Princess: Stepping Out of the Shadows
About the Book
In the international bestseller Princess: The True Story of Life Inside Saudi Arabia’s Royal Family, Princess Al-Sa’ud and the acclaimed author Jean Sasson began a remarkable series of books. Now, more than twenty-five years later, this compelling journey continues as we follow the fortunes and the dazzling life of the Princess, her friends and her family.
But, of course, there is a less glamorous, much darker side to this engaging series, and in Stepping Out of the Shadows Jean and the Princess focus their attention on how, despite positive news on civil rights reforms, Saudi women still suffer physical and psychological abuse and have little legal protection due to the archaic guardianship laws of the land. So, although this is a kingdom on the threshold of revolutionary change – change spearheaded by the young Saudi Crown Prince who is keen to modernize his country – any thoughts of equal rights or an independent life remain little more than dreams for most Saudi women.
Whilst the Princess acknowledges and welcomes the reforms that are on the horizon, through stories of joy and sorrow, we see her determination to continue to fight for women in this, her beloved kingdom.
Contents
Cover
About the Book
Title Page
Dedication
Epigraph
Map
A Note from Jean Sasson
Introduction by Princess Sultana al-Sa’ud
Chapter One:
Let Them Know You Are Coming
Chapter Two:
The Joys and Torments of Family
Chapter Three:
The Mystery of the Ninja Girl
Chapter Four:
The Heart of Evil
Chapter Five:
Kareem: A Kitten’s Kiss
Chapter Six:
Doctor, Doctor
Chapter Seven:
Destroy the Guardianship Law
Chapter Eight:
A Sprinkling of Stars
Chapter Nine:
Before I Go
Chapter Ten:
Once Upon a Time
Appendices
Appendix One:
King Abdul Aziz al-Sa’ud
Appendix Two:
Saudi Arabia Timeline
Appendix Three:
Syria Timeline (2011–18)
Appendix Four:
Prophet Mohammed
Appendix Five:
The Necessary Steps to Perform the Islamic Daily Prayers
About the Author
Also by Jean Sasson
Copyright
To the girls and women of Saudi Arabia who have suffered and died under the archaic guardianship laws of our country, we will remember you.
And to those suffering still, help is on the way.
All that is written here is real.
Some of the stories are very happy while some are tragically sad.
But all are true.
A few names have been changed to protect those who would come to great harm should their true identity be known. But the names of many others have been revealed.
– Jean Sasson and Princess Sultana al-Sa’ud
SAUDI ARABIA
A Note from Jean Sasson
As of January 2018, there have been five books written and published about the extraordinary Princess Sultana, a high-ranking member of the House of al-Sa’ud. These books share details of her personal life, and they reveal her tremendous courage and resourcefulness as she battles on behalf of women’s rights in Saudi Arabia and around the world, for there is discrimination against women in nearly every country.
The books I have written about Princess Sultana have been embraced by women – and men – in eighty editions of the first book, Princess, distributed worldwide in approximately forty countries. The books about this remarkable woman made the bestseller list in every country where they were published. Astonishingly, they have never gone out of print in a publishing world where most non-fiction books fade away from public attention within a few years.
Now, after twenty-six years, interest in Princess Sultana’s life has not diminished, rather it has flourished. This makes the Princess series (now a collection of six books) a phenomenon in the world of non-fiction publishing. No other book in this genre has ever kept the interest of readers in this fashion.
Why has this happened?
The answer is simple. The generation of girls and women who first embraced the captivating story of a Saudi princess guided their daughters to the princess, and now the granddaughters of the original readers are also following the life of Princess Sultana. Furthermore, mothers, wives, daughters and sisters are steering the men in their lives to read the books, expanding curiosity about a princess born in the desert of Saudi Arabia. This word-of-mouth from mother to daughter, from aunt to niece, from grandmother to granddaughter, from neighbour to neighbour, and from wife to husband, has resulted in many thousands of new readers eagerly anticipating further stories from deep within a mysterious kingdom – one on the threshold of change.
During the late summer of 2017 and early 2018, electrifying announcements came from the king’s palace regarding the rights of women. After years of struggle, hope and anticipation, positive changes for Saudi Arabian women were suddenly being discussed publicly. These changes, which have the potential to affect all Saudi women, are now on the verge of becoming a reality. Princess Sultana and I concurred that such exciting events make it imperative to keep readers informed.
The princess and I are delighted to report on the marvellous reforms coming to the country she loves. We shall continue to write about how the women of Saudi Arabia are affected, as well as the ongoing battles for and against women in other lands where millions continue the struggle to live in peace and with freedom. This includes those who were born and raised in the United States and Europe who have also faced discrimination.
Thus, with book six, Princess, Stepping Out of the Shadows, we hope to inform, inspire and celebrate the coming changes that will ensure every female will have the right to live in dignity, regardless of her country, race, religion or culture. Perhaps Saudi Arabia will surprise the world and become a guide-post for all countries that continue to face the intricate problems of female inequality.
Introduction by Princess Sultana al-Sa’ud
To readers who may be questioning if anything is new with the women of Saudi Arabia, my response is swift. Yes! A wind of change is blowing through this kingdom – a wind that is bringing optimism and hope