Historias secretas de mujeres de Arabia

by Hend Al Qassemi

Historias secretas de mujeres de Arabia pone sobre la mesa cuentos basados en las vidas reales de princesas y plebeyas, de sultanas y magas del golfo arábigo actual. Como una Scherezade del siglo XXI, Hend Al Qassemi presenta doce fascinantes historias de amor, envidia, traición y heroísmo.

Genres: Nonfiction, Short Stories, Asia

277 pages, Paperback

First published August 13, 2015

Reviews

[Alya AlShaibani · Rating 1 out of 5]

3 pages in and I realized this either wasn't edited or was by a spider monkey. The author's writing style is actually pretty good, and has potential, but unfortunately the whole book was petty. There's no point to this book, really. It's just another horrible jab at the cliche Arab stereotype. This, along with Desperate in Dubai and Girls of Riyadh, should've stayed online rather than plague bookstores.

[Alyazia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my god this novel just changed my perspective over stories in the Middle East about their lives and how they lived. It's a novel with many short stories that I got hooked on the first page when I read it love the way the author wrote! I came across it in a local bookstore in the best seller shelf and picked it up!! It's tempting with every short stories you want to read the next one!!

Talks about marriage, betrayal and also romance it's also moving and funny!! As it's said Who said Arab women are weak very true!! It shows that that we should learn from our mistakes we ever we go so i would say I truly recommend it for anyone!!

[Dana Al-Basha | دانة الباشا]

When I bought the book I had no idea who the author was, and my ignorance remained the same until I opened it yesterday only to discover that the author is actually a royal princess! I mean, how interesting!



This book consists of 12 short stories:

1- Yours Truly ★★★★☆
This one was a surprise, it was deep, weird and quite frankly so sad. It's the story of a woman who creates a fake identity online to see if her husband is cheating, only for him to fall out of love with her and fall in love with the girl she created!

2- The Princess and the Pauper
3- I Will Never Leave You
4- The Apple of My Eye
5- The Grass on the Other Side
6- I Sold My Kidney for Love
7- Voodoo in New York
8- Raped for a Living
9- Sleeping with the Nanny
10- Crazy for You
11- From Riches to Rags
12- Bleeding Freedom

[Ale Sandoval Tress · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nos presenta historias que podrían en algunos casos perfectamente tener lugar en otro lugar del mundo, lamentablemente la mujer es vulnerable por el mero hecho de serlo, en todo el mundo.
Amor, superstición, abuso, engaño, mujeres que quieren salir solas adelante, mujeres que buscan en el hombre el vehículo para salir....

[Maria Sylvia Velázquez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Este libro bien podría llamarse, Historias secretas de mujeres, porque los sentimientos y emociones, experiencias, historias de lucha, de superación y crecimiento, son las mismas que enfrentan (enfrentamos) a diario las mujeres de todo el mundo, y como se ha dicho antes: “La realidad superará por siempre a cualquier ficción”.
Sorpresa, enterarme que la autora protagonizara una de las historias.

[Sana · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Good: Engaging writing style with 2-3 memorable stories and instances + one message which lay within the subtext and wasn't highlighted at all - you're never too old to turn your life around.

The Bad: Everything else.

With a tag line reading "Who said Arab women are weak?" we are taken through a collection of short stories showing just that, albeit in a backwards way.

In practically every story, there is a woman who is happy, who has aspirations. She is then faulted and falls apart - usually at the hands of a spiteful Arab woman (here lies the irony) - and then rises above, thus depicting her strength.

It's a good plot line, were it not repeated in almost every story, rendering it stale.

And each story almost always consists of an Arab man doing some wrong, even if he was "pure" in the beginning.

Not very fair if you ask me because now you're attaching a negative connotation to Arab men; don't pull someone up by pulling someone else down.

There is one particular story which caught my eye, titled "Raped for a Living" which really set my teeth on edge because I know that human trafficking is a harsh truth in life and not one which should be ignored. According to that tale, it took place in Dubai.

Makes me wonder how many times I've driven or walked by a place without knowing that something so horrendous could be taking place inside. And for that reason, this is a tale that I will remember.

So one or two of the stories had great potential to become something inspiring, because it briefly dived into the struggles that are present within the Middle Eastern region but those bits were glossed over and replaced with marriage and petty issues, which supposedly makes for better reading.

All in all, the collection of 'true' stories were well written but lack the depth and character to make them memorable.

[Reem is reading · Rating 3 out of 5]

I came across this book by pure coincidence, the graphic designer who designed the cover contacted me to use one of my photos as a cover, then she changed her mind, but the name of the book was stuck with me. nearly a year later I came across the book in a store and decided to get it.

right from the start the writer addressed few topics that middle eastern women are obsessed with, Black magic, Moroccan husband thieves, Evil eye and more. As an Arab Muslim woman I was familiar with 90% of the stories, I even heard some of them before so it wasn't a surprise to read at the very last page that the stories are true and the women in the stories contacted the writer for the book.
my thoughts on this book is it's filled with stereotypes and the writer didn't take this chance to change them but she decided to feed them, Moroccan women were shown as evil house thieves and witches, Emarati women were shown as rich, educated, sophisticated and almost "too good to be true". this book is nice if you have a lot of time in your hands and want to read something light and quick.
I gave it three stars because I believe that it's good, sure the stereotypes bothered me but still they are a part of the culture and every Arab woman can not deny that!

for more book reviews check my blog http://reemwrites.blogspot.com/

[Chuck Knudsen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I only finished about half of the stories but I'm counting this as read.

It's frustrating. The stories she tells are fairly interesting, but they are told in a very matter-of-fact manner that is simplistic and mediocre. It reads a bit like it was lazily translated from another language.

This is somewhat complicated by the afterward, which thanks women for sharing the true stories that it is based on. If they are true stories, the style would make some sense. However, they are classified as fiction, so there is no reason not to make them more readable.

[Khalid Alqassimi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful collection of true stories of women in the Arab world, really gets you thinking. Easy to read, easy to love.

[Lamya · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disappointing, but nonetheless entertaining.

[Mo AIf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much for your tireless efforts. I wonder your journey is often difficult and I truly want to thank you for all the labor, time and hardship that goes into your deeply valuable work...

Thanks You so much, a great message. insightful, well research book....

[Maneesha Pramod · Rating 2 out of 5]

Like a (more boring) version of Sex and the City set in the Middle East.

[Вікторія Слінявчук · Rating 4 out of 5]

Что интересно, рассказы основаны на реальных событиях, только имена изменены! Это написано в послесловии. И вот тут я удивилась - я-то читала как художественные произведения, а писательница утверждает, что истории правдивые. Хотя некоторые выглядят совершенно невероятно, однако, в жизни случаются такие вещи, что нарочно не придумаешь.
"Yours Truly". Сара, молодая замужняя женщина, мать троих детей, начинает сомневаться в верности своего мужа. Она считает, что стала непривлекательной после родов, что ее муж может начать интересоваться другими женщинами. И она решает его испытать. Привлекать для этого третьих лиц ей кажется опасным, и она решает сама стать "другой женщиной" - заводит аккаунты в соцсетях и начинает соблазнять собственного супруга.
"The Princess and the Pauper". Две подруги - "принцесса" и "нищенка". Шейха начинает покровительствовать Лулу, селит ее у себя дома и относится как к сестре. Но Лулу завидует подруге - та и красивее, и богаче, и с семьей ей больше повезло...
"I Will Never Leave You". Девушку преследует и шантажирует бывший жених.
"The Apple of My Eye". Счастливая невеста внезапно теряет зрение на собственной свадьбе, причина непонятна. Жутковатая, почти мистическая история.
"The Grass on the Other Side". 42-летний Саад решает тайно от своей жены, Худы, завести вторую жену. Оказывается, что у второй жены тоже есть свои тайны.
"I Sold My Kidney for Love". Собственно, в названии всё сказано. Девушка продает почку ради любимого. И зря она это делает.
"Voodoo in New York". Мариам переезжает в Нью-Йорк вместе с мужем - он там учится. Ей там одиноко и морально тяжело, единственная подруга, которую ей удалось найти - Маха, тоже замужняя женщина из арабской страны. В общем, это оказалась совсем плохая компания...
"Raped for a Living". Кошмарная история о проституции. Виолета приезжает с Филиппин, чтобы работать в гостиничном бизнесе, но попадает в бордель. Женщин накачивают наркотиками и держат взаперти.
"Sleeping with the Nanny". Жена обнаруживает, что у ее мужа роман со служанкой-филиппинкой, которая когда-то была его няней.
"Crazy for You". Героиня узнает, что ее муж, с которым они прожили много лет и вырастили детей, собирается взять вторую жену. И она не собирается с этим мириться.
"From Riches to Rags". Пара ближневосточных иммигрантов, живущая в Нью-Йорке, разводится. Суд передает опеку над дочерью отцу, преуспевающему дантисту. Но мать похищает девочку и увозит в Египет. Жуть сплошная(((
"Bleeding Freedom". Джамиля участвовала в борьбе за независимость Алжира и даже попала за это в тюрьму. А потом семья просто взяла и выдала ее замуж за незнакомого мужчину...
У меня сложилось впечатление, что Аль Кассеми призывает женщин проявлять здоровый эгоизм - не ставить чужие интересы выше своих, не доверять чрезмерно ни мужьям, ни женихам, ни подругам.

[Julıa Nikolaeva · Rating 1 out of 5]

This the worst book I have ever read, really. Obviously the writer has no any talent in writing and any logic also, but the only one thing is good: if you want to understand way of thinking d*mb reach Arabic women then it’s a thing. Explain many thing I saw in Gulf. For example why most Arabs alway order to many things in restaurant and then leave 70% untouched)) due to the book girls from good families must eat only little and always leave much on the plate, even if this is haram (sin) in Islam ) also from the logic of the book if girl Is from reach family then she’s nice and smart, but if from poor then she’s stupid and jealous 🤣🤣🤣you can not even imagine how many weird things this book shows as something normal. I just feel really sorry for all good Arabic women, because this book describes them as the most primitive creatures, who’s all thoughts are about shopping and brands only. Walla this book is a shame of Arabia, shame to the author who can buy all editing house, but can’t buy enough logic and intelligence.

[Gillianne Y · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Black Book of Arabia is a an easy read. It is a compilation of short stories that convey the lives of the people in the Middle East. It is very interesting to read because some stories might seem unusual to some people. Also, I love how the author was able to present each stories in a manner that will make the reader crave for more because of the mystery and truthfulness of each story. It will tickle your curiosity and would not stop until you are done reading the book. I recommend this book to readers who don't usually read these kinds of books, it's a great experience. I truly enjoyed reading this book.

[Hano-Chan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, I bought this book because I liked the cover, naturally. But the stories included made it impossible to finish reading because they are so annoying! Don't know if they're real or close to real stories of people.

From the parts I read, I understood that it talks about stupid, naive, selfish women capable of great harm, hence "The Black Book"! Nothing to be proud of. It's Feminism at its worst.

While some might find it interesting, I do not recommend it to anybody.

[Kai Veispak · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is actually fantastic! Maybe not so much for people with Arab background, but for an outside reader it is a wonderful antropological digest of modern Arab living. I recommend it to everyone interested in women's lives all over the world. I would make that book a compulsory easy reading for introductory university courses in women's studies and in Middle Eastern civilizations.

[Bradley Steffens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating from start to finish, this little book is a roller-coaster ride through the private lives of women and men in the GCC, replete with unexpected turns, sudden drops, and riveting climbs out of the depths of despair.

[Tasbih Alsaeed · Rating 5 out of 5]

A pleasant surprise. The book very much reflects the Arabic culture with its beauty and flaws, and weaves magical and shocking tales of women who have shown extraordinary strength and even foolishness to get what they want. It's worth pointing out that the stories are all based on true events.

[Eila Isotalus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stories that I read with curiosity, wondering, interested and with sorrow when I was spending some months in Arab Emirates. It let me to take a look to the side of the society that was not otherwise possible.

[Suha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finsihed the book on the same day! It was really enjoyable! It includes 11 short easy stories but once you pick the book up you can't put down! I was really surprised how the stories were based on true stories.

[Winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

It' about women in Arab world. How strong they are. And How can they face the difficulties in more than one way. I really liked it. I even shared it in one of my Literature Prof. in My University.

[The Contented · Rating 1 out of 5]

Uhm, oh dear. Even an orientalist couldn't make this up.

[Paras · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!

[Sultan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Writing is easy and thrilling.. in general I recommend it

[Jamila Al F · Rating 5 out of 5]

Living in the UAE, I can truly see this stories unveiling

[Karen Flaming H0t · Rating 3 out of 5]

Es un libro del cual tenía muchas expectativas, imaginaba algo más emocionante. Las historias que cuentan son impactantes y tristes, pero no me hizo sentor nada más.

[Chic Chic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it! Once you start reading you wouldn’t want to stop. Gives you a glimpse of Arab women lives. 👍🏻👍🏻

[Mariel Valdez Bastidas · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I liked mostly about the book: Some of the stories were actually inspiring for me. Women who really took the decision to look after themselves and not to continue depending on men, even when society tells you to do so.
I also like that it actually reflects many of the things of the Middle East lifestyle. I live in Dubai and can see how it is very true that many Arab women care a lot about their physical image (including race, skin color, being slim/fat) and how open they are about plastic surgery. I am not a person who is in favor nor against plastic surgery, and I am actually not comfortable talking about topics like race, skin color and so on, but I can see the honesty in the writing of the author by putting this in written.
What I didn’t like is that some of the stories were a bit lame. Here is my score per story context (I read it in Spanish):
1. Con cariño: ***
2. La princesa y la mendiga: ****
3. Jamás te dejaré: **
4. La niña de mis ojos: *
5. El pasto del otro jardín: *****
6. Vendí mi riñón por amor: **
7. Vudú en Nueva York: **
8. Violada para ganarse la vida: *****
9. Durmiendo con la niñera: ****
10. Loca por ti: **
11. El paraíso perdido: ****
12. Libertad sangrante: ****

[Nadia Warrayat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m simply in love with this book and its author! The Black Book of Arabia had an effect on me that I rarely experience when reading a novel, I was actually sad when I had to put the book down in the end. The author was able to captivate me through her easy to follow, relatable, and poetic writing style of stories that will keep you in suspense and constantly engaged. Moreover, her selection of true narratives that very limited people have access to (which makes sense since the author is a princess from a royal family) made the novel all the more intriguing and interesting to read…You will find yourself drifting from your state and living each chapter as if you were one of the characters in that book. I highly recommend this book for anyone that struggles to find a book that ignites their imagination in a visual journey over a roller coaster ride of emotions.