This book brings awareness to women's plight in Saudi Arabia as well as how things are changing. I really enjoyed this book.

I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book free of charge. This is my honest and unbiased opinion of it.

I am kinda iffy on this book. I think I would have enjoyed it more if I had not read the other books containgin Sultana in it. This one felt unfinished, or rushed in my opinion. I liked that all you had to do was read one of these books, this one even and it would bring to light all the dire and oppressive situations women face in that part of the world. It is a very educational book without being the boring read of a text book situation.

3/5 stars

Told in the POV of Princess Sultana, this book is about her life, history of Saudi Arabia, their lifestyle and changing social situation, and fighting for women's rights in the Land of the Deserts.

I did not enjoy the narrative's style, it had this lofty quality to it and read stiffly. The women in the book were admirable for donating and fighting for the cause of their lesser endowed sisters across Arabia, and they themselves are strong for having endured the oppression of the guardianship rule for so long. But I also found their countenance quite frail and delicate, everything called for a sweet tea or a sit down or a nap. Even the case of a portrait warranted many sleepless nights, security specialists and drama. Yes, it was a precious item and in danger of being stolen, but was there a need for such melodrama?

Also, she stated that non-Muslims won't understand that strangers aren't allowed to see the likeness of her belated, pious mother and if that were to happen it'd be the 'greatest sin'. She also said that only family members are invited to view it. I would just like to point out that I'm a practicing Muslim and, no, it would not be the 'greatest sin', and, no, females(be it stranger or family) are allowed to see each other without a veil.

At times, the princess comes off as supercilious, although she has good intentions and a kind heart. The other ladies were quite distinct and colorful in their personalities. I loved Dalal's humor!

The narrative was sometimes jumpy and the history paragraphs bored me. But that's just my preference, many of you might be interested in reading it. Princess Sultana's opinions of the Crown Prince comes off as saccharine, defending his actions even when they're questionable. I do agree that he's bringing a revolutionary change for the women and that's wholly commendable and long overdue, but don't sugarcoat and dismiss any of his dubious actions.

Despite all the misgivings I had for this book, I have to say that just reading one book in this series is sufficient to bring awareness of the dire and despicably atrocious plight of the women and girls in war-torn countries and under abusive men and totalitarian regimes. I hope that, in spite of the swooning ladies and history lessons, this book will bring awareness and convince more of us to join in fighting for their cause.

Readers looking for a dose of drama will find them, you will also find that these enigmatic, veiled women are just like their sisters in other countries, with hopes and ambitions.

Such a good, albeit way more political and feminist from Sultana which I enjoyed. If you’ve read the others it’s a must! She’s so passionate and championing of women in her country.

If I hadn't read any others in this series of books about Saudi Princess Sultana, I would have enjoyed this one more, but as it covers much of the same ground as the earlier books, it loses some of its impact. Nevertheless, it’s still fascinating to have an account of what life is like for Princess Sultana and her family, and of course for all the other women in Saudi Arabia. Although she is part of the rich and powerful Saudi royal family, she doesn’t pull any punches, and is fiercely critical of the way women are treated. She has many horrifying stories to tell, some from within her own family. It puzzles me that she is allowed to get away with it – if anyone else were this outspoken, I dread to think what would happen to them. But even though she is a Princess, she is still bound by many of the archaic laws and traditions that still hold sway in the country, and this is starkly illuminated for the reader when she is called to a medical emergency but has to make sure nevertheless that she is appropriately dressed and has her abaya with her. She has enormous respect for the current Crown Prince and has great faith that he will work for the good of women, and that he is more enlightened than his predecessors, but after the recent (October 2018) murder of Kashoggi, one has to wonder if anything is going to change. Yes, women now have the right to drive (although I believe there are still restrictions) but they are a long way from emancipation and still have an appointed guardian who controls their every move. I’m not as convinced as Princess Sultana that we shall see any great change soon. The book ends with some very useful appendices, including a Saudi Arabia timeline which makes for some blood-curdling reading when we learn of the punishments handed out to transgressors against Saudi moral laws. One poor man is imprisoned and flogged for kissing his girlfriend in the mall. A woman is arrested and imprisoned for wearing nail varnish. Executions and floggings are commonplace. And yet, of course, we in the west count Saudi Arabia as an ally. Take from that what you will. Apparently barbaric laws and inhumane punishments count for little where trade is concerned. However, I digress. This is a book well worth reading for an insight into life in this repressive country, and I admire the Princess for daring to speak out.

Knowing this is a true story made it more exciting to me. Stories like this need to be told and heard every day. I really enjoyed the way the writer was telling the story and at times I became emotional and felt like I was a character in the story. It makes you sit and wonder what you can do to help other women in this situation. It is heartbreaking and yet show how brave these women are. I will read her other books, she has a very stylish way of narrating true stories.
Many thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for provide me with the soft copy to read and share my opinion.