I first read this book when I was 16, and I loved it. It is a work of non-fiction, and based on a true story of a Saudi Arabian princess and her family. She opens up about the injustices the women of Saudi suffer (sexism, FGM, favoritism, not having a say in one's marriage, how society turns a blind eye to abusive husbands, and how she supports a woman's right to freedom.) It is an empowering read, and I enjoyed it thoroughly.

It also has 2 sequels, "Daughters of Arabia" and "Desert Royal" which are equally stirring and totally worth the buy if you like "Princess". The sequels are tough to find at a library, though.

I read this book without regard to ethnicity or political belief. I read it as a woman -- as a human being who suffered at the thought of what other women are enduring in the name of "religion" or "culture."

There is no explanation possible to make this palatable to anyone with a conscience. To let it pass without mention is an abomination, akin to denying the Holocaust. There is no justification possible in the eyes of God.

To the perpetrators of this inhumanity to women, I can only promise you that God is watching. Any other comment on these perpetrators is superfluous.

I read this when I was high school and was shocked and appalled at how those poor Middle Eastern women live. Now grown, I have Middle Eastern female friends who laugh their head off at this book. Perhaps some of the incidents that are related happened, but I highly doubt they happened to the same person. It's like if someone from Saudi Arabia came here and wrote a book, "Senator's Daughter" or something. The girl was sexually abused starting at age 3, starved by her mother so she wouldn't get fat, pressured into sexually servicing the football team. The father has affairs with both women and men, is a pedophile, and likes to torture cats. The mother is a beaten-down woman who undergoes dozens of plastic surgery procedures and ends up locked in an insane asylum. Have these incidents, separately, happened to American females? Yes. Are they representative of American women, or senator's daughters? Nope. I suspect Jean Sasson did something similar, and it completely destroys any argument she was trying to make! A fun read, but don't take it as gospel.

I read Princess the first time many years ago and was very intriged by it. It also made me look into Islam and I can say today I am a Muslim. I read the book again recently and did not find it as good. What must be said is that a lot of horrible things that happened in that book were culture and *not* Islam. (I will also say that Saudi is not a good example of a Islamic country.)

Other than that issue I think it's a good read. Just don't read too much into it. If you really want to get a look into life in Saudi there are Saudi feminist bloggers on the net. That would give you a better view than this book.

This was a very well chronicled and written book of a princess' contemporary lifestyle and despairing oppression in Saudi Arabia. I highly reccommend this book.

Princess Sultana,
You seem to be looking for the Western World to assist in your plight of simple, daily freedoms for your nation's women. Which, by your story, is understandable. When you have a sole, domineering, and restrictive religion entwined in a political state...the chance of change is greatly reduced; after reading Saudi Arabian laws documented in your story, there's hardly any separation of religion and state in your day-to-day activities; especially for women. Actually, the legal system in your country is downright offensive to even me, and I am not a citizen of Saudi Arabia. Truly, I'd rather be homeless, U.S. citizen with complete social, educational, political, religious, and civic freedoms than a Princess with lavishly decorated palaces, an infinite amount of money, and diamonds and gems that string a couple miles...because after reading your life...freedom is priceless. I pity your life and the only people who can change your demise is your own people with the same mindset. 1776.

I liked it. I didn't love it. The author skimmed over "the juicy stuff" and elaborated on every detail of political and social culture. It also ended rather abruptly. I half see why everyone waited for a sequel with bated breath: the book didn't have an end or any closure. It just Stopped.

I am glad I read it, and it is an easy read, but if the author's goal was to do some good with the book, then it went nowhere. If the goal was to dish out the dirt, she could have done a better job. Sadly, after completing the book, I'm not sure what the goal was with the writing.

'Princess' is a true story about "Sultana" a member of the royal bloodline, growing up in Saudi Arabia. One would think that as descendant of the great leader, King Abdul Aziz life would be luxurious with one opportunity after another..and for the males that's true..but as a female born and raised in the Royal family life was severe and restrictive.

This book is very well written and you wont want to put it down. Most people have no idea what life in the Middle East is like. It will shock and sadden you to read about how cruel and harsh life is for females (children and adults) and the sickening double standards allowed for males. This book will open your eyes to the true nature of Islam and just how intolerant and incompatable it is regarding human rights.

I believe this book to be a sloppily written work of FICTION. I bought it thinking I was going to read a day-to-day account of the life of a Saudi princess. I would have been happy with a boring account of household chores and staring at the walls. However, I became suspicious at obvious omissions like details of the princess' first sexual experience and her survival of cancer. I was appalled at how such a life-changing experience could be glossed over in 2 or 3 sentences. The princess had no problems detailing the rape of a young Egyptian girl, but was uncomfortable discussing her own sex life or illness? The book is about her, so why not focus on these struggles through the eyes of a Saudi woman? How did the health system treat her? Did she get support from her relatives? The sale of young Egyptian girls by their mothers is not a new or shocking story to anyone who has lived in that country. It has recently come to my attention that this type of activity still takes place in Egypt. The detailed retelling of stories not related to the life of the "princess" gave the book a cut-and-paste feel. It was as if Ms. Sasson interwove her personal observations with gossip and other written accounts. I have been researching Islamic/Middle Eastern culture for a while and so, and I was surprised that I could easily remember text and word-of-mouth references for many of the "princess'" stories. My own research took place over 4 years through numerous sittings with Muslim men in Asia, who demonstrated their culture through their habits and statements. So, yes, the treatment of women is barbaric and honour killings are allowed/expected in some countries. Unmarried women are dishonouring themselves, and marriage is the ultimate symbol of respectability. Some of them object to being touched by women (not even handshakes), or eat food prepared in establishments owned by Jews. Many Muslim men and women have intercourse before marriage. The men expect to marry virgins because they want to have unprotected sex without the worry. I could go on and on. None of these Western-educated men think that there is anything backward about their beliefs. The point is, why did Ms. Sasson choose a "princess" to highlight the plight of women in the Middle East? There exist a wide variety of people from all walks of life that would have willingly offered the accounts she needed to write a very interesting and colourful account of life as a Saudi. The princess comes across as powerless, frustrated and somewhat bubble-headed. Some of her actions are illogical. She wants to do so much to help women in her country but uses her social clout to organise parties for royals and diplomats?! Here was a perfect opportunity to raise awareness of women's, nay, HUMAN rights issues in the Kingdom. She writes nonchalantly about enjoying unlimited use of her husband's jet, but is surprised when he feels some repugnance towards her after she has become disfigured because of a disease. Why would someone this vain neglect to get reconstructive surgery? If her husband can fly a medical team out to Saudia Arabia to help deliver their child, and if she is resourceful enough to steal millions of dollars of her husband's money, it could certainly enter her mind to physically transform herself. Also, why did she go back to her husband? Why not take all the money and keep the children, and write the book on her own? She could have claimed asylum in a number of countries or bought herself and her children new identities. By the end of this toweringly tall tale, I felt that Ms. Sasson may have written this book as a way of venting her disappointment over not having found herself a rich, handsome, Saudi prince. Had she never left Saudi Arabia empty-handed she would never have had the inclination to write this text. I think it is a shame that people feel it is fine to write negative stories about a culture just because it is closed to outsiders. There is no way for us to authenticate any of the stories in Princess (without subjecting her to death, torture, or ostracism) and so, I will give this book a 20% chance of being authentic. Likewise, I hope the author will understand my viewpoint as to the dubious nature of a text that can be constructed through careful research and attentive listening.

This is extraordinary book - a testament to one woman's courage (that of the Princess)as well as to the talent(that of Jean Sasson)which put it so powerfully on the printed page. Everyone needs to read this book. The demeaning cruelty with which some Arab women are treated is something that the world needs to be told about over and over again. Particularly when we are treated to the appalling sight of President Bush holding hands and dancing up and down with the Saudi leader, Prince Abdullah, while Irag and Afghanistan burn. But most of all, "Princess" is a deeply-felt reminder that what the world also needs a lot more of now is love...Zeus: A Journey Through Greece in the Footsteps of a God; The Summer of My Greek Taverna: A Memoir; Greece: An Illustrated History (Illustrated Histories)

This is extraordinary book - a testament to one woman's courage (that of the Princess)as well as to the talent (of Jean Sasson) which put it so powerfully on the printed page. Everyone needs to read this. The demeaning cruelty with some Arab women are treated is something which the world needs to be told about over and over again. Particularly when we have to view the appalling sight of our president holding hands and dancing up and down with the Saudi leader, Prince Abdullah, while Irag and Afghanistan burn. It is also a reminder that what the world also needs a lot more of now is love...

If a true-crime television network would collect reports of the worst crimes perpetrated in America over the last one hundred years, then fill in the blanks, and condense them all into the lives of a single family, we could have the equivalent of this book.

If a true-crime television network would collect reports of the worst crimes perpetrated in America over the last one hundred years, then fill in the blanks, and condense them all into the lives of a single family, we could have the equivalent of this book.

I read this book more than 10 years ago and it still haunts me to this day. "Princess" is the most frightening book I have ever read because it is a true story!

In 1992 when this book was first published it became an instant sensation all over the world. This is the first book written about Saudi Arabia that really gives an honest portrayal of what life is really like for the women living in this historically oppressive country. The Saudi government even banned "Princess" because this book candidly "lifts the veil" on the culture surrounding women in their Kingdom.

Ms. Jean Sasson tells the first-hand story of Princess Sultana, a Royal living in the extremely discouraging Saudi Arabia. I have read all of Ms. Sasson's books, but "Princess" is my favorite. I am certain that anyone with a modicum of decency will be outraged and shocked after reading this book.

The book is written in first-person which makes for a very interesting read. Also included in the book is lots of extra info about the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, maps, a glossary and even some pictures. This book was both enthralling and educational because Jean Sasson is a rare writer that has a very gifted talent.

In 1948 the United Nations General Assembly came up with a list of human rights which is supposed to be guaranteed for every single human being; all over the world. This very basic list is called the "The Universal Declaration of Human Rights," and countries such as Saudi Arabia have consistently chosen to ignore these basic human rights.

Why is the Middle East and especially Islamic States such as Saudi Arabia so oppressive towards women? I have asked myself this question ever since I first read Princess Sultana's story. I wish the US would do more, but they are already viewed as a "bully" in this region of the world. Maybe the US cares more about oil than about the millions of women that are living in a modern-day Holocaust?

