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Harem
The engrossing story of Amira, a young girl from a wealthy and powerful family, Mirage takes readers behind the veil of secrecy to expose the real lives of women in today's harems. Amira expects to be sold into marriage and never to step outside her house without being swathed in black veils and accompanied by an escort. But she's not prepared for the savagery of the husband she first meets on her wedding night, or the increasingly oppressive control he is allowed to exert over her. Finally, in a daring attempt to save her life and sanity, Amira escapes with her baby to start a new life in the United States. But her past - and her powerful husband - won't give her up easily.
Mirage is also the story of other harem women. From the death by stoning of a young mother convicted of adultery to the desperate measures taken by a woman whose husband has brought a second wife into their home, Mirage tells the stories of the enduring strength and courage of women who defy the yoke of male dominance.
Born to a prominent Saudi Arabian family, author Soheir Khashoggi has seen first-hand the lives of the pampered, indulged - and sometimes abused - women of modern-day harems. The sister of financier Adnan Khashoggi, she has also seen the glittering playgrounds of the western world. In Mirage she brings these two worlds together in a magnificent novel of passion and power. It is the novel that only Soheir Khashoggi could write.
Mirage is also the story of other harem women. From the death by stoning of a young mother convicted of adultery to the desperate measures taken by a woman whose husband has brought a second wife into their home, Mirage tells the stories of the enduring strength and courage of women who defy the yoke of male dominance.
Born to a prominent Saudi Arabian family, author Soheir Khashoggi has seen first-hand the lives of the pampered, indulged - and sometimes abused - women of modern-day harems. The sister of financier Adnan Khashoggi, she has also seen the glittering playgrounds of the western world. In Mirage she brings these two worlds together in a magnificent novel of passion and power. It is the novel that only Soheir Khashoggi could write.
359 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 1996
31 people are currently reading
688 people want to read
About the author
Soheir Khashoggi
18 books63 followersSoheir Khashoggi is a Saudi Arabian writer. A member of one of Saudi Arabia's most prominent families (her brother is the illustrious millionaire Adnan Khashoggi and her father was the royal physician), she was born in Alexandria, Egypt, attended university in Beirut, Lebanon, and is now living in New York City.
She has published three novels, Mirage, Mosaic, and Nadia's Song.
She has published three novels, Mirage, Mosaic, and Nadia's Song.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
September 18, 2016
Khashoggi is a very good story teller. The structure, plot and flow of the novel is impeccable. Certainly you cannot call this book high literature, as the author uses in characterisation the gothic novel prose style without much complexity (the men are either dark and evil or elegant, smart, and usually rich). That said, in light of what we know today about how women are murdered, disfigured, sold, abused and left with very few rights in many parts of the world, this book has an important subject and she treats it not overly melodramatically.
While it is true that this story is not what happens to every woman, the fact that it happens at all deserves to be told and known. And while some people may think that the way the author depicts the lives of royalty from the Middle East is exaggerated, I know that the scenes of unimaginable luxury and decadence that the author describes are quite accurate, as I live near Geneva and have heard first-hand stories of people who either work for these people. (They are often in Geneva for various reasons). The local press as well reports from time to time about their excesses.
I like very much the way the story starts with the main character as a successful professional woman in the U.S., then circles back to her past in the fictional Al Remal, to swerve back again, full circle, to her imprisonment in the U.S. The author is very skillful in using the main characters to complicate the story in a credible way. In places, this could have been more fleshed-out, such as in the case of a young woman's rape, but overall I think the book is a success.
While it is true that this story is not what happens to every woman, the fact that it happens at all deserves to be told and known. And while some people may think that the way the author depicts the lives of royalty from the Middle East is exaggerated, I know that the scenes of unimaginable luxury and decadence that the author describes are quite accurate, as I live near Geneva and have heard first-hand stories of people who either work for these people. (They are often in Geneva for various reasons). The local press as well reports from time to time about their excesses.
