Princess

A True Story of Life Behind the Veil in Saudi Arabia

By: Jean Sasson

Narrated by: Catherine Byers

Length: 7 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's 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.

©2004 The Sasson Corporation (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Compelling story

Interesting, authentic, real-life and eye opening perspective of Saudi Arabian culture spoken from someone who lived the experience first hand

very interesting look

I found this a good read. not many surprises to me, regarding the misuse and abuse of women by the hands of men with power and autonomy. but the story itself is shocking, as well as fascinating and keeps interest. I wanted more just as it ended. 😊👍🏼

Read this book!

I was enthralled by this book and sorry to finish it. The title and cover picture almost put me off, making me think of a romance novel, but this is not that! It's a fascinating, horrifying, detailed narrative of the life of a Saudi woman (yes, a princess, but they have many). She is economically privileged, but the story is about life as a girl and woman in Saudi Arabia, and her cruel status as a captive and an object. As I read of the cruel punishments experienced by this woman and the women of her country, it became clear that ISIS hasn't come up with anything new. These horrors really do originate in Saudi Arabia. This story and its heroines are heart breaking essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the lives of women living under Wahhabism.

Wonderful Book!

What a thought provoking book. I couldn't stop thinking about it for weeks after I finished. Definitely reading the next book in the series!

Great book!

The ending left a little to be desired of but overall I learned a lot about life there for women. I felt like she strived to give an accurate description of her story.

Good insight into a foreign culture

This was interesting enough to keep me listening intently. I think it very interesting, pretty well written and somewhat insightful. A good memoir.

finished in 1 breath. both funny and extremely sad

i barely worked today. i couldnt stop listening to this srory! the story is so extremely well told and performed. it is horribly shocking and sad, and at some moments very hilarious. i am wondering what happened to this princess and how she got away with writing such a revealing book?
i would recommend ANYBODY to learn about their lives and base your own opinion.

A Sad and Different Way of Life

This book really shows that money doesn't buy everything. Even the strongest of women are second class citizens in the KSA. Excellent book. Looking forward to listening to the next 2 in the series. Have to find something a bit lighter to listen to in between these books. They are very heavy and sometimes difficult to get through.

Great story

The story kept me so intrigued with the life of a Saudi female. Very eye opening on the oppression that they face. I have a great respect and admiration for all females who live under the control of anyone. Your strength is amazing!

The unheard story

I listen to books while I’m driving. This book made me happy to be stuck in traffic because I wanted to know more about the author’s life. The reader was also excellent.