Jean Sasson wrote two other books about Princess Sultana and her family, Princess Sultana's Daughters and Princess Sultana's Circle (Princess Trilogy); both of which are beyond gripping. I really hope there will be more books updating readers about the Princess and about the plight of women's equality in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I'd also love to read a book discussing homosexuality within the Middle East/Islamic States, such as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Gay men (and women) are virtually unheard of and are often murdered or imprisoned simply for being homosexual or lesbian. When the Iranian President recently told Columbia University that there are "no homosexuals in Iran" I had to laugh at his blatant homophobia, hatred, and disregard to human life. What a sick and bigoted statement to make. I also recommend picking up Ms. Sasson's latest book, Love in a Torn Land: Joanna of Kurdistan: The True Story of a Freedom Fighter's Escape from Iraqi Vengeance. This is an excellent tome, as well.

To refer to Saudi Arabia simply as "sexist," is, in my humble opinion a kind word for this dictatorship. Because, at least the word "sexist" has some meaning behind it. But as I learned in "Princess," women have no meaning because they are regarded as property. I really commend Ms. Sasson for having the courage to tell the this very disconsolate story. There isn't even a word for "sexist" in the Arabic language. Without say a word, that manages to say it all!

I read this book more than 10 years ago and it still haunts me to this day. "Princess" is the most frightening book I have ever read because it is a true story!

In 1992 when this book was first published it became an instant sensation all over the world. This is the first book written about Saudi Arabia that really gives an honest portrayal of what life is really like for the women living in this historically oppressive country. The Saudi government even banned "Princess" because this book candidly "lifts the veil" on the culture surrounding women in their Kingdom.

Ms. Jean Sasson tells the first-hand story of Princess Sultana, a Royal living in the extremely discouraging Saudi Arabia. I have read all of Ms. Sasson's books, but "Princess" is my favorite. I am certain that anyone with a modicum of decency will be outraged and shocked after reading this book.

The book is written in first-person which makes for a very interesting read. Also included in the book is lots of extra info about the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, maps, a glossary and even some pictures. This book was both enthralling and educational because Jean Sasson is a rare writer that has a very gifted talent.

In 1948 the United Nations General Assembly came up with a list of human rights which is supposed to be guaranteed for every single human being; all over the world. This very basic list is called the "The Universal Declaration of Human Rights," and countries such as Saudi Arabia have consistently chosen to ignore these basic human rights.

Why is the Middle East and especially Islamic States such as Saudi Arabia so oppressive towards women? I have asked myself this question ever since I first read Princess Sultana's story. I wish the US would do more, but they are already viewed as a "bully" in this region of the world. Maybe the US cares more about oil than about the millions of women that are living in a modern-day Holocaust?

Jean Sasson wrote two other books about Princess Sultana and her family, Princess Sultana's Daughters and Princess Sultana's Circle (Princess Trilogy); both of which are beyond gripping. I really hope there will be more books updating readers about the Princess and about the plight of women's equality in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I'd also love to read a book about homosexuality within the Middle East. Gay men (and women) are virtually unheard of and are often murdered or imprisoned simple for being homosexual or lesbian. When the Iranian President recently told Columbia University that there are "no homosexuals in Iran" I had to laugh at his blatant homophobia and disregard to human life. What a sick and hateful statement to make. I also recommend picking up Ms. Sasson's latest book, Love in a Torn Land: Joanna of Kurdistan: The True Story of a Freedom Fighter's Escape from Iraqi Vengeance. This is an excellent tome, as well.

To refer to Saudi Arabia simply as "sexist," is, in my humble opinion a kind word for this dictatorship. Because, at least the word "sexist" has some meaning behind it. But as I learned in "Princess," women have no meaning because they are regarded as property. I really commend Ms. Sasson for having the courage to tell the this very disconsolate story. There isn't even a word for "sexist" in the Arabic language. Without say a word, that manages to say it all!

I read this book more than 10 years ago and it still haunts me to this day. "Princess" is the most frightening book I have ever read because it is a true story!

In 1992 when this book was first published it became an instant sensation all over the world. This is the first book written about Saudi Arabia that really gives an honest portrayal of what life is really like for the women living in this historically oppressive country. The Saudi government even banned "Princess" because this book candidly "lifts the veil" on the culture surrounding women in their Kingdom.

Ms. Jean Sasson tells the first-hand story of Princess Sultana, a Royal living in the extremely discouraging Saudi Arabia. I have read all of Ms. Sasson's books, but "Princess" is my favorite. I am certain that anyone with a modicum of decency will be outraged and shocked after reading this book.

The book is written in first-person which makes for a very interesting read. Also included in the book is lots of extra info about the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, maps, a glossary and even some pictures. This book was both enthralling and educational because Jean Sasson is a rare writer that has a very gifted talent.

In 1948 the United Nations General Assembly came up with a list of human rights which is supposed to be guaranteed for every single human being; all over the world. This very basic list is called the "The Universal Declaration of Human Rights," and countries such as Saudi Arabia have consistently chosen to ignore these basic human rights.

Why is the Middle East and especially Islamic States such as Saudi Arabia so oppressive towards women? I have asked myself this question ever since I first read Princess Sultana's story. I wish the US would do more, but they are already viewed as a "bully" in this region of the world. Maybe the US cares more about oil than about the millions of women that are living in a modern-day Holocaust?

