяване" - искала всеки ден диаманти, най-големите, най-скъпите... дрън, дрън..
Попрелистих, не ми се дават други глуповати и зле сюжетирани примери. На финалът единствено ми бе интересно да разбера за живота на авторката, че през 70-те тя е била медицинска сестра в Рияд и вероятно от тогава, впечатлена от потисничеството на жените в Близкия Изток започва да бълва книги. Че има такова - има, но не и в мащабите, в които го описва тя, особено по този сух и безинтересен начин. Много са тъпи оправданията на Сасън как се вижда тайно с принцеса Султана на 12 месеца, която й разказва истории и все й казвала "Скъпа Джийн, има още много сълзи под фереджето, ще ти разказвам"... Боже, боже... За капак книгата свърша с някаква Уикипедия на Сауди Арабия - къде се намира географски, каква е икономиката, кои са големите градове, разяснения какво е Ислям :D сунити, шиити, абая и прочие.
Прочетох книгата, защото ми попадна по работа, инак и стотинка не бих дал за това наистина творчество, но зле направено. Още втората книга не успях да дочета, а четвъртата е кошмар с отворени очи, както обичам да казвам. Третата - не искам да си помислям за нея.
Заключение: най-лошото ми впечатление е, че това е една ужасна промивка на мозъците, тук наистина бих казал американска пропаганда в най-лошия смисъл!!! Който е пътувал в Близкия изток, който се познава с хора от там, има контакти и е учил повече просто би се отвратил от този словесен, преднамерен и лъжлив сволоч, даващ изключително грешна представа по един суховат и безстилов начин! Ми вземете на Паринуш Саани "Моята орис" за да видите близкоизточна драма, ама литературна!!! А не уики цитати. Пфу.. американски автор /точка/
Прочетох първите 130 страници, след което просто се отказах да си пълня главата с тея небивалици и измислици, представени от Джийн Сасън като истина! Тази жена наистина заслужава да я вкарат в някой саудитски затвор, заради глупостите, които пише!
Хронологично: прочетох първата книга за принцеса Султана "Една арабска принцеса разказва" може би през 2005-а/2006-а. Тогава книгата много ми хареса, освен опознавателно, чисто и стилово и сюжетно. 10 години по-късно обаче четвъртото продължение на историите за Султана е кошмар с отворени очи: едни и същи истории се повтарят - за женското безправие в Сауди Арабия, за терора и роболепието на слабия пол под давление на мъжете; башка, че в книгата първите 20 страници са преразказ на живота на Султана от преди, за да се запознаят новите читатели с живота й.
Стил - няма! Изнесени са глупави факти, разтегнати в измислени истории. Който не знае - Султана е сред късметлийките, която е женена за любящ съпруг - Карим, докато всички останали жени в СА са бити, тероризирани и убивани с камъни. Тя има две дъщери - религиозна и модерна, и синче като злато, възпитан от нея да бъде уважаван жените мъж. Клише до клише!
Джийн не е писателка, а една лъжкиня, която използва статистика, за да пише глупавите си истории. Пример: щерките на Султана - Амани (религиозна) и Маха (атеист) се карат относно шофирането (който не знае, известно е едва преди няколко години разрешиха на жените да шофират в Сауди Арабия) Та... Маха: - Амани, само 14% от жените в Сауди Арабия имат право да шофират и ти отказваш да си от тях, защо? / О, бога ми, защо си вкарваш така статистиката от Уикипедия??
Глупаво, глупаво... Принцеса Султана и тайната й личност не спира да разказва как помагала на жените да се образоват, да ги прави лекарки, тук-таме разказва някаква история за жени, взети от племена, които никой не ги е искал - ни майка, ни баща, ама те се изучили и еманципирали, станали зъболекарки, преуспели...
Измислиците относно разточителствата на кралското семейство са много нереални и глупави - има епизод с една снимка на майката на принцеса Султана. По принцип в Исляма изображенията са забранени, но в религията, не в арабските държави. Тъпата Сасън да си проверява инфото, а не да пише като папагал. Та, Султана намира единствената снимка на майка си, която видиш ли ти никой не е знаел, но тя я оставила в някакво, разбира се, златно ковчеже, защото била снимка-грях... За снимката ще се прави охрана като от Френски дворец, аларми, измислици глупости... Боже, тая жена пише наистина глупава фантастика. Вкарани са ей така истории за някаква арабка, която имала първата болест в света "елизабет тейлърово пристрастяване" - искала всеки ден диаманти, най-големите, най-скъпите... дрън, дрън..
