Queens of the Kingdom cover art

Queens of the Kingdom

The Women of Saudi Arabia Speak

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Queens of the Kingdom

By: Nicola Sutcliff
Narrated by: Sally Scott, Amira Ghazalla, Ruba Mansouri
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About this listen

Saudi Arabia is one of the most closed countries in the world. Nicola Sutcliff decided to go behind the veil for four years, living, working and socialising in Saudi society. Through personal interviews, 30 women share their stories: from world-renowned activists to wives in polygamous households; high-ranking princesses to desert-dwelling bedouins. They talk candidly about the issues most intriguing to a Western audience - driving, sister wives and the religious police - as well as lesser known aspects of their lives, including under-the-abaya fashion, underground parties and the practice of ‘purchasing’ husbands online.

This compelling book also includes timely essays on wide-ranging subjects including driving, transgenderism, male guardianship, religion, politics and sexuality.

Authentic, eye-opening, inspiring, courageous, this book will challenge stereotypes and reveal the intimate thoughts and details of women's lives in this most intriguing and mysterious of countries. At a time when the Kingdom appears to be on the cusp of change, this unique book captures the essence of what it is like to be a woman living in Saudi Arabia today.

©2019 Nicola Sutcliff (P)2019 W. F. Howes Ltd Gender Studies Social Sciences Sociology Marriage Royalty Middle East Saudi Arabia Iran

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All stars
Most relevant
It was great to listen to so many varied viewpoints.
With one or two, I did feel they were giving an
approved account rather than their own true views. I say that after having read and listened to many biographies. But on the whole I think these stories give a very good insight into the life of modern women in Saudi Arabia.
The narrations were excellent. And I really felt I could envision the women’s situations with the prose.

Insightful

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Very interesting book looking at the lives of women in Saudi Arabia. Well read and a good cross section of women interviewed. Worth listening to because there's much to learn about this slightly mysterious country.

Saudi life.

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save yourself a credit and some time and skip this book.
A bit of a delusional read. Odd most times but quite strange all the time.
I am returning immediately and now wondering how to get the time I spent reading this back into my life.

What a strange book. I do not recommend.

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