I like very much the way the story starts with the main character as a successful professional woman in the U.S., then circles back to her past in the fictional Al Remal, to swerve back again, full circle, to her imprisonment in the U.S. The author is very skillful in using the main characters to complicate the story in a credible way. In places, this could have been more fleshed-out, such as in the case of a young woman's rape, but overall I think the book is a success.
March 18, 2012
At first I liked the story, sympathesized with the main character Amira, but then as events run on and the book comes to a close I just hate it. The writer displays Islam as a crippling religion, when in fact it's not. It is people who practice it the wrong way. In some societies woman are indeed opressed and silenced, considered a means to an end, which is rearing more children, preferably males. not allowed to be seen, swathed in black, just a number in the mass population, but this isn't the case everywhere. I don't feel crippled at all by my religion. My society, my family and I keep an open mind. My voice is heard. I am apppreciated for who I think, who I have behave and indeed how I look. I wear a headcover, but it gives me character. I am not a fanatic. I don't need to disown my religion in order to feel free. Her main charcater ran away from an abusive husband that was a prince to rich gulf country. She threw behind all traditions and customs. treaded where was wrong and forbidden for a muslim woman. I don't respect that. I believe in fighting oppression, not stripping off in the name of freedom.
October 21, 2011
I wish we had could add .5 to our ratings because this book is not a 4 but a 3.5 for me. I picked it up in the Stand Bookstore that I was living opposite for a month and this was in the sale basket for .49 cents. My expectations weren't high but the description seemed to fit books that I normally read. The narrative was pretty nice throughout but the book was just too long. I skimmed through some portions which just didn't need to be so long drawn out or detailed.
The good stuff - yet another book giving some insight into the ridiculously rich Arab's lifestyle. No matter how many times I read it, it still leaves me in awe. The emotions, I always enjoy that in books. The core story-line was quite strong.
The not so good stuff - the sheer length of the book, could have done with a bit more editing. The attempt to make it all end well. Although technically everything doesn't end well, it's still a feel-good ending and while I am all for it, it somehow doesn't suit this book.
I would recommend this for people who enjoy central lady characters, culture, emotions, and Indian writing.
The good stuff - yet another book giving some insight into the ridiculously rich Arab's lifestyle. No matter how many times I read it, it still leaves me in awe. The emotions, I always enjoy that in books. The core story-line was quite strong.
The not so good stuff - the sheer length of the book, could have done with a bit more editing. The attempt to make it all end well. Although technically everything doesn't end well, it's still a feel-good ending and while I am all for it, it somehow doesn't suit this book.
I would recommend this for people who enjoy central lady characters, culture, emotions, and Indian writing.
October 1, 2009
A huge disappointment. This is the 2nd book i read by her. From her first book i gathered that she is not much of a writer but i thought her way of presenting both sides of the 'east vs west' coin was admirable. This book was anything but. It seems all she did for this book was make a list of all the stereotypical imagery and perception the west have of Middle East and spat it out in torturous string of words.
She doesn't seem to be too knowledgeable either--she refers to Avicenna as an Arab!!!! And from the way she describes the scene in Tabriz, it's clear she has never been there or read anything about the city.
She doesn't seem to be too knowledgeable either--she refers to Avicenna as an Arab!!!! And from the way she describes the scene in Tabriz, it's clear she has never been there or read anything about the city.
May 11, 2010
Definitely one of those stay-up-too-late-reading books. I have no clue if life behind the veil is anything like the book portrays it (and many reviews on Amazon suggest not), but the world was a venue for a great story. Only once did the book seem to stretch the story a bit for the sake of dramatic tension, but I won't tell you where because the dramatic tension does move the book along nicely. :-)
January 31, 2024
Mirage by Soheir Khashoggi is a disturbing, heartbreaking, and thought-provoking story. I've never read anything quite like it.
While the story is fiction, it addresses some very serious issues that are important to understand.
The author does an incredible job of portraying the psychological and physiological effects of abuse, both in the short and long term.
