What comes to your mind when you imagine the life of women in Saudi Arabia? The religious women wear a long veil and are blessed with all comforts of life. But, have you ever thought about the real-life behind the veils of Saudi women? The book Princess reveals the truth behind the veil. Princess is a fascinating book by an American author Jean P. Sasson which shed light on the life story of a Saudi princess Sultana.
Sultana is a member of the Saudi royal family and the niece of king Faisal. She witnesses act of violence against women in Saudi Arabia. From her childhood, Sultana and her sisters were ignored by their father since in the Saudi royal family the daughters are devalued and the sons are the center of attention. The men dominating society of Saudi Arabia consider women an object of pleasure or a vehicle for giving birth to sons. It is obligatory for a woman to give birth to a large number of sons. The women don't have any right for decision making for their own life. Their fathers and brothers must write down the destiny of the women until they marry.
It was terrifying for Sultana to see or listen to the painful stories of women in her country. A thirteen years old girl married an old man, and women were stoned to death, thrown alive in the water, or isolated the women in rooms. A windless cell where neither were lights nor interaction until they die in silence. These all were the punishments for the women who went against the commands of religious men. Her sister, Sara was married to a 62 years old man. Due to sexual assault, Sara tried to commit suicide. Fortunately, she remains alive and acquired relief from her husband in the shape of divorce. Sara got married once again but this time to a man who truly loves her from the bottom of his heart. Sultana, being a rebel in her family, was married to a loving man. Her married life was fraught with joyfulness. Now there was someone who admires and courage her intelligence. Tragically, her joy turn into sorrow when her husband decided to bring a second wife. Sultana with her mountainous courage fought against injustice and never let her husband able to marry another wife.
Sultana for the sake of her own daughter's future boosts her spirit to speak out the unbelievable truth of cruelty. She collaborated with Jean P. Sasson to pen down her story for revealing the hidden conditions of women in Saudi Arabia. This book story is surely unforgettable. I suggest that all bookworms check out this book and enjoy the incredible tale of Sultana.
Faiza Rasheed
Turbat, Kech
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