Book SummaryPrincess, by Jean Sasson

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Princess

In Saudi Arabia, women encounter considerable limitations on their liberties.

The author explores the challenges and constraints faced by Saudi Arabian women due to stringent Islamic laws and deeply rooted cultural traditions.

The lives of Saudi women are shaped by stringent Islamic traditions and regulations.

Women's rights are often significantly limited, and they are frequently regarded as inferior in comparison with those of men.

In Saudi Arabia, a family's reputation is often gauged by whether they have a male heir, leading to a cultural preference for sons over daughters. The significant influence of their spouses in their lives often results in notable limitations on their personal freedoms. In issues related to sexuality, men are motivated by the dread of bringing shame to their family to tightly control the actions of women within their kin. Women's clothing often consists of extensive garments designed to cover the entire body, leaving no skin exposed.

Women suspected of criminal behavior may be subjected to extreme and inhumane punishments, including death by stoning.

The punishments for women accused of crimes are often brutal and inhumane. Allegations of sexual impropriety can lead to fatal consequences, and there are instances where the press...

Princess Summary A battle by a Saudi princess for her personal freedom and equality.

In a society where women are subject to strict regulations and often viewed as second-class citizens, the narrative unfolds around a female descendant of the Saudi monarchy who personifies defiance and a deep desire for change.

From her early years, Sultana grappled with the pervasive restrictions inherent throughout Saudi Arabian society.

Sultana contends with her father's indifference and her brother's severity.

From her early years, Sultana grappled with being overlooked by her father and the preferential treatment bestowed upon her brother Ali, simply due to him being male. Her dad showed little warmth towards her, seeing her primarily as a means to support men and have children, while her brother experienced the liberties that came with being male. Sultana's view of the patriarchal framework of Saudi society was profoundly shaped by her reaction to the enforcement of an arranged marriage for Sara, which resulted in the shattering of Sara's dreams. Sultana grew increasingly bitter due to Ali's scornful behavior towards the disabled, which exposed his absence of empathy.

Ali's gender afforded him certain advantages, leading to situations where Sultana could not...

Princess Summary Sultana's privileged upbringing stands in stark contrast to the profound struggles faced by many Saudi Arabian women.

The narrative reveals a stark disparity between the opulent existence of the royal household and the severe challenges encountered by other women within the conservative realm, all witnessed by Sultana, who hails from the royal bloodline.

Sultana's heritage ensures she leads a life characterized by luxury and excess, a testament to her royal ancestry.

Sultana was born into a life characterized by extravagant wealth and luxury. Sultana, a direct descendant of King Abdul Aziz, was raised in grand villas and possessed an extensive collection of items, all of which were carefully duplicated to ensure her enjoyment at each of her residences, whether located in the cities of Riyadh, Jeddah, or Taif. Her family's home radiates a level of luxury that surpasses the usual standards associated with Saudi royalty, and her way of life is characterized by a wealth of learning opportunities, fine dining, fashionable clothing, and elegant jewelry, all seamlessly underscoring the affluent life she knows well.

The heritage of the Sultana wields considerable influence and authority.

Sultana leverages the considerable influence of her relatives to forge a...

Princess Summary Cultural and religious factors contribute to the marginalization of women in Saudi Arabia.

The significant shaping of women's rights restrictions is deeply influenced by the entrenched cultural and traditional beliefs within Saudi Arabian society.

Strict interpretations of Islam are frequently mentioned as the reason for women's reduced status in society.

In the legal system, the testimony given by women is deemed unreliable and not valid.

The common belief that women's narratives are considered less trustworthy frequently leads to the undervaluation of their viewpoints in judicial contexts.

Women are expected to follow and respect the directives given by men.

From the moment they start their journey in life, women are met with strict dress codes that set a societal expectation of...

Princess Summary The era was characterized by significant sociopolitical changes taking place within Saudi Arabia.

During this pivotal period, Saudi Arabia experiences significant transformations in its societal and governmental structures, demonstrating how it navigates the equilibrium between adopting modern advancements and preserving longstanding traditions.

There is a growing call for the Saudi Arabian government to prioritize development and the enhancement of gender equality.

King Faisal gained notable recognition for his advocacy and support of educational opportunities and empowerment for women.

King Faisal is renowned for his strong support of progress in advancing modernization and championing women's empowerment within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He and his wife Iffat undertake bold initiatives that progressively lead to improvements in women's education. Women are progressively seeking...