Queens of the kingdom : the women of Saudi Arabia speak /
Sutcliff, Nicola,author.
Saudi Arabia is one of the most closed countries in the world. To separate fact from fiction, Nicola Sutcliff decided to go behind the veil for four years living, working and socialising in Saudi society. The resulting project - this fascinating and revelatory book - aims to raise the voices of these women; to share their realities, dreams, frustrations and talents. Through personal interviews, thirty 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. Many of the topics they discuss are completely unreported, until now. 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.
Saudi Arabia is one of the most closed countries in the world. To separate fact from fiction, Nicola Sutcliff decided to go behind the veil for four years living, working and socialising in Saudi society. The resulting project - this fascinating and revelatory book - aims to raise the voices of these women; to share their realities, dreams, frustrations and talents. Through personal interviews, thirty 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. Many of the topics they discuss are completely unreported, until now. 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.
Includes bibliographical references.
The villager -- The bedouin -- The princess -- The mountain woman -- Kingdom come -- The Muttawah -- The designer -- The journalist -- The runaway -- A women apart -- The teacher -- The gentleman -- The rebel -- The first wife -- Affairs of the heart -- The doctor -- The security guard -- The footballer -- The housewife -- Health matters -- The student -- The engineer -- The businesswoman -- The shopgirl -- Women's work -- The advocate -- The prisoner -- The politician -- Voices unsilenced -- The instagram queen -- The model -- The filmmaker -- Popular culture 2.0 -- The henna artist -- The cleaner -- The expat -- Life on the edge.
Women
Women
Sex role
Sex role.
Social conditions.
Women.
Women