The story is set in the fictional Middle Eastern country of Al-Remel, and alternates between the past and present. It follows the main character, Amira Badir who eventually changes her name to Jenna Sorrel. Amira is married to Prince Ali Rashad, a member of the ruling family. From the outside, it seems like she lives a fairytale life as a princess, but that is far from the truth.
The book is a revealing look at the reality of women's lives in the Middle East, and the struggles they face. While that’s not an easy topic, it's an important one.
The only thing I did not like from this book was its portrayal of Islam. I hate how Western authors often portray Islam and the Middle East as deeply misogynistic and patriarchal, where women are oppressed and silenced. In reality, that's not the case for many Muslim women.
The main character in the book fought for freedom, but she threw away all of the traditions and customs of Islam in the process. This bothered me, because it sends the message that Islam is oppressive and needs to be abandoned in order to find happiness. I think that's a harmful message, and it doesn't represent the full spectrum of experiences of Muslim women.
Overall, this book is well-written and engaging. It's not an easy read, but it's worth it. I would recommend this book to anyone.💗💌
While the story is fiction, it addresses some very serious issues that are important to understand.
The author does an incredible job of portraying the psychological and physiological effects of abuse, both in the short and long term.
The story is set in the fictional Middle Eastern country of Al-Remel, and alternates between the past and present. It follows the main character, Amira Badir who eventually changes her name to Jenna Sorrel. Amira is married to Prince Ali Rashad, a member of the ruling family. From the outside, it seems like she lives a fairytale life as a princess, but that is far from the truth.
The book is a revealing look at the reality of women's lives in the Middle East, and the struggles they face. While that’s not an easy topic, it's an important one.
The only thing I did not like from this book was its portrayal of Islam. I hate how Western authors often portray Islam and the Middle East as deeply misogynistic and patriarchal, where women are oppressed and silenced. In reality, that's not the case for many Muslim women.
The main character in the book fought for freedom, but she threw away all of the traditions and customs of Islam in the process. This bothered me, because it sends the message that Islam is oppressive and needs to be abandoned in order to find happiness. I think that's a harmful message, and it doesn't represent the full spectrum of experiences of Muslim women.
Overall, this book is well-written and engaging. It's not an easy read, but it's worth it. I would recommend this book to anyone.💗💌
August 30, 2011
I had a hope that the author’s background would differentiate this novel from the usual “abused woman escapes from fundamentalist Islamic country” bromides. I’m sure there have been papers written on why this theme is popular amongst Western readers. Actually, it’s a no-brainer as far as the American reading public is concerned: captivity narratives were one of the first literary expressions popularized during colonial times.
But Ms. Khashoggi’s privileged access to Saudi society apparently offers no particular insight. Mirage is one more sensationalist story, pandering to every stereotype imaginable about Arabs - and about Americans, as well.
There is nothing uniquely interesting to the story of a young woman in a wealthy but fundamentalist culture running away to freedom in the West. The sensationalist point of view, the simplistic paint-by-numbers plot... In the end it’s nothing more than a mediocre script for a late-night teleplay. Take a bit of Danielle Steele, the usual US soap opera clichés, snapshots from tabloid press society pages, a bit of the Khashoggi family mystique, a smattering of pop psychology from Cosmopolitan magazine and self-help books for women, and there you have it.
But Ms. Khashoggi’s privileged access to Saudi society apparently offers no particular insight. Mirage is one more sensationalist story, pandering to every stereotype imaginable about Arabs - and about Americans, as well.
There is nothing uniquely interesting to the story of a young woman in a wealthy but fundamentalist culture running away to freedom in the West. The sensationalist point of view, the simplistic paint-by-numbers plot... In the end it’s nothing more than a mediocre script for a late-night teleplay. Take a bit of Danielle Steele, the usual US soap opera clichés, snapshots from tabloid press society pages, a bit of the Khashoggi family mystique, a smattering of pop psychology from Cosmopolitan magazine and self-help books for women, and there you have it.