Попрелистих, не ми се дават други глуповати и зле сюжетирани примери. На финалът единствено ми бе интересно да разбера за живота на авторката, че през 70-те тя е била медицинска сестра в Рияд и вероятно от тогава, впечатлена от потисничеството на жените в Близкия Изток започва да бълва книги. Че има такова - има, но не и в мащабите, в които го описва тя, особено по този сух и безинтересен начин. Много са тъпи оправданията на Сасън как се вижда тайно с принцеса Султана на 12 месеца, която й разказва истории и все й казвала "Скъпа Джийн, има още много сълзи под фереджето, ще ти разказвам"... Боже, боже... За капак книгата свърша с някаква Уикипедия на Сауди Арабия - къде се намира географски, каква е икономиката, кои са големите градове, разяснения какво е Ислям :D сунити, шиити, абая и прочие.
Прочетох книгата, защото ми попадна по работа, инак и стотинка не бих дал за това наистина творчество, но зле направено. Още втората книга не успях да дочета, а четвъртата е кошмар с отворени очи, както обичам да казвам. Третата - не искам да си помислям за нея.
Заключение: най-лошото ми впечатление е, че това е една ужасна промивка на мозъците, тук наистина бих казал американска пропаганда в най-лошия смисъл!!! Който е пътувал в Близкия изток, който се познава с хора от там, има контакти и е учил повече просто би се отвратил от този словесен, преднамерен и лъжлив сволоч, даващ изключително грешна представа по един суховат и безстилов начин! Ми вземете на Паринуш Саани "Моята орис" за да видите близкоизточна драма, ама литературна!!! А не уики цитати. Пфу.. американски автор /точка/
February 26, 2023
Saudi-Arabia on yksi niistä maista, jossa evoluutio on jostain syystä ilmeisesti jättänyt yhden askeleen väliin ja siinä missä useimmissa muissa maissa miehet kykenevät ottamaan vastuun kehoistaan ja käytöksestään ja olemaan hyökkäämättä eläimellisesti naisten kimppuun seksuaalisen halun ottaessa heistä vallan, ei asia ole näin Saudi-Arabiassa – miksi muuten olisi olemassa maa, jossa miehiä tulee suojella heiltä itseltään piilottamalla naiset pois heidän näköpiiristään (ja eikö kaikella järjellä tällaisessa yhteiskunnassa olisi siinä tapauksessa kannattavinta pitää kotona miehet, jos heidän luontonsa kerran voi olla niin arvaamaton, ettei heiltä voi odottaa edes yksinkertaista itsekontrollia)?
Ensinnäkin tekisi mieli sanoa useita valittuja sanoja maasta, jossa yhdeksänvuotias lapsi tuomittiin puoleksi vuodeksi vankeuteen ja ruoskittavaksi, koska HÄNET joukkoraiskattiin, jossa ihmisiä voidaan tuomita kuolemaan, koska heidän uskotaan olevan noitia tai jossa mies on oikeutettu pahoinpitelemään ja vaikka tappamaan vaimonsa ja tyttärensä, sillä ovathan ne hänen omaisuuttaan. Yritän kuitenkin pysyä aiheessa, eli itse kirjassa (jossa nämä kaikki asiat mainitaan).
Olen lukenut kolme aiemmin ilmestynytta Prinsessa-sarjan kirjaa, joten tartuin tähänkin osaan innolla. Luin ne ensimmäisen kerran teini-iässä ja ne jättivät minuun suuren jäljen ja saivat kiinnostumaan saudinaisten elämästä.
Pidin erittäin paljon tästä huomattavasti myöhemmin ilmestyneestä jatko-osasta, joka kertoo paitsi prinsessa Sultanan ja hänen perheensä elämästä, mutta nyt myös yhä enemmän muiden saudinaisten elämästä ja kohtaloista.
Tässä kirjassa nousee esiin Sultanan hyväntekeväisyys ja se, kuinka paljon hän käyttää aikaansa ja rahaansa huonompi osaisten hyväksi. Kirja kertoo useamman tarinan naisista, joita Sultana on varallisuutensa ja asemansa ansiosta voinut auttaa – sekä valitettavasti myös niiden naisten tarinoita, joita hänen ei ole ollut mahdollista auttaa yhteiskunnan jäykkyyden vuoksi.
Suosittelen kirjaa niille, jotka ovat lukeneet aiemmat Prinsessa-sarjan osat ja haluavat tietää, mitä Sultanalle ja hänen perheelleen kuuluu nyt, mutta kirja sopii myös varmasti niille, jotka eivät ole lukeneet niitä ja ovat kiinnostuneita Saudi-Arabiasta ja elämästä hunnun takana.
Ensinnäkin tekisi mieli sanoa useita valittuja sanoja maasta, jossa yhdeksänvuotias lapsi tuomittiin puoleksi vuodeksi vankeuteen ja ruoskittavaksi, koska HÄNET joukkoraiskattiin, jossa ihmisiä voidaan tuomita kuolemaan, koska heidän uskotaan olevan noitia tai jossa mies on oikeutettu pahoinpitelemään ja vaikka tappamaan vaimonsa ja tyttärensä, sillä ovathan ne hänen omaisuuttaan. Yritän kuitenkin pysyä aiheessa, eli itse kirjassa (jossa nämä kaikki asiat mainitaan).
Olen lukenut kolme aiemmin ilmestynytta Prinsessa-sarjan kirjaa, joten tartuin tähänkin osaan innolla. Luin ne ensimmäisen kerran teini-iässä ja ne jättivät minuun suuren jäljen ja saivat kiinnostumaan saudinaisten elämästä.
Pidin erittäin paljon tästä huomattavasti myöhemmin ilmestyneestä jatko-osasta, joka kertoo paitsi prinsessa Sultanan ja hänen perheensä elämästä, mutta nyt myös yhä enemmän muiden saudinaisten elämästä ja kohtaloista.
Tässä kirjassa nousee esiin Sultanan hyväntekeväisyys ja se, kuinka paljon hän käyttää aikaansa ja rahaansa huonompi osaisten hyväksi. Kirja kertoo useamman tarinan naisista, joita Sultana on varallisuutensa ja asemansa ansiosta voinut auttaa – sekä valitettavasti myös niiden naisten tarinoita, joita hänen ei ole ollut mahdollista auttaa yhteiskunnan jäykkyyden vuoksi.
Suosittelen kirjaa niille, jotka ovat lukeneet aiemmat Prinsessa-sarjan osat ja haluavat tietää, mitä Sultanalle ja hänen perheelleen kuuluu nyt, mutta kirja sopii myös varmasti niille, jotka eivät ole lukeneet niitä ja ovat kiinnostuneita Saudi-Arabiasta ja elämästä hunnun takana.
August 13, 2017
This book was recommended to me by my aunt, who also gave me her copy to read. There have been a few controversies surrounding this series- accusations of plagiarism and the actual existence of Princess Sultana. I do not know how much of this is to be taken at face value. Anyway, the book talks about troubles faced by women in Saudi Arabia and the efforts of Princess Sultana to help women in need. We also get small snippets of the princess’ family as well. Although the content is interesting, the writing style is overly simplistic. There are far too many repetitions of facts. For example, the fact that Saudi women are treated as second class citizens and are constantly dominated by their male relatives is repeated on almost every page. I felt the person who edited the book has done a shoddy job. Tighter narration would have made it more readable. My 3 stars are only for the content.
September 7, 2024
This book brought me tears.
To Every Muslims from other countries who have been wishing they could have been born in Saudi Arabia:
I’m glad I’m a Sri lankan.
To Every Muslims from other countries who have been wishing they could have been born in Saudi Arabia:
I’m glad I’m a Sri lankan.
June 22, 2016
I didn't know if I was going to finish this one. I almost gave it 1 star - it was a waste of my time, having read the three previous books, because it just repeated a lot of what was in them. If I hadn't read the other books, I might have liked it a little more, so that's why I gave it 2 stars. That's all it gets though. I can overlook bad writing sometimes, if the content/story is interesting enough, but by book four I just couldn't take it anymore. The dialogue! Ugh! And Sultana is SO melodramatic. I wonder if she's really like that in person, or if she was just written badly.
