Jean P. Sasson and the Sultana books - your verdict?

Question

I just read a question whether prostitutes are everywhere. One of the answers mentioned Saudi Arabia and it made me think of the Sultana-books.

Princess: A True Story of Life Behind the Veil in Saudi Arabia
Princess Sultana's Daughters
Desert Royal

all (co-)authored by Jean P. Sasson. Since these books display SA in a less than flattering way, I am interested in your opinion. Am I correct in assuming that they are as controversial (read: hated) as "Not without my daughter" among Iranians?

I of course do realise that the large majority of these "oriental tales" books about the horrors and delights of muslim/arab culture are utter rubbish. It is just that the Sultana books stick out of the masses since they are (allegedly?) from somebody who is first a native and second still living the same life they describe.

Answer 1

You know.. I am a Saudi-American women. I have my Saudi family..
I have read many of these types of books.. even as old as the Beyond the veil by Marian Alireza... Sure there might be some truth or based on some incidents here in Saudi, but as any book, it has to be glamorized to be able to sell.. Don't think this is the norm of all Saudi girls lives.. My childhood, teen years and Saudi family as well as my extended cousins, aunts, grandmothers, etc are complete opposite poles from this Sultanas life... We are educated, sent abroad to schools, universities, we have drivers license (of course not Saudi), but I drive when I am in other countries. We have our careers, we can own businesses, run them, we manage our own affairs, like banking etc.. I have flown to USA many times "alone" and with other relatives.. I have male friends and colleagues as well as female.. Now mind you.. I don't cavort around, I keep myself proper, but I do chat with whomever I please.. My husband trusts me as I do him.. We are very open minded worldly people.. I try to raise my children in that manner also.. There has never been any forced marriages, or flogging, or circumcision (which is unheard of in our area) of the women in my family.. I feel the Sultana is bringing up old tales to glamorize things that maybe out of her boredom wants others to think about her life.. Its not all bad.. We are a modern foreword thinking country now..

Answer 2

I have been reading JP Sasson's books and I should say I thought if lots of Saudi women are living this life it's horrible. I know little of a Saudi woman's life and I should say I'm glad to have come across this question and Mintee's answer =)