January 16, 2008
I enjoyed the fast-moving plot and culture study, but not the writing style. I think that Khashoggi uses overdramatic and cliche language in nondramatic places, which dilutes the parts of her story that should be dramatic.
The end of the book, too, was just kind of weird. Her writing style - which had been very descriptive, focused on setting the scene, etc changed to suddenly be so plot-driven that it felt like she was just trying to tie up the pieces as fast as possible (though with some predictable flair-filled showdowns).
Ultimately, I ended up enjoying this book not for its writing quality, but rather as a primary document of culture study in which I found it more interesting to analyze Khashoggi's biases and preoccupations than those of the characters.
The end of the book, too, was just kind of weird. Her writing style - which had been very descriptive, focused on setting the scene, etc changed to suddenly be so plot-driven that it felt like she was just trying to tie up the pieces as fast as possible (though with some predictable flair-filled showdowns).
Ultimately, I ended up enjoying this book not for its writing quality, but rather as a primary document of culture study in which I found it more interesting to analyze Khashoggi's biases and preoccupations than those of the characters.
September 19, 2007
Awesome. I really loved this book for its beautiful writing, amazing story, and real look into what life is like in some non-Western cultures.
The glimpses of life in the Middle East are priceless because they really make you think. I loved this book and will be following it up immediately with another of her works.
Verdict: A+
The glimpses of life in the Middle East are priceless because they really make you think. I loved this book and will be following it up immediately with another of her works.
Verdict: A+
August 6, 2010
Awesome story about life in the closed society of the med-east. Shows the great contrast between rich and poor, men and women as well as the USA and the mid-east. I could not put it down! I would love to read more by this author.
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April 22, 2013I read the Reader's Digest Condensed Books (Edited) version of this book years ago and really liked it back at the time.
October 2, 2012
Terrific book!!
March 1, 2013
I can relate to the character Amira. It is difficult to be in a world which only bows down to men, no matter what is the religious or tradition background .
February 23, 2013
I couldn't put it down! Very enjoyable.
March 8, 2017
Loved it!!! Definitely recommend this
March 23, 2024
A book that means well but fades away toward the end. It was interesting, definitely, but overly long and complex, and doesn't really flesh out the very real trauma of abusive relationships.
The ending was quite scripted and really undid most of the work until that point. I can't say it was a bad read, and that's just my personal opinion anyway, but it just became a tedious read.
The ending was quite scripted and really undid most of the work until that point. I can't say it was a bad read, and that's just my personal opinion anyway, but it just became a tedious read.
February 4, 2013
My mum's obsessed with what I can the weepy women sagas. She absolutely adores stories about women who battle all the odds to survive in devastating conditions. So when I run out of books to read while I'm visiting, I usually end up with one of these books and this one is no different.
Basically the tale of a super-privileged (think French fashion houses staging shows at her house for her to select her trousseau) Saudi Arabian woman who marries an abusive man and is forced to go on the run to protect herself and her son.
As would be expected with a book of this nature, most of it focuses on the relationship Amira has with the men who terrify her (prime among whom is her husband). Personally, I would have been far more interested in reading about the men who also battled their own odds to become men she could trust and speak to honestly (like her brother). But that's probably just the eternal optimist in me, which reiterates how far out of the target audience I am for a book like this.
Basically the tale of a super-privileged (think French fashion houses staging shows at her house for her to select her trousseau) Saudi Arabian woman who marries an abusive man and is forced to go on the run to protect herself and her son.
As would be expected with a book of this nature, most of it focuses on the relationship Amira has with the men who terrify her (prime among whom is her husband). Personally, I would have been far more interested in reading about the men who also battled their own odds to become men she could trust and speak to honestly (like her brother). But that's probably just the eternal optimist in me, which reiterates how far out of the target audience I am for a book like this.
July 26, 2014
OK, this is just another dame in distress story. I found quite difficult to continue my reading at various stages of the book. Since I had bought this book, I was determined to complete reading it. I had never read a story set in Arabia before and that was a novelty for me. However, that enthusiasm lasted only a short while. The personal space of a upper class woman was not that interesting for me, in whatever setting.
However, half way down the line once the heroine decided to flee, the story began to appear interesting. There was some element of suspense in how she was managing to evade her followers. And this continues until the end and hence I could complete it. Not as bad as I thought in the beginning.
However, half way down the line once the heroine decided to flee, the story began to appear interesting. There was some element of suspense in how she was managing to evade her followers. And this continues until the end and hence I could complete it. Not as bad as I thought in the beginning.
August 15, 2011
This is another one I actually read in Dutch. I liked this book. This was a different kind of book on the subject of forced marriages. While most of the others I've read focus on girls who were brought into this life from the outside world, Amira was actually born into it. Hmm... I'm starting to worry about the amount of books I've read on this subject. I guess I just like them, in spite of the horror of actually having to live a life like that. They make good stories and make me grateful for the life I have.
March 14, 2012
Though this bookw as fictional it could have easily been a true story. I had to keep reminding myself it wasn't through the whole book. The book starts with a girl reacing marrying age in the middle east and ends up marrying a prince who is gay and abuses her. She eventualy escapes to the United States where she creates a new identity for herself. This is actually how the story begins and the end brings you back to the same place. The kindle issue is poorly transcribed which was annoying so I would suggest reading this one in print.
March 18, 2013
It was different to read how countless money isn't the only thing one need to be happy. There are many who can trade anything for freedom, yet those of us who have freedom, we only chase money instead of cherishing beauty of life.
But yea few things about Muslims were very exaggerated including the fact that only girl suffers for committing sin, not guys. It's not true. Islam is strict in laws but it is equal.
But yea few things about Muslims were very exaggerated including the fact that only girl suffers for committing sin, not guys. It's not true. Islam is strict in laws but it is equal.
October 10, 2014
It was a pretty good book. It wasn't perfect, but it was fast-paced, thrilling, and a good story overall. There were some problematic things in the book, but I think it was mostly due to the point of view of the main character and not so much how things actually were. One thing that irritated me was that every man the main character got involved with was well-known, rich, and such. For some reason, I doubt she'd have that much luck! The ending surprised me, but it seemed sort of quick.
June 9, 2007
Story of a middle eastern girl, growing up, entering an arranged marriage to this prince, who would not be my fairytale prince, and turned out not be be hers either. I've read other books by this author, and I enjoy her writing, I feel like the characters are very relatable, even though their situations are not (thank goodness!).
September 9, 2009
This is the book that I would call my #1 most favorite book. I owe alot to this book....It was the book that sucked me in and got me reading again after many years of hibernation from reading. Now I can call myself an avid reader because of Stephanie who recommended this book. Thanks Stephanie...I dedicate all my book shelves to you!
May 27, 2015
About 2/3 of this novel was closer to 4 stars, but the last portion degraded the rating considerably. Perhaps this style of writing is enjoyable when it centers on places and cultures I'm not familiar with, but when the subject is closer to home it seems shallow and cliched, like a mass market paperback picked up at the grocery store.
April 9, 2008
Really great story (fictional but based on real life stories) of a Saudi woman who escapes horrible experiences and an abusive husband to raise her son in the US. I couldn't put it down and it really has you rooting for her.
July 16, 2008
An eye opener regarding the treatment of women in the Middle East. An interesting and intriguing peek into one woman's attempt to be free of the controlling and abusive practices that middle eastern women are expected to accept as normal parts of life.
August 23, 2008
This was also about women in the middle east and also very disturbing. Again grateful to live in America. I really liked this but the ending left me feeling very anxious. Wish she would have ended things on a better note.
July 26, 2012
I have read very few books involving Middle Eastern culture so I liked reading about it. The book kept me interested and I enjoyed it. The ending was not was I expected and I did not like it but still enjoyed the book.
February 8, 2013
I'm slightly surprised I like this book as well as I did. A fellow commuter recommended it. This reads sort of like a Danielle Steel. The first few parts of the book are confusing because the timeline flips forward and backward.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews