On My Nightstand - Princess

Princess – By Jean Sasson

On the back cover:
Recently named as one of the best 500 books written by women since the year 1300, Princess has been called “riveting” and “heart-wrenching.” Most importantly, this New York Times bestseller galvanized human rights activity all over the world. The book sold over 4 million copies worldwide and struck a chord with women of every age and nationality. Many educators are listing Princess as required reading for their literature classes.

Jean Sasson spent twelve years in Saudi Arabia observing first-hand the hardships faced by women in the country. In Princess, Jean Sasson vividly depicts the harsh restrictions endured by Saudi women. Telling the true story of “Sultana,” a pseudonym that protects the identity of a modern-day princess in the royal family of Saudi Arabi, the author describes a disproportionate society where men have all the power.

“Sultana” whose real name cannot be used for fear of death for revealing these secrets to the world, asked the author to tell her story. Together, Jean Sasson and Princess Sultana have lifted the black veil of secrecy that hides women in the fabulously wealthy land where thirteen-year-old girls are married against their will to men five times their age; where young women are stones to death for a mere indiscretion; where women cannot travel without their husband’s permission; where men rule as gods.

Princess is a testimony to a woman of indomitable spirit and great courage. You have never read a story like the story of Sultana; you will never forget her or her Muslim sisters.

My thoughts:
This is a book club book, and I have to be honest, I was not eager to read this book. First it is non-fiction – I don’t read non-fiction, and second – it is about a culture I know nothing about and does not really interest me.

Wow, was I wrong. This is a phenomenal book. I loved it. It opened my eyes to a country, culture and people I know nothing about but really loved learning about.

Jean Sasson does an exceptional job at telling Sultana’s story. It is shocking and scary to know women are treated this way even today.

My rating: 5 out of 5.