*update* I had to come back and revisit this review for a number of reasons. I still stand by what I said above - if you've read the other books, then this book is probably a waste of your time (unless you just want to know what's happened to her family, which could have been covered in a couple of pages). However, if you haven't read any of these books, this one is as good as any, and these books ARE worth reading because 1) she emphasizes education for girls as the number one most important thing for freedom and change, 2) she doesn't blame her religion for the bad treatment of women (and quotes the Quran to prove it), 3) she demonstrates how often it is uneducated WOMAN (not just the men) who are equally responsible for carrying on traditions that hurt other women (especially their own daughters, granddaughters, etc.), and 4) she makes it clear that slavery is not, and never has been, gone from this world - it is a big business today! Any book that is this educational and makes you think deserves more than 2 stars, so that's why I changed it ;)
*update* I had to come back and revisit this review for a number of reasons. I still stand by what I said above - if you've read the other books, then this book is probably a waste of your time (unless you just want to know what's happened to her family, which could have been covered in a couple of pages). However, if you haven't read any of these books, this one is as good as any, and these books ARE worth reading because 1) she emphasizes education for girls as the number one most important thing for freedom and change, 2) she doesn't blame her religion for the bad treatment of women (and quotes the Quran to prove it), 3) she demonstrates how often it is uneducated WOMAN (not just the men) who are equally responsible for carrying on traditions that hurt other women (especially their own daughters, granddaughters, etc.), and 4) she makes it clear that slavery is not, and never has been, gone from this world - it is a big business today! Any book that is this educational and makes you think deserves more than 2 stars, so that's why I changed it ;)
May 12, 2017
Content warning: misogyny, domestic violence, sexual assault/rape, torture
I read the first three of Jean Sasson's 'Princess' books when I was a young teen. Discovering the truth about the lives of women in Saudi Arabia fanned the delicate flames of my burgeoning feminism, and I often recommended the series to others as a look outside our own Western lives. When I discovered that fourth and fifth books had been written, I was excited to journey back to the life of Princess Sultana and her family.
However, this book fell flat for me. Perhaps it is my own age and life experiences colouring the nostalgia, as I am now a 30-something mother of girls, but I was frustrated that Sultana's solution always seems to be to throw money at a problem, and the repeated discussion of their wealth was, frankly, annoying. You're a Saudi princess. We know you're wealthy. You don't need to tell us that every ten pages. I was so exhausted by the first few tales of woe - women beaten or assaulted repeatedly - that by the time I reached the chapter describing a father who had raped and tortured his young daughter to death, I was in survival mode, skimming the passage to get the gist and moving on without reading the details.
Perhaps it's my own trauma taking away from the enjoyment of this book. Perhaps I have moved past the need to be shocked and horrified in order to engage in activism. Perhaps it just wasn't that good. I'm not entirely sure. And I'm not entirely sure that l read the fifth book in this series, either.
I read the first three of Jean Sasson's 'Princess' books when I was a young teen. Discovering the truth about the lives of women in Saudi Arabia fanned the delicate flames of my burgeoning feminism, and I often recommended the series to others as a look outside our own Western lives. When I discovered that fourth and fifth books had been written, I was excited to journey back to the life of Princess Sultana and her family.
However, this book fell flat for me. Perhaps it is my own age and life experiences colouring the nostalgia, as I am now a 30-something mother of girls, but I was frustrated that Sultana's solution always seems to be to throw money at a problem, and the repeated discussion of their wealth was, frankly, annoying. You're a Saudi princess. We know you're wealthy. You don't need to tell us that every ten pages. I was so exhausted by the first few tales of woe - women beaten or assaulted repeatedly - that by the time I reached the chapter describing a father who had raped and tortured his young daughter to death, I was in survival mode, skimming the passage to get the gist and moving on without reading the details.
