Sultana is a Saudi Arabian princess; a woman born to fabulous; uncountable wealth. She has four mansions on three continents; her own private jet; glittering jewels; designer dresses galore. But in reality she lives in a gilded cage. She has no freedom; no control over her own life; no value but as a bearer of sons. Hidden behind her black floor-length veil; she is a prisoner; jailed by her father; her husband; her sons; and her country.Sultana is a member of the Saudi royal family; closely related to the king. For the sake of her daughters; she has decided to take the risk of speaking out about the life of women in her country; regardless of their rank. She must hide her identity for fear that the religous leaders in her country would call for her death to punish her honesty. Only a woman in her position could possibly hope to escape from being revealed and punished; despite her cloak and anonymity.Sultana tells of her own life; from her turbulent childhood to her arranged marriage--a happy one until her husband decided to displace her by taking a second wife--and of the lives of her sisters; her friends and her servants. Although they share affection; confidences and an easy camaraderie within the confines of the women's quarters; they also share a history of appaling oppressions; everyday occurrences that in any other culture would be seen as shocking human rights violations; thirteen-year-old girls forced to marry men five times their age; young women killed by drowning; stoning; or isolation in the women's room; a padded; windowless cell where women are confined with neither light nor conversation until death claims them.By speaking out; Sultana risks bringing the wrath of the Saudi establishment upon her head and te heads of her children. But by telling her story to Jean Sasson; Sultana has allowed us to see beyond the veils of this secret society; to the heart of a nation where sex; money; and power reign supreme.
#198460 in Books Two Trails Pub 1992-02-11Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 10.50 x 8.25 x .75l; 1.30 #File Name: 0963678019231 pages
Review
16 of 16 people found the following review helpful. Day by Day Civil WarBy Missouri EagleMy interest in the Civil War and study of it primarily relates to the events in and around Missouri between 1855 and 1865. I have dozens of books on the Civil War and this is one of my favorites. I initially read it cover to cover; and since that time have often returned to it to read specific 'days/dates' to research references made in other Civil War readings. If you're interested in the details of Civil War in Missouri; this book is a must have. I own several of the Bartel's civil war books and all are well worth the money for those interested in reading about more than the conventional treatises that focus on the 'big/major' battles and actions taking place in the East and Southern states.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Excellent purchase. Bought the book as part of my ...By BentimberExcellent purchase. Bought the book as part of my research for a Civil War novel I'm working on. Perfect for knowing exactly what was going on in a particular region of Missouri on any given day. Great job by the author.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Four StarsBy CustomerGood info
