Shifting Sands

by T.L. McCown

In her revealing memoir, the author shares insights into the Saudi Arabian culture which were previously hidden to the Western world. She was taken into the inner circle of the royal family and now has chronicled her 10 years of living with a princess.

384 pages, Paperback

First published October 24, 2003

Reviews

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Shifting Sands: Life in Arabia with a Saudi Princess, the author recalls her experiences while living in Saudi Arabia. The author and her husband are Christian Americans but had always wanted to experience life in Saudi Arabia. With the Gulf War looming, it seemed as though the couple would never realize their dream. Nonetheless, in March 1991, the couple began their adventure that lasted ten years.

Initially, the author experienced horrible culture shock: living in a country where she did not speak the language, where she had no friends, where she had nothing to do all day, where there were stringent rules for women, and where her religious beliefs were illegal. At first, the author was completely overwhelmed and miserable. However, slowly she adjusted and eventually thrived in her new surroundings. She made some deep friendships, got a job that she adored, and had some truly amazing experiences that few individuals are privileged to experience.

Shifting Sands: Life in Arabia with a Saudi Princess is a touching story that illustrates that despite our cultural differences we all treasure the same things: family, friends, and a sense of worth. Moreover, the author gives us a glimpse into a world that few Westerners could even imagine let alone experience. Her story leaves the reader with new understanding and perhaps even a deeper respect for those of other cultures and beliefs. This is an important message, especially in these troubled times, when we tend to lump all Muslims together as terrorists and religious fanatics.

[catherine · Rating 1 out of 5]

If, like me, you are female and your partner is planning to move to Saudi and are looking to read about a personal experience of living there in the hope of answering your many questions - this book is not for you.

The first couple of chapters are not too bad, if you know nothing about the country, you are non-muslim and are going to live in a compound, it could be useful as an initial brief reader.

However after that point it just falls down-hill; the writer (by no means is she qualified to be an author) pads out her mundane book by commenting on an e-mailed list of "You know you've lived in Saudi for too long when..."

Further more - my all-time favourite criticism - is that the number of careless grammatical mistakes increase throughout the book, as do the inconsistencies of the transliterations of Arabic words (for example, عباءة could will be spelt "abaya" for half of the book, and then suddenly changes to "abayah"). Although this example might be petty, it really brings down what little professionalism the writer could have had - especially since she was working there as an English tutor!

Furthermore, the story isn't even complete!!! You have to look for the sequal, but I really am not going to waste my time or money, and I don't recommend you do so either.

It's a swizz; the Arabic on the front cover made it look as though the content would be better than other accounts of living in Saudi.

I am still on the look out for accounts of women living in Saudi, preferably written by muslim women from the UK, and would welcome any recommendations.

[Carolyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a story of Steve Donahue's travel from France over the Sahara Desert. He uses his journey as an allegory for life. I liked his premise that the journey of our lives is more like crossing a desert than climbing a mountain. He gives 6 rules of desert travel that he maintains will help you cross your personal deserts -1. Follow a Compass not a Map, 2. Stop at Every Oasis, 3. When you're stuck, Deflate, 4. Travel Alone Together, 5. Step away from your Campfire and 6. Don't Stop at False Borders.

I liked the book - Now I know how the story ends, I need to go back and think about the points he raised to see if they really could be points to consider in navigating my own life's journey.

[Samantha Davenport · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting but painfully in need of editing. The narrative could have been pruned considerably while things like "boddess" of a dress and "in a comma" were as jarring as all Arabic being both bolded -and- italicized. I was also troubled because we know from the opening pages that the friendship which is the backbone of the book ended sadly but must buy the sequel to find out how.

[Kirin · Rating 2 out of 5]

maybe a two in a half, the story was good, even if it ended abruptly but the writing left MUCH to be desired, i think a good editor could have helped, but i finished it in two days, so i suppose it wasn't absolutely horrible.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a very informative and interesting book. I really enjoyed reading it. I think it is a book that many people should read to have a better understanding of the Muslin Culture.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this read and would recommend.

[Maryann Korzeniewski · Rating 5 out of 5]

True story about a lady who lived in Arabia and worked for a Saudi Princess! Tells what life was like in Arabia! Fascinating read!