- Number Of Pages: 304 Pages
- Genre Of Book: Autobiography
- Published On: 1992
- Awards: 500 Great Books by Women on Googlereads
“Tradition is a chain that binds us. Yet, it is a chain we must break to truly live.”
“Even in the darkest corners of oppression, hope is the light that keeps us alive.”
“A society that values its women thrives; a society that oppresses them withers.”
“True love is born from respect and equality, not power and control.”
This is the 2nd book ,I read from the author Jean Sasson. The first one was “Growing up Bin Laden” where I just finished 18 hrs. of reading over weekend and that too when it wasn’t even a fictional book. That’s how beautiful and fluid her writing is. Her storytelling grips you so tightly that you can’t set the book down until you’ve turned the final page.
The story in Princess: The True Story of Life Behind the Veil in Saudi Arabia didn’t surprise me, as I have heard about some of the deep rooted issues present in these patriarchal Arab societies and how the male power dynamics is justified under religious pretext. So-called “head of the families,” the men in these societies put themselves in the position of authority, and in the name of protecting their wives, daughters, and granddaughters, they take control of their small and big, good and bad, fortunate and unfortunate decisions of their whole lives. They think that women are born to serve and pleasure the male and produce his children.And the embarrassing part of it is they have tweaked the essence of religion in a way that it only and only benefits them.
The story is narrated through the eyes of Princess Sultana, a member of the Saudi royal family.The book broadly uncovers experiences of Princess Sultana from her childhood to adulthood.Sultana introduces her life as a member of the Saudi royal family, where wealth and luxury coexist with oppressive restrictions on women.She talks about the gender inequality experiences , her own father’s favoritism towards her brother.She speaks about tragedy of her close friend, Nura who falls in love with a man her family disapproves of.When their love is discovered, Nura faces harsh punishment, symbolizing the danger of defying societal norms.She shares the impact of her father’s multiple marriages on her family, particularly the pain it causes her mother.The book underscores the emotional and psychological effects of polygamy on women.Sultana describes her own arranged marriage to Kareem, a wealthy and influential man.While initially kind, Kareem begins to assert his dominance, leading to a strained relationship.
What sets Sultana apart is her defiance. Unlike many women in her position, she consistently fought back—against her father, brother, husband, and even her in-laws—demanding the respect and attention she deserved.These women are so rich and royal, but the poverty of freedom has shackled them in the big, heavy chains. Some of the events were so intense and disturbing that they literally break your heart into pieces.
The silver lining was that Princess Sultana, her elder sister Sara, and her mother stood up and fought against the men they loved, men they detested, in leaving a legacy of shame in their treatment of women.The book is definitely an inspiring reminder of the resilience and determination needed to break the chains of oppression.
Throughout the book, it shows that Sultana is increasingly vocal about the need for change in Saudi Arabia, risking her position and safety.The book ends with Sultana expressing hope for the next generation of Saudi women.
#booklover ❤️❤️
Jean Sasson is an American author and journalist known for her works that shed light on the lives of women in the Middle East, particularly in Saudi Arabia. Born on January 21, 1951, in Easton, Pennsylvania, Sasson has spent considerable time in the Middle East, which has profoundly influenced her writing.
Her most notable work, “Princess: A True Story of Life Behind the Veil in Saudi Arabia,” was published in 1992 and is based on the life of a Saudi princess, Sultana, whom she befriended. The book gained international attention for its candid depiction of the challenges and restrictions faced by women in Saudi society.
Sasson has authored several other books, including “Daughters of Arabia,” “The Rape of Kuwait,” and “Growing Up Bin Laden,” among others. Her writings often focus on themes of women’s rights, cultural practices, and the complexities of life in conservative societies.
In addition to her writing, Sasson is a public speaker and advocate for women’s rights, using her platform to raise awareness about the struggles faced by women in the Arab world. Her work has been translated into multiple languages and has contributed to a broader understanding of Middle Eastern cultures and issues.
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