Jean Sasson wrote two other books about Princess Sultana and her family, Princess Sultana's Daughters and Princess Sultana's Circle (Princess Trilogy); both of which are beyond gripping. I really hope there will be more books updating readers about the Princess and about the plight of women's equality in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I also recommend picking up Ms. Sasson's latest book, Love in a Torn Land: Joanna of Kurdistan: The True Story of a Freedom Fighter's Escape from Iraqi Vengeance as well.

To refer to Saudi Arabia simply as "sexist," is, in my humble opinion a kind word for this dictatorship. Because, at least the word "sexist" has some meaning behind it. But as I learned in "Princess," women have no meaning because they are regarded as property. I really commend Ms. Sasson for having the courage to tell the this very disconsolate story. There isn't even a word for "sexist" in the Arabic language. Without say a word, that manages to say it all!

While reading this book, I was impressed with the writing style and verbage that the author used. It was an interesting look at the inside of The Kingdom that many people know little about. This book was tragically sad in many parts but hilariously funny in others. I am admiring of the Sultana and her strength in personality and character; especially when standing up to her brother and husband. She seems to be truly a good person and is someone I wish I could meet in person. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the position of women in Saudi Arabia.

I'm an educated person, and I am very much aware of the basic freedoms that women in Saudi Arabia are lacking. However, reading "Princess: A True Story of Life Behind the Veil in Saudi Arabia" sheds a whole new light on the horrific realities of life for women in this god-forsaken country.

This book is the real story of Princess Sultana, a member of Saudi Arabia's royal family. The name Sultana is an alias: If anyone in her family learned her true identity, she and her children would face deadly consequences. Instead, Sultana tells her story with the help of author Jean Sasson, a writer who befriended the princess while living and working in Saudi Arabia.

"Princess" details Sultana's upbringing in a home where the father had absolutely no regard for any of his daughters and instead catered only to the desires of his wretched son, Ali. Sultana was tormented by her older brother, and she was always determined to figure out a way to build a better life for herself and attain more rights than women are generally allowed in her country.

In Saudi Arabia, women are forced to wear black veils that cover their entire face. They can't drive cars, live independently, or make any decisions for themselves. Women are not valued as individuals, and in many cases Arabian men view women solely as their own sexual outlets. It's common for women and young girls to be raped by just about anyone. Women can even be stoned to death for their so-called "lewd" behavior, but of course men are never punished for their brutal crimes.

Sultana gives many examples of women she has known who met horrible fates, and she describes her own frustrations of being ruled by her father, brother, and eventually her husband. Because Sultana is a member of the royal family, she has a much better life than most women do in Saudi Arabia, and that's a terrifying thought. Sultana also has a strong, feisty spirit, but even her unflinching determination to change things has little effect on the events that unravel around her.

"Princess" is a wonderful book, but it's also extremely sad because it paints such a vivid picture of the horrors that Arabian women endure on a daily basis. It's almost impossible for me to fathom that a country in our modern world still adheres to these archaic practices, but it's true. Now that I've read this book, I'm anxious to learn more about the current state of affairs in Saudi Arabia: Have things improved even the slightest bit in the past 17 years? I'm almost afraid to find out.

This book was eye-opening. I had the great fortune of reading it about a year ago, after buying it from a second-hand store. After completing it within two days (which is amazing for me), I felt compelled to tell other people about it. My cousin borrowed it, and she loved it, too (so much that I actually had to steal it back from her when I visited). You learn about the thought process of some of the women of Saudi Arabia, and how they can have a love-hate relationship with their placement in society. You become more aware of human rights violations and their effects. It's very interesting, and it makes you want to do something to help her.

This true story reads just like a novel. It's the story of Sultana, a fiery Princess for the ruling house of Al Sa'ud in Saudi Arabia. Throughout her personal experiences we learn a lot on the status of women in the country regardless of their social rank, and it shows how the culture that they cherish and accept to a certain degree is also one that they hate but have very little power over. This is fascinating and I highly recommend the trilogy to anyone who is interested in women in Saudi Arabia. I also recommend another book "Nine parts of desire" by Geraldine Brooks, which covers the same topic.

Loved the book, have read the trilogy and would read more and more.
Excellent!!!!!!

Without a doubt, one of the best books I have ever read (and I read a lot!) Not only can you not wait to get to the next page, but you can't wait to read the next 2 books in the trilogy. I was salivating waiting for the other 2 to arrive in the mail. It was like watching an amazing tv program and then at the end it says 'to be continued' and you want to scream! That's how good they are! I read the books all the way through in one night (or until I couldn't keep my eyes open any longer and finished them the next day).

I could talk for days about these books, but you just need to find out for yourself. So many things are covered here: culture, history, religion, politics, human rights / women's rights, not to mention life in a royal family, a struggle against all odds....if ANY of these things interest you, then you HAVE to check out these books. You will look at your world through new eyes after reading them. They shake you to the core on every level- intellectually, emotionally, spiritually.....just amazingly moving!

PS- Yes, some of the stories in the trilogy are sad, as some people have commented, but these are stories that MUST be told. You will understand why I am so emphatic once you read the books. In fact, you will wonder why you haven't heard MORE on the subject (and why more isn't done about it). Don't let the fact that there are some sad stories stop you from getting the book. They are just as uplifting as they are sad (if not more so) because this is a woman who just doesn't quit. We should all be as strong and brave as her! So don't worry about it being a downer, the effect will probably be the opposite- this woman's story lights a fire in you....just amazing!

I heard of this book only recently. I saw it mentioned in another book I recently read. I thought it sounded like an educational and worthwhile read, so I decided to check to see if I could locate a copy at the local library. Which I was able to do. I was blown away by the story of this Saudi Arabian princess Sultana. Of course, this is a fictious name. If her real name was ever exposed, it would bring about horrific consequences for Sultana and her family. But I very strongly feel that this is a story that must be told. It is appalling to me to realize that animals are probably treated better than women in Saudi Arabia. As a Westerner, who has never known this level of oppression, I find it hard to believe that women can actually be treated this way. But I believe it is happening.That is why it is so important for Westerners to read this book. We all need to wake up to the fact that opression of women is not a problem unique to Saudi Arabia. It is also a problem in many other countries. The countries that immediately come to mind are India, Iran, and Afghanistan. Sadly, this book describes the daily life of countless women around the world. I applaud Sultana's courage in telling her often horrific story. I also applaud her unwillingness to sit passively by and just accept her lot in life. Even as a young girl, Sultana found ways to rebel. She also dares to dream of equality and freedom for all Saudi women. In Saudi Arabia, women are considered nothing more than property. This book is extremely well written and is a quick read. On the back cover of the copy I read is the statement "The issues addressed by this admirably courageous woman stay with the reader long after the story in finished." I think that will prove true in my case. This is a book I will remember and ponder for a very long time. I agree with the reviewers who said that this book should be required reading.

Ms. Sasson's true account of a Saudi princess's life underscores how difficult conditions can be in the Saudi kingdom. If a wealthy heiress can suffer so much, just imagine what hardships underprivileged Saudi women must face.

One author did just that, and in a recently released novel set in contemporary Saudi Arabia, follows the tribulations of a fictional Saudi heroine. The book is called "Saudi Match Point" [...]. It's a quick, informative, and enjoyable read.

I happened to pick this book up because the cover looked interesting. I had never heard of the book or the author.
From the first page to the last page, I was riveted! I couldn't put it down!!! What an amazing story. To get a glimpse into how women are still treated like 2nd class citizens, it made me want to do more.
Sultana is a brave woman to go against her family & country in order to get this story out there.

I can't wait to read the rest of the triology!!

Princess is the story of a woman trapped in a gilded cage. The story is told from the perspective of a female member of Saudi Arabia's ruling royal family, Princess Sultana. The book covers her childhood, and early marriage, and through her stories we dicover how oppressive life really is for a woman in Saudi Arabia. Even though Sultana is very wealthy and leads a life of untold luxury, she is still subject to the mercy of her male relatives, be it her cold, and masochistic father, her cruel older brother Ali, and even her husband Kareem who at first seems to love her, turns out to be controlling and chauvinistic. The women in Saudi Arabia are subject to the strictest interpretation of the Islamic law of Sharia, and have no real legal rights, they can't drive, they can't vote, they need to ask the permission of their male relatives before going out of their own homes [even then they need to be accompanied by a male relative]...and have to cover themselves up from head to toe in the confining abaaya. The law in Saudi Arabia seems to be quick in judging and condemning women [stoning for adultery, even if the woman concerned was assaulted without her consent], and lenient towards males. Some of the stories in this book are truly horrifying, but if you want to find out more about women's life in Saudi Arabia, and their pathetic existence, then this is a must-read!A follow-up to this is Daughters of Arabia [abt Sultana's daughters, Maha and Amani] ,and Princess Sultana's Circle.

Princess is the story of a woman trapped in a gilded cage. The story is told from the perspective of a female member of Saudi Arabia's ruling royal family, Princess Sultana. The book covers her childhood, and early marriage, and through her stories we dicover how oppressive life really is for a woman in Saudi Arabia. Even though Sultana is very wealthy and leads a life of untold luxury, she is still subject to the mercy of her male relatives, be it her cold, and masochistic father, her cruel older brother Ali, and even her husband Kareem who at first seems to love her, turns out to be controlling and chauvinistic. The women in Saudi Arabia are subject to the strictest interpretation of the Islamic law of Sharia, and have no real legal rights, they can't drive, they can't vote, they need to ask the permission of their male relatives before going out of their own homes [even then they need to be accompanied by a male relative]...and have to cover themselves up from head to toe in the confining abaaya. The law in Saudi Arabia seems to be quick in judging and condemning women [stoning for adultery, even if the woman concerned was assaulted without her consent], and lenient towards males. Some of the stories in this book are truly horrifying, but if you want to find out more about women's life in Saudi Arabia, and their pathetic existence, then this is a must-read!A follow-up to this is Daughters of Arabia [abt Sultana's daughters, Maha and Amani] ,and Princess Sultana's Circle.

I've read about half of this book so far. I would like to stop there but I have the annoying ailment of always having to read a book to its end. So why would I fight this book? It is DEPRESSING. The shock of reading about some Royal Family boys being allowed to rape an eight year old girl, the atrocity of a father legally executing his daughter in the family swimming pool (in front of the whole family)because she had been naughty with a foreigner, the...well, you get the idea. Yes, it's depressing but it's probably one of the most eye-opening books you'll ever read.

