Rating: 
Summary: A Real Eye-Opener!
Review: Contrary to some of the more recent 1-star customer reviews of this book, I must step in to say that this book IS well-written: it is a veritable page-turner! And although I read it in 1996 or so, everything I have heard since about strict Middle-Eastern traditions regarding women back up this author's story. As an American woman, nay, any HUMAN BEING, I am appalled at the treatment of women BY MEN in some Middle Eastern and primarily Islamic countries. This book is highly illustrative of their treatment, and with a mixture of shame and awe, I could not put it down!
Rating: 
Summary: a look at a culture that is largely ignored in our American society
Review: To call this book anything other than required reading forsomeone who hopes to have a clue of what is going on in the world isthe sign of a tiny cynical mind. This book offers people a look at a culture that is largely ignored in our American society. It is not understood, and therefore, it's problems, and successes are not widely known. I believe that the author's choice to use a first person account makes the book a more interesting and touching read. It would add to the credibility if the author would divulge how she came to know and become an intimate of a Saudi Princess. But again, there is the question of maintaining the Princess's safety via her anonominity. To speculate that the author made up the events and people described is just not valid. How could anyone imagine a detailed account of the raping of a child? And why would they want to? That kind of cynicism is what keeps women still living in a state of perpetual danger and exploitation. Read this book to learn about a culture, not for gruesome accounts of violence against women. In opening your mind you will learn about the trials of a class of people that is out of reach for most of us. You will learn that unimaginable wealth carries unspeakable atrocities. What is most troubling is that the wealth of Saudi Arabia is what is keeping the chains on its opressed. Beacause all citizens have their basic needs met (food, healthcare, etc.) it is difficult to imagine people making an effort to bring about a change. That is what is most troubling. This book will educate you in an entertaining manner and will hopefully appeal to a sense of compassion.
Rating:
Summary: Shocking but True
Review: I lived and worked in a Saudi Arabian hospital for many years and can attest to the treatment of women in that country. Jean Sasson has, through this book, told that story to the world, shocking though it may be. It is a riveting, compelling book that makes you want to fight for women's rights worldwide. Thank you, Jean, for opening the eyes of the world.
Rating: 
Summary: Sensationalist Nonsense
Review: I read both Princess and Daughters of Arabia when they were released. Sasson work is easily one of silliest things I've ever read. I honestly don't know where to start! Princess is simply a poorly written, self-indulgent piece of trash. Sasson whose literary skills are obviously lacking, has decide to pluck herself from obscurity by using the oldest trick in the book; i.e. to write sensationalist nonsense designed to malign Muslims which is disguised as a serious piece of work. She is not the first and she will not be the last. Although after reading Princess I did have doubts as the authenticity of the book, the sequel however really nailed it for me. Come on, one daughter a lesbian with a gun toting lover, the other a religious fanatic! Are we really to believe in 'Sultana' a mythical princess living in a palace, oh and Sasson provides no facts whatsoever - to protect anonymity of course - how convenient! Even if we are to believe that 'Sultana'actually exists, all we really have are the ramblings of someone who throughout the 2 books shows herself to be dishonest, unreliable, heavy drinking, and the list goes on and on.... Sasson truly has the imagination of great fictional writer and as with most sensationalist nonsense, there are simple mis-truths. Sasson goes to great lengths to describe female genital mutilation and this forms a large part of her work - one of many recurring themes throughout the book. However more recent UNICEF reports state that female genital mutilation is very rare in Saudi Arabia, a fact Ms Sasson carefully omits in her 'expose' of Saudi Arabia. Don't get me wrong, I'm no fan of Saudi Arabia and they undoubtedly do have an atrocious human rights record, however it's nothing like the image Sasson is trying to portray. The simple fact is the abuses committed in Saudi Arabia have nothing to do with Islam and if anything are completely against the teachings of Islam Sasson arguments rely solely on a 'shock factor' to gain attention. There is no explanation, no context, no anything; just baseless tales which the reader is expected to believe. Disguised as a serious book promoting women's rights Sasson turns the very issue into a joke. Please see this book for what it is.
Rating:
Summary: Seriously
Review: Okay, now seriously...as far as the writing, this probably does excite some people who like to read intrigue etc, but then I see no correlation in what the book says and any of the women or places described in that country. It certainly doesn't even resemble any of the people I know there. Of course most of the readers of these kinds of stories are probably people who would never travel there so how would they ever know the truth. I suppose that's why alot of these books get sold. Soooooo, I am not sure if the writer is living in another world of the imagination or what but I wouldn't recommend this to anyone.
Rating:
Summary: Confirms that I am fortunate to be American
Review: I enjoyed reading on this subject, almost as though I had a peek into something forbidden. It angers me to believe that women are treated like this in a society ruled by men who fear education and liberation will threaten their pleasure seeking and hypocritcal lifestyles. I don't wish to generalize about all Saudis, however the stories in this book make me feel fortunate that I am American. I am glad I am not living in an oppressive culture and I am not in a desperately poor country where I would have to work in servitude as an ex-patriot in a system such as this. I feel for the women of Saudi Arabia who do not like their circumstance. I now wonder what many of the foreign male students of middle eastern origin really think of me when I walk down the street near a local university with a significant foreign population. I disagree however with one of the other reviewers who felt this book bashed Islam. The author was careful to point out that Mohamad taught kindness and gentleness, however people in power choose to interpret the Koran in a way that suits them. I realize that it must be difficult to translate a story, and write in another language, but if you read this, you will get sick of the phrase "within the hour"...just a part of the book I found irksome.
Rating:
Summary: Princess Sultana's story
Review: After I read this book I was surprised and horrified to know how the Saudi men treat their women. Well I think that these Saudi men who call themselves the keepers of the faith are totally corrupt and treat women the way they want to and not the way Islam says to treat women. I mean I'm a Muslim and I live in a Muslim country but in no way am I treated like those poor saudi women. I just want everybody to know that our Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) did not say to treat women this way! Also most of the things those saudi men are doing are like totally against the Islamic ways. They are drinking, raping young girls, comitting adultery, treating their daughters badly and everything but still insisting that they are the best Muslims!
Rating:
Summary: Best I have read in '99
Review: A real eye opener. I would have expected these sort of happenings 100 years ago but not now. Sultana is a true heroine, to have the courage to let the world know how women are treated. Animals in the United States have more rights than the women of Saudia Arabia. I can't wait to read the sequel.
Rating:
Summary: Thought Provoking
Review: We in America are often so sheltered from the horrors and injustices of the world that it is easy to forget they exist. Reading this book opens the readers' eyes to a frightening reality of life for millions of females in other parts of the world. This book makes you think about the lives of others, makes you appreciate your own but will never let you forget...
Rating:
Summary: shocking
Review: I have read both Princess and Sultana's daughters. They are both very good and informative. I have read some of the reviews, and I just can't believe that some people will defend something so wrong. I understand that being proud of your country and culture is good but, not if it is hurting someone. Anyway, the books are great and I think that everyone should read it, I have been sharing mine with everyone.
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