Perhaps it's my own trauma taking away from the enjoyment of this book. Perhaps I have moved past the need to be shocked and horrified in order to engage in activism. Perhaps it just wasn't that good. I'm not entirely sure. And I'm not entirely sure that l read the fifth book in this series, either.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2014
This fourth book ain't no different than the first three, except this time the author is running out of content since every story has been stretched already, it just gets more pathetic.
Princess Sultana who has really pathetic children, they fight and disagree with each other. Throw in few sad stories, nothing new... sad, hopeless women with husbands who beat them. Damn, author should've tried to be more creative. But I don't blame her, it's the fourth book and she running out of stories.
What really pissed me off was the fact that it's implied that Princess Sultana is okay about the fact that her daughter is gay, in a Muslim world, living in the most religious country, she'd have to be very damn pathetic to say that. This is not true people, no Muslim Saudi parent in the world is like this, which further proves the illegitimacy of this fucking book. Jean Sasson is a pathetic hag who makes up these stories.
Princess Sultana who has really pathetic children, they fight and disagree with each other. Throw in few sad stories, nothing new... sad, hopeless women with husbands who beat them. Damn, author should've tried to be more creative. But I don't blame her, it's the fourth book and she running out of stories.
What really pissed me off was the fact that it's implied that Princess Sultana is okay about the fact that her daughter is gay, in a Muslim world, living in the most religious country, she'd have to be very damn pathetic to say that. This is not true people, no Muslim Saudi parent in the world is like this, which further proves the illegitimacy of this fucking book. Jean Sasson is a pathetic hag who makes up these stories.
August 10, 2015
Um olhar bastante interessante e credível, descrito pela princesa Sultana Al Saud, sobre as condições de vida das mulheres na Arábia Saudita. Autora infelizmente sempre oportuna, Jean Sasson relata nesta obra os abusos de que estas são vítimas, sendo tratadas como seres de segunda categoria, sem recurso a educação e numa sociedade dominada por homens.
Interessante sentir que (ainda) há gente mais afortunada que se dispõe a ajudar mulheres a saírem de condições de vida, tanto físicas como psicológicas, absolutamente deploráveis. Os relatos que referi e a forma como foram contornados, constituem o grosso da obra. A isto acresce uma breve resumo da história da Arábia Saudita, dados geográficos e um glossário para termos característicos do País.
O único senão deste livro é que se torna um pouco repetitivo. Fora isso, é uma leitura interessante e que recomendo.
Interessante sentir que (ainda) há gente mais afortunada que se dispõe a ajudar mulheres a saírem de condições de vida, tanto físicas como psicológicas, absolutamente deploráveis. Os relatos que referi e a forma como foram contornados, constituem o grosso da obra. A isto acresce uma breve resumo da história da Arábia Saudita, dados geográficos e um glossário para termos característicos do País.
O único senão deste livro é que se torna um pouco repetitivo. Fora isso, é uma leitura interessante e que recomendo.
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November 20, 2021Extremely fond of this novel. Everyday struggles, hardships, trauma and torture Middle Eastern women go through was beyond my imagination. Princess reveals what life is for her with all luxury but without freedom. A society that moans at the birth of a girl & only celebrate the birth of males, expects you to veil your face to cover your toes, abusing all the basic rights such as right to education and vote. Cannot imagine their lives with so little power to decide what they need in life. Their lives depend on the decisions of their male guardians. With Sharia Law as the legal framework capital punishment is ensured. You are sure to shed some tears reading this!
November 1, 2015
I was really looking forward to reading more from this author about the Princess, however I didn't really think this book delivered. I agree with other reviewers that said the Princess seems to feel a need to constantly tell us what a great job she is doing. I am sure she probably is, but it got rather tedious by the end listening to her blow her own trumpet. I just hope she actually is doing a lot, because the women in this country sure need someone to stand up for them. Some very sad cases, and awful to believe the men can act like this with very little punishment.
June 12, 2020
Princess: More tears to cry by Jean Sasson. I am learning a lot about what women go through in other countries, specifically Saudi Arabia. A lot of what I have learnt is absolutely horrific. It's so sad, I find myself crying at times for all these women mentioned in the book. No human being should ever have to go through such abuse and have their whole lives controlled. But despite it all, there is so much hope found because Princess Sultana has had such a determined spirit at a young age to fight for the rights of women. She has succeeded in helping so many women and it's truly so beautiful
January 13, 2015
Once again Jean Sasson and Princess Sultana have made me feel anger, sick to my stomach and happiness. It's hard to talk about how amazingly, shocking this book is without giving away too much info. I really hope Jean Sasson continues these insightful novels about Princess Sultana and the mistreatment of women in Saudi Arabia. Every woman should read this series, no matter where in the world she lives.
