Princess Sultana's Daughters
by Jean Sasson
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Book Reviews of Princess Sultana's Daughters
Book Review: Not as good as the first book..
Summary: 4 Stars
I enjoyed the first book from Jean Sasson titled 'Princess' that detailed the childhood and adulthood of Princess Sultana in Saudi Arabia. Sasson's second book 'Princess Sultana's Daughters' while still an interesting and quick read, was not as impressive but if the reader is wanting to know more about the shameful treatment of women in Islamic culture and/or enjoys reading about life in the Kingdom's royal family, then this book is for you.
The endless and inordinate wealth from oil production has led to the spoiling and pampering of the Saudi Arabian elite . To hear Sultana describe so casually the uncontrolled spending and outrageous lifestyle of her family was almost sickening (and not from a jealousy standpoint!) Imagine multiple private jets for each family; huge palaces all over the world with silly features like solid silver doorknobs and silver coated stairways. Or how about having multiple servants at your beck and call who are treated and viewed as slaves. Imagine having a million dollars cash kept in the house for "just-in-case money" and each family members room safe for all their jewels (small children included!) It is just too much to take in one sitting.
You will be amazed at the arrogant and condescending attitudes and the sense of entitlement felt by members of the royal family-people who have contributed absolutely nothing positive to society but merely born into wealth.
Alas, even with all that money, one must never forget that Saudi Arabia is home to Islam and adheres to the strict interpretation of the Koran and Shari'a Law. Human rights for women, including the royal women, are non-existent. This book explains just a few of the ways women are not treated equally, for example: women must cover entirely; never be without a male family member; cannot travel without written permission and then only with an escort; cannot drive; cannot choose their marriage partner; can not divorce (but can easily be divorced); always at the mercy of the morals police who are constantly on the lookout with red spray paint and whips in hand to punish women for not being modest enough.
Throughout the book Sultana maintains Islam is NOT the cause of all the suffering and backwardness in her country. Even as she describes her fear of one daughters obsession with and literal application of Islam; or the death of a childhood friend, locked away as a young woman without any human contact for 15 yrs for allegdedly bringing "shame" on her family she asserts Islam is NOT the reason for the cruel oppressive treatment. The author defends her religion and puts the fault on Islamic men who interpret it incorrectly. It doesn't take much to see the irony of that statement. (see all other Middle Eastern countries!)
In no other culture/religion in the world do women suffer as much as Muslim women. I cannot agree with the political correct versions of Islam as peaceful and giving of equal rights, in fact it would be laughable if it weren't so sad.
Overall this was good book and should satisfy the readers curiousity of the wealthy lifestyle in Saudi Arabia.
Book Review: Daughters of Arabia
Summary: 5 Stars
Gender equality cannot be justified while the tradition of male dominance still exists in some countries in which "women [have] everything but freedom..." (Daily Mail) Males dominate and abuse women over aspects of their bodies and behavior, including their movements and language. However, when a woman begins to assert her rights, the response is harsh. Despite the consequences, Princess Sultana breaks from the chains of restrictions to reveal the tragic truth of how women are treated in Saudi Arabia. Women in Saudi Arabia are not allowed to stand up for themselves, nor choose their fate. Every woman in Saudi Arabia lives in a world of injustice. Similarly, Princess Sultana's daughters, Maha and Amani, live in a world encircled by wealth, luxury, and male cruelty. Witnessing male brutality in various forms had an impact on Maha's life. For instance, as Maha views her best mate's father using young virgins as sex slaves, her hatred towards men develops. Therefore Maha loses interest in men, and becomes a lesbian with her best mate. The modifications in her life had a vast impact on her, for she suffers from a breakdown and is admitted into a mental institute in England. Amani, Princess Sultana's younger daughter, becomes an extreme religious fanatic, as she wants to donate all her wealth to the poor, not knowing what poverty really is. In addition, Sultana encounters other obstacles in her life, such as trying to conceal her nephew's rape of an unconscious woman suffering from serious injuries in a local hospital. Sultana exposes the tragic stories of Saudi Arabia as she builds public awareness of the ugly truth. This novel depicts evidence of the heavy burden women still bear in Saudi Arabia and how inequality still prevails in societies. Women are expected to submit to men and defiance by women is translated as undermining male honor. How is it possible that such ancient brutality and ignorance is thriving in this the twenty-first century? This novel reveals the truth that women are still engulfed by discrimination. The most appealing factor of the novel was that a Princess broke the rigid rules of her country to reveal the truth of women behind veils. What engaged me most to this novel was a Princess' portrayed of a determined woman who voices her opinion, even though she doesn't have the freedom to. It shows that not all women are going to bear the heavy burden. I would strongly recommend this novel to people interested in women's human rights, and for those who would like to build awareness of the profound issue of human rights.
