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Princess
- A True Story of Life Behind the Veil in Saudi Arabia
- Narrated by: Catherine Byers
- Length: 7 hrs and 39 mins
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Summary
Princess describes the life of Princess Sultana Al Sa'ud, a princess in the royal house of Saudi Arabia. Hidden behind her black veil, she is a prisoner, jailed by her father, her husband, and her country.
Sultana tells of appalling oppressions, everyday occurrences that in any other culture would be seen as shocking human rights violations: 13-year-old girls forced to marry men five times their age; young women killed by drowning, stoning, or isolation in the "women's room". Princess is a testimony to a woman of indomitable spirit and courage, and you will never forget her or her Muslim sisters.
A New York Times best-seller, Princess was named one of the 500 Great Books by Women Since 1300. It was also an Alternate Selection of the Literary Guild and Doubleday Book Club and a Reader's Digest Selection.
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What listeners say about Princess
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- Sherrie
- 04-10-20
Still relevant today, but take some of it with a pinch of salt
Caution: As a British woman living in Saudi Arabia over the past 8 years, I’ve been a fly on the wall to a lot of changes as this desert land leapfrogs into the modern day and beyond. As a Muslim (by choice, not by birth), I would just say to anyone listening that you must separate religion from culture; Islam elevates women to a high position of honour and respect (in fact, it is said that jannah/heaven is at your mother’s feet). Just don’t go taking this as “the voice” on women and Islam, as I find that the lines between culture, tradition and religion for many born-Muslims are blurred.
Performance: There were some errors in the narrator’s pronunciation of both English and Arabic words, which was a bit grating. There is one noticeable part that has been “stitched together”, i.e. there may have been a glitch whilst recording first time round, so another recording had to be made and stitched in.
Story: As you can probably guess, it’s quite revealing. It’s basically an exposé on Saudi royal family life in the last half of the last century. There are facets of life, behaviour and attitudes which are true of “normal” Saudis too - even today. The story is harrowing in places and you’ll no doubt have plenty of sympathy for Sultana, someone who is likely to be very far from you in every sense.
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20 people found this helpful
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- Sigrin
- 19-08-19
Behind the veil
This was a good look at the second class status of Saudi woman.
This lady was a princess and described the legacy of shame on the women of Saudi Arabia, as well as to foreign women who come to work in the country.
At the start she came across as a feisty young woman and I was hoping for good things to come. However nothing will change in this male dominated misogynistic society. I do wonder if there wold ever be a chance of change as the oppression of women is so deep rooted.
Sultana speaks of life from the comfort of her palace, however my thoughts are with the normal Saudi women who do not have her lavish lifestyle to cushion the injustices.
It was a big mistake having an older American female narrator, the book was crying out for a soft Middle Eastern voice to put some feeling in the book.
Many moons ago I had the opportunity to work in Saudi Arabia. The salary package was fabulous and I was very tempted. However during the interviews and selection process alarm bells started to ring, which was enough for me to withdrew my application, and in hindsight it was a very wise decision.
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14 people found this helpful
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- Ola
- 16-08-19
i dont belueve the story
princess's family knew about her writing. there was a flimsy explanation in book 1 and I got the following books expecting to hear how her family reacted to her writing. I think these books are partly from.various sources and partly fiction. They didnt even go to the trouble of finding someone from that part of the world to narrate. I dont think the American voice over added any authenticity to the books. Not to criticise her, I blame the casting for that. The whole thing is more like historical fiction and just does not ring true. I'm returning these books, disappointed but the writer had a clever idea and capitalised on it.
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6 people found this helpful
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- Joanne
- 14-09-19
Engrossing
An engrossing book about the day to day lives of women who have all the money in the world but none of the human rights, though the eyes of a woman who witnessed and resisted the cruelty of Saudi society. A fascinating biography.
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2 people found this helpful
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- Ingrid
- 06-12-22
Very Interesting Book
Absolutely 💯 A fantastic book, I was actually sad the book ended then I discovered there are at least 3 more in the series… I can’t imagine how brave Princess Sultana was to get this book published… well I will be listening to them all..
I also learned a lot about the culture In Saudi Arabia…
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1 person found this helpful
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- Arnold Seivwright
- 30-09-19
eye opening
and soul destroying, in a way, her spirit and will leave me with an awe I cant describe, this book is well worth a listen, but prepare your mind.
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1 person found this helpful
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- Ms G.
- 23-04-18
Terrible I hated it
Horrible to sexual and dangerous I hated it I wish I never bought it it’s weird
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1 person found this helpful
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- Sharna
- 01-07-23
Fascinating!
I really enjoyed this book and for those criticising saying it’s not like that in Saudi today, this book was written about her life in the 60’s and 70’s and into late 90’s… I loved it and have purchased book 2
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- Anneli
- 25-11-22
A very true story
The book was beautifully narrated and one can feel the thoughts and life of the Arabic women and more understanding to their being and situation in a very difficult land to live in for women
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- Kimberley Ann Fletcher
- 24-07-22
Tragic, fascinating and awe inspiring
Princess is Sultana’s heart-warming and tear-inducing account of womanhood for the privileged echelons of Saudi Arabia. Her unquenchable spiritedness are intoxicating and addictive - the horrors of what she has witnessed women endure is tempered by the magic of the wonderful women in her life and tales of their mischief.
Sultana’s revealing and empathetic narrative shows bravery and resilience to be admired.
This window into depth of the plight facing eastern women is tragic but inspiring - no longer can we in the west be blind to the thirst for freedom of these women, and no longer can we be blind to the selfishness, ignorance and outright cruelty of men free to preside over a subservient gender.
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