April 16, 2016
Neatly placed emotions and real life incidents. As one progress, while reading, you would realise the pain and agony of each women. Gradually feeling to be part of the book. That's the beauty of Jean's book and Princess herself.
Quiet captivating and hence a must read :-)
Quiet captivating and hence a must read :-)
August 16, 2016
po przeczytaniu książki po raz kolejny pojawia się myśl: dlaczego wszystkie tak wojowniczo nastawione feministki nie walczą ze zniewoleniem kobiet np. w Arabii Saudyjskiej? ze strachu, z lęku, z ignorancji???
November 28, 2014
although some of the stories are shocking but then I feel the book is verbose and hence looses its grip
October 20, 2022
Having read the first three novels as a young teen, I was curious to see what this volume would bring. Unfortunately, it seemed to add very little in terms of new information.
My memory of the trilogy is such that I look back on it as interesting and educational; the novels are enlightening and educational while also providing an insight to what life is like for privileged saudis.
However, even though I am now in my thirties and hadn’t touched a Sultana book for almost two decades, this fourth instalment simply brought back memories from the preceeding novels: this book contains much - much! - unnecessary repetition from both the earlier books as well as within its own confines, and the narration doesn’t work for me.
Perhaps it’s because I am now older, but the sheer selfishness, entitlement of wealth and “look at me being great for fighting for women’s rights at no personal sacrifice” on the narrator’s part in favour of actual content served only to annoy me. The suffering of less privileged women due to the guardianship system and misogyny is not a trope to get attention by or to complement one’s self for criticising.
Yes, it should be addressed, and no, you don’t have to congratulate yourself constantly for doing so, or compare your privileged life to those poor souls suffering so greatly at the hands of truly diabolical men. It’s like comparing someone who barely survived being violently attacked and axe-murdered to yourself having had a broken nail once.
There is also no need whatsoever to be overly melodramatic and repeat the same thing over and over again - even íf what you as a narrator are saying is important and should be heard.
As such, the narration and redundancies damages the more important message of the novel. A shame really, because it does attempt to address very serious subject matter. In that are some things that ought to be taken away from this narrative: the importance of education, especially for women, the importance of a state who cares to protect victims (though the saudi state does no such thing), the dangers of overly zealous clergymen, and the realisation that Saudi Arabia has a far way to go still.
My memory of the trilogy is such that I look back on it as interesting and educational; the novels are enlightening and educational while also providing an insight to what life is like for privileged saudis.
However, even though I am now in my thirties and hadn’t touched a Sultana book for almost two decades, this fourth instalment simply brought back memories from the preceeding novels: this book contains much - much! - unnecessary repetition from both the earlier books as well as within its own confines, and the narration doesn’t work for me.
Perhaps it’s because I am now older, but the sheer selfishness, entitlement of wealth and “look at me being great for fighting for women’s rights at no personal sacrifice” on the narrator’s part in favour of actual content served only to annoy me. The suffering of less privileged women due to the guardianship system and misogyny is not a trope to get attention by or to complement one’s self for criticising.
Yes, it should be addressed, and no, you don’t have to congratulate yourself constantly for doing so, or compare your privileged life to those poor souls suffering so greatly at the hands of truly diabolical men. It’s like comparing someone who barely survived being violently attacked and axe-murdered to yourself having had a broken nail once.
There is also no need whatsoever to be overly melodramatic and repeat the same thing over and over again - even íf what you as a narrator are saying is important and should be heard.
As such, the narration and redundancies damages the more important message of the novel. A shame really, because it does attempt to address very serious subject matter. In that are some things that ought to be taken away from this narrative: the importance of education, especially for women, the importance of a state who cares to protect victims (though the saudi state does no such thing), the dangers of overly zealous clergymen, and the realisation that Saudi Arabia has a far way to go still.
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