Princess Sultana's Circle (Princess Trilogy)

Princess Sultana's Circle (Princess Trilogy)
by Jean Sasson

Princess Sultana's Circle (Princess Trilogy)
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Book Summary Information

Author: Jean Sasson
Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2002-05-01
ISBN: 0967673763
Number of pages: 265
Publisher: Windsor-Brooke Books, LLC
Product features:
  • ISBN13: 9780967673769
  • Condition: New
  • Notes: BRAND NEW FROM PUBLISHER! 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Tracking provided on most orders. Buy with Confidence! Millions of books sold!

Book Reviews of Princess Sultana's Circle (Princess Trilogy)

Book Review: Fascinating tale
Summary: 5 Stars

Having read the previous 2 books, I enjoyed this one no less. The second book was pretty good, but this one was great because of Sultana's maturity and the ending of this book.

Now, I am well-aware of the plagiarism suit - and have read the article on it - and the detractors and their complaints, but these books already came with the disclaimer that some events had been altered, not just the names. Still, whether this Princess Sultana IS a real person is in the air and hotly debated, so I won't touch on that.

Some people say this book is bad because it offers a horrible view on Arab men. Now, think. In Saudi Arabia, where the line between men and women is clearly drawn, women and men cannot interact in a normal way like Americans, Europeans, and other countries are fortunate enough to have and enjoy. But not all men are bad - Sultana's husband despite his flaws is a decent guy, and so is her son. Still, even the nice guys have a hard time dealing with Sharia law, as they themselves are also punished and restricted by it (but of course, to a far lesser extent than women!)

Some people don't like it because of the horrible things - but newsflash! - these things DO happen, and not just in Saudi Arabia. Slavery, whether manual or sexual, still exist, and nobody should be surprised. Slavery even exists here in America with citizens importing illegal aliens with either threats or deception to keep them in their houses to clean, cook, and what not, even sex. And if that is happening here, in AMERICA - the land of the free, where our founding fathers declared we had the right to life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness - why should anyone be surprised it happens in other countries, especially one with such strict - and backward - laws as the Middle East?

Another complaint from detractors is the description of some things, like the weddings. Now, remember, the al-Sauds are one of the wealthiest families in the world. I found Sultana's description of things like her jewelry, home, gardens and what not - to be fascinating even if I did feel a bit envious (hard not to) but rich Americans put on ostentatious displays of wealth as well, so again, it's not surprising.

Now as to Ms. Sasson's claim to have met and knowing this Princess... well, I don't find it as far-fetched as the detractors. The place where she worked, the King Faisal Hospital, is the largest in the Middle East and hires plenty of foreigners as staff, and is the place where many royals - including other princesses - go to (and die, sometimes), so it's not hard to imagine that they met when Sultana was there for herself, her kids, or just visiting one of her relatives.

I am no expert of the Middle East or Islam nor do I claim to be, but I have done some studying and reading of the al-Saud clan and other things touched on in this book to give me a better understanding of its content. In short, I really enjoyed this book and the trilogy itself as well, as well as what I learned in my additional reading/research. The short appendix and information on Saudi Arabia in the back of this book makes for great trivia.

I hope there will be a fourth book, as the ending of this third book offers great promise for another exciting installment to this tale. With Sultana's maturity and the revelations she has by the end of this book, as well as the actions she takes and will take, I would love to see another story as Sultana develops her Circle further.

Summary of Princess Sultana's Circle (Princess Trilogy)

With Princess Sultana's Circle, the extraordinary story of Princess Sultana continues. The forced marriage of Sultana's niece to a cruel and depraved older man, and Sultana's discovery of the harem of sex slaves kept by a royal cousin, makes this brave royal princess more determined than ever to fight the oppression of women in Saudi Arabia. Princess Sultana's cause is given an extra sense of urgency against the background of increased dissent against the Al Sa'uds, and the looming spectre of Islamic fundamentalism. But an extended family "camping trip" in the desert brings the luxury-loving Sultana and relatives closer to their nomadic roots, and gives her the strength to carry on the fight for women's rights in all Muslim countries.This book paints a horrifying reality for women of the desert kingdom. It is a haunting look at the danger of Saudi male dominance and the desperate lives of the women they rule.

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