Princess Sultana's Circle
Sasson and Saudi Princess Sultana follow their earlier accounts of social oppression of women in Arabia with one that focuses on the Saudi royal family and how, despite its wealth and relative freedom from social conventions, its men continue to oppress women. Specific instances include the forced marriage of a young niece to a brutal older man and a cousin's harem of sex slaves. The royal women react with varying degrees of acceptance; an occasional, minor rebellion; and alcohol and drug abuse. Although Sultana's husband is a more enlightened man, she reveals that even she has a drinking problem, brought on by the stress of helplessly witnessing inequities. Sasson and Sultana also detail Islamic culture and teachings and the contradictions between what the Koran teaches regarding women and the cultural interpretations made by men in Saudi society. Sultana has two daughters. One, like her, resists the male-dominated culture, but the other is so traditional that it frightens Sultana. Gossipy but insightful.Vanessa BushCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved