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  • Princess

  • A True Story of Life Behind the Veil in Saudi Arabia
  • Written by: Jean Sasson
  • Narrated by: Catherine Byers
  • Length: 7 hrs and 39 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (49 ratings)

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Princess cover art

Princess

Written by: Jean Sasson
Narrated by: Catherine Byers
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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.

What listeners say about Princess

Average Customer Ratings
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Amazing book

This book was just amazing! Sometimes hard to listen to some stories but it makes us appreciate the freedom to which we have access. The princess is the story of a woman with an impressive caracter. I loved it!

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Disappointing ending

The book was great up until the end. It was like the ending was hurried and I was left with- that’s it?? Very disappointed.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

As women we all can relate on some scale

Loved! All women relate - no matter how much/little. Still the life of many women today.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great

This is a really great book, so interesting, and sad. Makes you feel for the life some people have to live.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Read with pleasure

The story was was very educating and interesting about life in Saudi
Love the reader voice and pronunciation

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great story.

Great story, couldn’t stop listening. Found the narration a little dry at times but all in all a good listen

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Amazing story, couldn't stop listening!

The suspense of this book will have you coming back every moment you get a chance to. As soon as it was finished I was downloading the next book to get the next phase of Princess Sultana's life. A real Saudi princess with names changed to protect her privacy/life will make you feel like you are living within the Saudi Kingdom and have a better idea of what goes on behind the veil for so many women in Saudi Arabia, let alone the privileges of living as royalty.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

An interesting inside look at a princess' life

The determination it for her to defy her father and then her husband is brave. She took calculated risks to get the life she wanted with the restrictions of the family.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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A book to be read and re read

Some stories written in this precious book, are heard more often than what we would like to hear. The success here are the words used by Jean Sasson. Is so well put together that you wish the book will never end. Quite recommended not only to get informed about other cultures but to be appreciative of our freedom.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Interesting Read but…

The main character seemed naive to me. I don’t understand how you can live in a country where the majority of men have multiple wives then tell me you never imagined your husband getting a second wife.
Also, Saudi men are NOT representative of all men (I felt like the author kept generalizing).
She author needs anger management therapy.

I also don’t understand how the author fails to see the connection between her culture and her religion… Muhammad married a child (Aisha). This is a guy y’all put on a pedestal. It makes sense that your men would see it okay to marry 13 year olds.

P.S: Your culture is fucked up!

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