Product Description

Readers of Princess Sultana's extraordinary autobiography, Princess, were gripped by her powerful indictment of women's lives within the royal family of Saudi Arabia. In Desert Royal she continues her story at a period of crisis in her life when she reveals her shameful secret - especially so in a Muslim country where alcohol is forbidden - that she has a drinking problem. The forced marriage of her niece to a cruel and depraved older man, and her discovery of the harem of sex slaves kept by another cousin, makes her more determined than ever to defend the rights of women in her country. Her cause is given an extra sense of urgency against the backdrop of increased dissent against the Al Sa'uds, and the looming spectre of Islamic Fundamentalism.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #49139 in Books
• Published on: 2004-10-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 309 pages

From the Author
In touch with readers of "Sultana's" stories
If you are reading this third book about Sultana, I know you are a true believer in justice for all women. And, I hope that along the way, you are enjoying a second benefit as you learn about the true lives of women who are hidden behind black veils of secrecy.

Although I have already written detailed comments under "Princess" and "Daughters," I did want to "appear" with "Desert Royal," since so many of my readers have told me that this is their favorite of the three books about "Sultana." I have no explanation for this, other than this extraordinary woman tends to "grow" on you. Whatever the reason, I am very pleased and grateful to you all.

And, if you have finished reading the book, the Princess & I ask that, if at all possible, you all try to help another woman in need. And if you'll only look, you'll find women in need in every country, including the West. If nothing else, please write to people in your government and ask that help be given to the mothers who have lost their children to their Saudi fathers. Little girls such as Heidi, featured in this book, should not be forgotten. Even as I write this, I cringe, thinking of how that little girl, and so many other little boys and girls like Heidi, are missing, and crying for, their mothers. And, how their mothers, such as Margaret McClain, are crying for their children. Surely, this most important issue should receive instant attention from all governments...

Thanks so much for caring,

Jean Sasson

From the Back Cover
In Princess, readers were shocked by Sultana's revelations about life in Saudi Arabia's royal family. Royal women live as virtual prisoners, surrounded by unimaginable wealth and luxury, privileged beyond belief, and yet subject to every whim of their husbands, fathers, and even their sons. Daughters of Arabia featured Sultana's teenage daughters, determined to rebel but in very different ways.

And now, in Desert Royal, Sultana's fight for women's rights in a repressive, fundamentalist Islamic society, has an extra sense of urgency. The threat of world terrorism, the gathering strength of religious leaders and the discontent of impoverished Saudis are threatening to topple the comfortable world Sultana has known. But an extended family ‘camping' trip in the desert brings Sultana and her relatives face to face with their nomadic roots, and nourishes her will to carry on the fight for women's rights in all Muslim countries.

This updated edition contains an all-new chapter as well as a letter from Sultana herself, encouraging all women to take up the struggle for freedom for their abused sisters throughout the world.

About the Author
Jean P Sasson is the author of the worldwide bestsellers Princess, Daughters of Arabia, Desert Royal and now Mayada: Daughter of Iraq. She lived in Saudi Arabia for over ten years from 1978 and became, during that time, the intimate friend and confidante of 'Sultana', who asked her to tell her story. She lives in the USA.

Customer Reviews

The Real Saudi Arabia
Having lived and worked in Saudi Arabia as a married british woman I have always found this authors books to dig beneath the surface of the Saudi Arabia that most people see on the television or read of in the news.A womans life in this country,even as a westerner is very ,very different to that lived in Europe or America.Some people may think that the author exaggerates for the sake of the story,this is not so.Any woman who has ever lived there for any lengh of time will know of many incidents of abuse,humiliation ,degradation of women by some saudi men.Books like this must be read and belived if anything is to change in this very closed country.

Good
Not as good as the first book in the series but definetly better then the 2nd book.

I did like this book and took it as an update. It gave an interesting insight into what was happening. However, if there were any more books it would have got very boring. It ended at the right time.

There were some stories or aspects of the book that were already discussed in the first two books, which got quite boring at times. However, a good read. The stories that were mention again were written as reveiws or reminders. It would have been good if the concept and the stories were different, as too much repatition can be really boring.

At times i did get bored.

After reading Princess i wanted to know or learn more on this story. However, it is sometimes better to just write one book that covers all subjects. I supose their is a limit to how much you can read on one subject or way of life.

Desert Royal is a call to action to all women
I come to this review from a different direction. As a victim advocate for over 10 years, most recently in the area of the missing children issue, I am aware of some of the tragedies that are taking place in Saudi Arabia. I represent several "Saudimom's", a term coined by mothers who have had their children abducted by non-custodial Saudi fathers. Daily, I witness their frustrated yet valiant efforts to gain access to their children. Their strength and determination is awesome to observe. "Desert Royal" is a call to action to all women to join "Sultana's Circle", to join the "Saudimom's", and to bring the plight of Saudi women and children to the world's attention. This book lays bare the priorities of the Saudi men and their government. It uncovers in detail the relative value of women, in one case even less than song birds rescued from their captivity by Sultana's daughter. It exposes the opulent life style of the Royals. It reveals their supposed devotion to their faith yet recounts the daily betrayal of the Koran and their efforts to redeem their souls through monetary recompense. The book was technically well written, full of detailed, sometimes graphic descriptions and well worth the read. Good Job Jean Sasson!!