I first read this book in the early 90's. I was shocked by it to say the least. In the story, one of Sultana's friends is condemned to a place called the "woman's room" - basically a solitary confinement space padded cell with no light or sound. They condem "uppity" women there for the rest of their lives. Sultana's friend was going insane, having no human contact whatsoever, and starting to mumble like a crazy person.

So I called Amnesty International, all I got was a voice machine, so I left a message about the book title etc. and asked if they could do anything to save this person trapped in the "woman's room". Never heard anything from them. I called the National Organization of Women (NOW) and tried to report this, but they would not let me talk for five minutes to anyone in charge unless I gave them my name etc. so they could call me back, which I didn't particularly want to do. Several failed attempts later I gave up on NOW.

So finally, I called the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Saudi Arabian Affairs, and asked them if there was anybody they could send in to save this woman. There was a big snow storm shutting down D.C. that day, so I must have got someone farther up the chain than the ordinary Joe Blow. They said they are not allowed to interfere in the soviergn affairs of other nations. I thought: "WTF to you think we pay the CIA to do all day long? Can't they save one trapped woman from our supposed ally that we give billions of dollars in oil $ to every year?"

After lending my copy of this book to a co-worker, it is gone now and I have no idea where it is. I just hope that lady made it out of that barbaric hell hole.

I am always somewhat suspicous of "as told to" recollections. Certainly Princess Sultana has stories to share of the mistreatment of women in Saudia Arabia, but most of the stories shared seem to be secondhand. Her brother Ali is depicted so one-dimensionally that I also question the truth of stories involving him. By her own account, Princess Sultana has an axe to grind with her husband, since he threatened to take a second wife. Yet it was difficult for me to empathize with the Princess as she recalled raiding her son's bank account of over $6 million and going through an elaborate scheme to thwart her husband's plans.

The story overall just didn't ring true, and reads as an amalgamation of urban legend and various stories, presented from one person's point of view. The historical and cultural references were, to me, the most interesting aspect of the book.

I admire this extremely brave and kind hearted Princess so much as well as Jean Sasson. It takes guts to
expose what goes on in this very secret and backwards society where a young woman can (and often is)
killed for "dishonering" one's family including lies told about sisters by young men. I read all three books
(couldn't put them down) and can't count how many times I gasped. I urge everyone, woman and man,
to read these books as a means to comprehend the Arab mentality and way of life. We can't fathom their culture here in the west.
Bravo Princess Sultana and Ms. Sasson!

Anyone who says that Saudi Arabian women run Saudi Arabia are speaking contrary to what Saudi Arabian women themselves say. I just read a NYTimes article where Saudi women were interviewed and they were talking about the very tiny, measured gains they are making in their lives, and how frustratingly slow it is to move forward on the small simple goals, such as running their own businesses, and traveling without permission, and driving, and on and on an on. Saudi women must get permission from a man for nearly everything they do, and tragically, the religious clerics rule against them every chance they get. Don't forget that this is a place where not so long ago (a couple of years?) young female students BURNED TO DEATH when religious students/muttawa would not allow them out of a burning building only because they didn't have on their veils! There was a HUGE outcry within Saudi Arabia and this event opened up much discussion about the ridiculous restrictions against women in that country. While the government makes some efforts to move forward (at least under the new King, Abdullah, this is happening) on the whole, Saudi women themselves acknowledge that they have a LONG way to go. I applaud them for their gains, but am saddened by the huge obstacles facing them. So, anyone who writes in this forum stating that Saudi women have it made and run Saudi Arabia is simply taking readers for fools. If you don't care for the book about Princess Sultana, then take the time to read the Saudi newspapers offered online, or read other Arab publications, and you will see for yourself that the Arab world acknowledges, however lightly, that women in the Arab world are fighting a brave battle for the simplest things. This does not mean that Arab women are not brilliant or courageous or that they have no freedoms. Some of the smartest women I know are Arab. Additionally, this does not mean that Arab women are seeking the same kind of freedoms women have in the West. Their societies are generally very conservative and Arab women are not looking to copy the West--they have their own needs and goals that best suit them. They are seeking freedoms suitable for them under their conservative societies. As said, I applaud them but for anyone to say there are no struggles for Arab women, well, you are hearing a complete lie.

Awesome book...the stories are amazing and will have you doing double-takes. Many have talked of fraud and an agenda by the writer(s), but stories like these seem fairly commonplace in books about the Middle East. This is by no means the first book I've read detailing the horrible conditions many women in the Middle East are forced to abide by. In any case, no matter your take on the women's rights issue, a gripping book.

Princess was the first book that I'd read on the, shall we say, unusual treatment of women in Saudi Arabia. This led me to read other books on the subject which dealt with women's precarious place in other Muslim countries as well.

The conclusion I took from all the books I have read so far on the subject is, that while some, maybe even most, women in Saudi Arabia and other Muslim countries may be well treated, the underlying groundwork is there for the mistreatment, even killing of women.

It is hard not to notice than Muslims take exception to this and similar publications. They would like us to believe the conditions and incidents that take place in these books are fantasy and maybe they believe they are, but the undeniable facts that lie within, lend credibility to everything within the books.