Book Review: Powerful Insight into Islamic Society
Summary: 5 Stars
I have read and enjoyed all 3 of the novels about Sultana and her family. Jean Sasson portrays a woman imprisoned by the men in her life and country, but equally imprisoned by her own passions. Because she is wealthy, Sultana has everything, and yet she has nothing. As a Moslem woman living in a primitive culture, Sultana must constantly worry that as she ages and loses her beauty, so may she also lose the attentions of her husband to a younger and fairer woman. As the wife of a Lutheran pastor and a Christian, her story makes me feel like a queen and the most blessed woman on earth. These books reveal much about Islam, that it is a religion of law which can bring out the worst in its followers. The character of Amani, Sultana's daughter, proves that when one commits whole-heartedly to the Moslem faith, the result is complete self-righteousness and produces a person who is harsh, judgmental and condemning.
I appreciate her honesty. Perhaps Sultana will one day see that any change in her countrymen must begin with a change in the hearts and minds of the Saudi Arabian people, and that no amount of Koranic law can train a man to be a kind, loving and faithful husband. Only the knowledge that sin is forgiven through Jesus Christ's sacrifice on the cross has the power to change the human heart and change people's lives.
These books should be read by every Christian as they serve as a warning against one of the greatest false religions the world has ever known. The life of Sultana and her family prove that no amount of keeping laws can calm the sin-sick soul. Only when we trust that Jesus paid the full penalty for sin and that because of His sacrifice, we are accepted by God, can we truly know peace and have lives with meaning and purpose. Only the Gospel of Jesus Christ has the power to free us from enslavement to sinful passions and behaviors. Christ died for all, including those who believe and practice the Moslem faith.
Excellent reading and a real eye opener. I look for more books about Sultana and her family in the future, and I will continue to pray for her and all the Moslem people in the world.
Book Review: Does Royalty Really Pay Off!!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
I was required to do a paper on this book for my government class. Well, I had other books to choose from, but I love to read about Royal families.This is a very well written book, but what the Saudi women go through is very sick. I must say that I admire Princess Sultana for standing up for what she feels is only fair treatment for women. This book also exposes all the secrets of how the women royalty get treated like doormats. I think it is high time that the Western world sees what really goes on across the globe.
Since when is it alright for a husband to have numerous affairs when the wife is required to wear a veil in public and not even associate with a man who is of no relation to her? They already have more than one wife as it is, then they are allowed mistresses and nobody says a thing about it. I give a lot of credit to Princess Sultana that she did not allow her husband, Kareem to take on another wife and she put an end to his affairs by threatening divorce. Princess Sultana sure kept Kareem in line.
Princess Sultana's oldest daughter Maha ended up rebelling in her own ways. Then her son Abdullah's friend escaped with a girl the family knew to be together. Now my friends, would such a step be nessary if there were no such restrictions as to who they are to marry or not to marry?
Here is a family of enormous wealth, but of very little happiness. I don't mean just problems with Princess Sultana's children, but of her brothers, sisters and relatives as well.
Princess Sultana clarifies that she strongly believes in the Koran and from her explanations in the book, it seems that her faith does not condone treating women like they are subhumans. As I stated in another review, and it is quoted in this book: Mohammed did not ever state that a girl born is less than a boy. In fact, Mohammed states that a girl born is just as much a gift as a boy born. I may not have the exact wording here.
This book makes for interesting as well as educational reading.
Book Review: okay is this princess not ture
Summary: 2 Stars
To be truthfull I haven't read the latest two books such as Princess Sultana's Daughters or Cirle,. I am just up to Desert Royal which is printed in 1999. After discovering these two books have been published, I am getting to believe that this Princess who I once highly spoke off in by work place (denieing her country origin) d society of all eastern and western women. My disbelief was caused because why is the this on theinternet so many people that shouldn't see can see or read it.How American can this be? Upsolutely to do with the dollars. I was so impressed with the latest novel Deset Royal. I felt much sorrow for these women that I wanted to get something started to help them in Australia as women in this country have been paying the penaltiy with just the refugees arriving. There have been 150 gang rapes in just oney of this country by Islamic men reported justone month. So I know how the menfolk operate. I thought these books were so true I was passing on the readings verbally to others for theoir educational knowledge. Now come on Jean Sasoon, why mention how much these women need help in your novels, how about giving us women some help of where to go to? Or who to write to? Who to demonstrate against? Is there a World Women's Society? If we choice to write how can we write using the Islamic faith, like Princess does to make men feel like hell? There is help needed by us in the western society to help these sisters of the east and obvoiously it hasn't been mentioned or advised in one novel yet.
I thought the Princess was under protection of secretacy but all the information is on the internet which isn't secret to anyone in the world. At least a book shop is a bit further betweeen and harder to find.......