Princess: A True Story of Life Behind the Veil in Saudi Arabia

Princess is a biography that chronicles the life of a Saudi Arabian royal family member, told through interviews between the subject and author Jean Sasson. The narrative follows Princess Sultana (a pseudonym) from her childhood in the 1960s through her adult years, revealing her experiences within the palace walls. The book documents the strict cultural and religious practices that govern women's lives in Saudi Arabia, including restrictions on movement, dress, education, and personal freedom. Through Princess Sultana's account, readers gain access to the inner workings of the Saudi royal household and its complex dynamics. The narrative outlines specific events and relationships in Princess Sultana's life, detailing her interactions with family members and her navigation of Saudi society's expectations. She shares observations about the lives of other Saudi women across different social classes. This work stands as both a personal memoir and a broader examination of gender roles in Saudi Arabian culture. The book raises questions about tradition, modernity, and women's rights in a society largely hidden from Western eyes.

Readers find the book compelling as a firsthand account of life as a Saudi woman, though some question its authenticity as a true story. What readers liked: - Detailed descriptions of daily customs and restrictions - Clear explanation of religious and cultural practices - Personal narrative style that connects readers to Princess Sultana - Insight into wealth and privilege within Saudi society What readers disliked: - Inability to verify the story's truth - Writing style can feel sensationalized - Some scenes seem exaggerated or dramatized - Lack of direct sources or documentation Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (86,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (3,000+ ratings) Common reader comment: "Eye-opening but hard to verify" Multiple reviewers note the book reads more like a novel than non-fiction. One frequent criticism is that critical details about Princess Sultana remain concealed for her protection, leading some readers to doubt the account's authenticity.

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🌟 Jean Sasson spent more than 12 years living in Saudi Arabia and personally interviewed Princess Sultana over many secret meetings to gather material for the book. 🌟 The book's subject, Princess Sultana (a pseudonym), risked her life to share her story, and the Saudi royal family attempted to discredit the book after its publication. 🌟 Published in 1992, "Princess" became an international sensation and has been translated into more than 40 languages worldwide. 🌟 The success of "Princess" led to two sequels: "Princess Sultana's Daughters" and "Princess Sultana's Circle," forming a trilogy about women's lives in Saudi Arabia. 🌟 Despite being a member of one of the wealthiest royal families in the world, Princess Sultana was not allowed to drive, travel alone, or make major decisions about her own life - restrictions that were common for Saudi women at the time.