I ask these people. Can women drive in Saudi Arabia? Are there modesty police? Can a woman get in trouble for not wearing a head covering, a veil, letting hair show, letting skin show? Has any women ever been executed for adultery? Have young women ever been killed by family members in honor killings? Can a Saudi man divorce his wife by saying I divorce you three times? Can a wife own property? Does a woman need three witnesses to report a rape? Can a Muslim man have multiple wives? Is a Saudi woman's testimony worth only half of a man's? Are many if not most of Saudi women's husbands chosen by their father? Are Saudi women encouraged or even allowed to get an education? Can a Saudi women work in any field she chooses? Can a Saudi woman walk the streets unescorted? Can a Saudi woman date?

To be sure, women historically have had trouble in almost all societies but the second class citizenship that seems endemic in Saudi Arabia and other Muslim countries is systemic and deeply rooted.

This type of book, that shows abused women escaping from traditional, Eastern households paints a perfect example of the twisted, stereotyped mindset that the World-wide Islamic community needs to try and wipe from the minds of the western world. Easterners treat their women like crap. They always have. Islam came and changed that. But treating women like crap has been a part of their culture for so long that the Prophet wasn't even in the ground good before they started doing certain un-Islamic crap again. The difference now is that since they have the Holy Revelation with them, they act like EVERYTHING they do is Islamic. So every horrible bad habit people like Arabs have is called by the West "the ways of Islam." I read the Qur'an in its entirety ALL the time. Believe me, nowhere does Allah say it's okay to throw acid in chicks' faces or any of that. In fact the Qur'an swung the pendulum ALL THE WAY to the other side. Abusive Easterners actually have the nerve to get mad when you compare what the Qur'an says to their hideous behavior.

People use a lot of things to try and justify foul behavior, including religion. These abused women associate their horrible experiences with Islam because their attackers happened to be Muslim (such as they were) in much the same way that Malcolm X had a genuine dislike of the Christian faith because of the attacks by White Christian hate groups his family suffered under when he was a child. Please look beyond the surface hate-spreading propaganda, people. This will be best for you, if you but knew.

This is a remarkable story. I've had this book for a while and finally got around to reading it. Book one of the trilogy begins the story of Sultana's (name changed to protect the Princess) coming of age as a female in a country that sees its female population as property. At an early age, Sultana realized that female children are treated differently than their male counterparts. As a child, she is barely able to comprehend the source of her father's indifference toward her or her brother's cruelty. As she matures she regrettably learns that her fate as second class citizen in Saudi is cemented by the men and religion of the country. This is a very compelling read. I've noticed that some reviews, many of whom appear to be Muslim, have objected to the validity of this biography. Western reviewers seem to waiver from shock to despair at the stories revealed in the book. I simply feel enriched. Not knowing much about Saudi Arabia or Islam, this is a good read for its educational value. Although the Islamic customs as depicted in the book are outside my realm of familiarity, I appreciate people's freedom to believe what they choose. To the extent the that the religion or the men charged with keeping it strips women of human rights and freedoms, I can only say that power relinquishes nothing without demands. Once a critical mass of the discontent is established, change is inevitable. This is a highly recommended read and I'm looking forward to the remaining books in the trilogy.

I thought this book was quite good. Supposedly, the author met this Saudi princess some years before the book was written, and then told her story in the book. Amazing story of dominated, abused women who still have fantastic intelligence and individualism. I am assuming that the main character, Sultana, must be a composite character, or it would be quite easy to identify her.

I suspect that not all women in Saudi Arabia live as she does, obviously, or were as resentful of their perceived oppression. Having lived in purdah in my life, I personally found it liberating, and it presented zero problems for me. A happy person is a happy person. I suppose though that if a woman was trapped there, with no way out, it could get maddening.

I was particularly disturbed by the story of the young woman drowned in her pool, and the young woman locked in a room for the rest of her life. I found it difficult to understand how the princess could just skip to a new subject... I guess there is nothing one can do, but still...

I was also happy to see that this book was not a criticism of their religion, but rather a calling into question of specific interpretations.

All in all, an excellent book.

To the reviewers here who wonder how this book could be written without consequences after being published, I recommend reading the sequels: Princess Sultana's Circle and Princess Sultana's Daughters. You will learn the answers to your questions there.

I would recommend all three of Sultana's books to anyone interested in Saudi Arabia, their royalty, or women's rights in the middle east.

I found this book to be very interesting but very poorly written. The memoir is heart-wrenching (save the Princess' clear anti-Semitism), but the writing just doesn't flow. At all. Nevertheless, I had a hard time putting it down, and read it in one sitting. And, then I read her other books, too.

Life in Saudi Arabia is awful. Life under Shari'a is awful. Life in the misogynistic Islamic society is awful. That is the thrust and truth of this book. And, although the princess is a very faithful believer-- and although she questions the lack of freedom women in her culture have-- she doesn't make the connection that is so easy for many of us here to see. Her country follows Shari'a which is mandated in the Koran. She's critical of the laws of Saudi Arabia but doesn't have the courage to critically question the foundation of those laws-- the Koran. Of course, if she did, she'd be considered blasphemous and consequently killed living over there. So, maybe SECRETLY she does. But, outwardly, she praised Islam and Allah and the Prophet just enough-- maybe in case her identity was discovered. . . which, of course, it eventually was (see follow up books).

When reading this book, keep in mind that it was written by a princess-- a woman afforded many of the luxuries and freedoms that a commoner would not have. And, STILL, she is repressed and imprisoned. She, at least, can go to New York and spend $250K in one weekend (which she does). Imagine the life of someone less privileged. Ugh. Truly hellish.

Here is a culture that okays honor killings, stonings, polygamy. Here is a culture where woman cannot leave the house without a father, brother, or husband acting as chaperone. Where she can't drive. Where she is fed anti-American and anti-Israeli propaganda from day one. Where she's at the mercy of her husband or father's whim. Where women are not appreciated as intellectual equals. Where intellectualism is discouraged, religious criticism condemned and deemed criminal.

Well, thank goodness I live in a free society founded on Judeo-Christian values. This memoir is another proof that although many cite the commonalities between Islam, Christianity, and Judaism, the fact is that Islam is not compatible or even favorably comparable with Christianity and Judaism (and even many Eastern religions) and that it is absolutely not a religion of peace. Here you have it from one of the princesses of Saudi Arabia herself.

Normally, prince and princess stories end happily, of course we learn that not every story in real life ends happily. Jean Sasson has given the world a view of how a very US-friendly country like Saudia Arabia, implements its women-apartheid in the 20th century. There are some winds of 1920s women movement blowing in Saudi and hopefully they will mix themselves with the desert tornados and give room for some change!

Sultana is born a princess and she is living in utter luxury, as her brothers and sisters, her relatives, but she notices very early that humans are treated differently depending on their genitals. We do have such tendency in the Western world, but of course the tendency is not regulated by the law, more by tradition, like it's women's fault geting raped! In Saudi Arabia the women are viewed differently in essence. They are either supposed to be virgins or whores, and we do recognise this duality in the Western world too, however, Sultana's (a pseudonym)first witness stories are so vivid, intense and horrible, that you are there, seeing the injustice in front of you on a screen.

What is a paradox, is that Sultana is "lucky" being rich, she can move from Saudi, she can see the difference of life styles, know what freedom is. But she can not escape the fact that she is FOREMOST a WOman.

Two horrible scenarios should be retold: the stoning, which some of us thought happened only in Jesus' time and some Christians want to re-implement ... and the Room, where your are locked up for ever. I won't go into details, but both of these are aimed towards women, cause according to the book, men cannot be sinners, they cannot sin,they are born sinless and can only be misled by women. Poor us men!

Sultana is fairly objective, cause she shows that it is the system in Saudi which is problematic, the Wahhabite tradition in Islam can be compared to the Bible belt in US, where fanatic men put an restricted agenda for how children, women, gays, lesbians etc should be to go to paradise. However, one is also striken by the double standard of some of the religious men - you can guess for yourself.

Sultana has done a brave thing, coming out and speaking out about the misery behind the jewels and the Gucci clothes. There are millions like Sultana and you get to hear one of them.'You won't feel lucky living in West, cause discrimination and injustice occurs even among us. In some Western countries people are not stoned, but injected to death, in some, wearing jeans and getting raped is not acknowledge as rape! and in some, you need to show bruises, extreme ones if not it's not a rape ... so there is a Sultana everywhere, the question: when will she be heard?

This book is a fabulous account of the life of
women in the Middle East.
The story is easy to understand, yet very interesting to keep you reading.

How could Jean Sasson even find a Saudi Princess,for instance,
people can't easily make friends with any royals anywhere in the world,let alone a Saudi Princess.As I read on I found the
story to melt into a soup of subjective sterotypes.To Western
eyes a veil is oppressive and smacks of submission,but when one looks further and bothers asking real Saudi women,they view the
veil as protective and not such a bother.Isn't all how we are
raised which deems how we look at life?The fact of women not
being allowed to drive cars or have many job restrictions is
difficult for some if not many,someday it will probably change.
Each culture has its strengths and weaknesses.It's easier to
learn about a culture from a true account,rather than a book of fiction.As for the men,one cannot lump all Saudi men into one
group,especially when based on fantasy rather than indepth
research with an open mind.Think of how Western men believe they
are such women's libbers,then think about the culture of beauty
and implants women are living under.hmmmmmm ???

Pricness was not only a mesmerizing story but an education as well. It is hard for my mind to grasp how these women tolerate the lives that are dictated for them from birth. It seems that few women in Saudi Arabia have the strength or courage that Princess Sultana displays to refuse to live life as an "object" and be continually mistreated by the men of Saudi. However, when reading about the penalities for doing such simple things that we take for granted, I can understand why these women are afraid. I was horrified to read about the young woman stoned to death and the other young woman ordered to live alienated from all human life for the remainder of her life.
As soon as I finished the book I immeidiately ordered "Princess Sultana's Circle" which I read from cover to cover the day it arrived. The Princess has certainly continued to grow and I was so proud of her at the end defending the young girl who was being raped. It is hard to stop thinking about Sultana and her sisters and daughters when you are finished, it has left me with a new permanent awareness of how fortunate we are in America to live as we do. I am now reading Carmen Bin Laden's book her descriptions of a women's life in Saudi Arabia mirror what the Princess expierenced. Again it is a page turner and difficult to believe.

My heart goes out to these women.