Princess Sultana's Circle by Jean Sasson Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Princess Sultana's Circle
Book Review: Incredibly fascinating, enlightening, and easy to read,
Summary: 5 Stars
This is the third book I have read by Jean Sasson about Sultana and I raced through them all - amazed at other cultures that as an American I have never been exposed to. Reading about the availability of never ending wealth mixed with the dominated and controlled life that even a Princess lives was eye opening. The authority of the religious police demonstrated in a way I never imagined, why the separation of Church and State is so important to Americans.Americans are sheltered from the rest of the world and most are not even aware that such differences in basic civil rights even exist. These books are tastefully written, with enough detail to educate and enlighten but without the vulgarity that is present in many required reading books in high school and college. I believe these books are excellent and should be on the required reading lists in high school and colleges. They could be used to demonstrate related topics in English, psychology and sociology, government, politics, and civics classes as well as ethics and law classes.
My knowledge of the Muslim faith is limited at best, but it was in no way diminished because of this story. Princess Sultana made it clear that the atrocities committed against women in Saudi Arabia were not because of the teachings of the Koran, but because of mankind and inaccurate interpretations.
Book Review: Perhaps... Perhaps not.
Summary: 1 Stars
I'm a fan of the author and I've read most of her books. I must say that the Princess Trilogy is entertaining. However, I am not satisfied with several things. In the first book, there was this part where Sultana's sister, Sara, who was so traumatized over her first marriage, started to believe in Astrology. In chapter Ten, paragraph one, " Since Sara's traumatic marriage and divorce, she had taken to studying astrology and was convinced that the moon and the stars had played a determining role in her life's path." I certainly do not agree with this. Perhaps right here i am critisizing Sara not the author, but whatever it is, it is blasphemous. I, being a Muslim as well,think that any Muslim should know better than not to seek help from anything but God.Another part that i do not agree is that they drink alchohol and unveil them selves to the extent of short skirts when they go abroad. It defeats the object of veiling and trying to be good Muslims. Again I am not critisizing the author, but somehow I feel that someone ought to write something abt it. I would like to 'voice' out more of my disatisfaction over several things in the books, but my time is limited. I suppose, nobody is perfect. But the lifestyle as described in the books somehow would make people think that ALL muslims are like that, which is definitely not true. Jean Sasson's books are very popular worldwide and being read by people of all races, and religion. Somehow, with these books, I am just afraid that the prejudice of the non-Muslims over Islam will increase and they'll be sceptic over the credibility of Islam.Book Review: Muslim Women
Summary: 5 Stars
I think this book was absolutely terrific. As a lover of books and somebody who cares about what happens to all humanity, especially women who are suffering at the hands of their male relatives, I thought this book was most exemplary and brought to light a shameful condition that must be stopped at all costs. I do not think this was exaggerated in the least and it makes me want to do more about this horrible, degrading situation. I work during the week and do not have a whole lot of time, but any little thing I can do like this, I will!Book Review: Open your eyes to the truth!
Summary: 4 Stars
This book, the third in a series by the same author, gives myriad real life examples of the horror of life for Arab women in fundamentalist cultures. It is riviting.Book Review: "Wonderful read. Credibility questions answered!"
Summary: 4 Stars
As a reader of all Jean Sasson's writings, and, as someone who took the time off work to attend an author signing in London, I was intrigued by the review from September 2, 2000 by A reader from Southern California, USA and their concerns that the books about Sultana. I feel that the reading public should know the absolute truth of all non-fiction works, and I felt annoyed and thought that the author should respond with her account of these "veiled accusations." However, since I had no way of contacting the author personally, I took a day over the weekend to look for myself into the lawsuit mentioned by "California."I am vastly relieved to report the following facts, as "California," along with all other readers, deserves to know the outcome of the lawsuit: Interested readers will be happy to know that this lawsuit was dismissed as being "futile." For more information, log on to the September 24, 1996 New York Law Journal where the Judge in the case ruled that "The only similarities between these two books (Monika Adsani's unpublished manuscript and Jean Sasson's published work) stem from the fact that each has a female protagonist living in a Middle Eastern country...beyond that they bear almost no relationship to each other. These two stories are not similar in mood, details, sequence or characterisation...Even when viewing the works in a light most favourable to the plaintiff, the conclusion is inescapable that there is no substantial similarity." The Law Journal article goes on to report that the Judge "harshly rebuked" Ms. Adsani and took the rare step to rule that Ms. Adsani pay the defendants' legal expenses.
I found two additional articles about this particular lawsuit: The New York Law Journal of April 16, 1999, notes that there the conclusion is inescapable that there is no substantial similarity between Jean Sasson's books and the unpublished Monica Adsani's works. The Judge even found that "Ms. Adsani's action was "objectively unreasonable."
Worldwide it is a known fact that American courts are overcrowded with meritless lawsuits. Quite obviously, the author Jean Sasson was the victim of such a lawsuit. A review of the ease with which the American legal system allows such wild accusations to only do the job of lining lawyers pockets may be in order!
Another interesting titbit: After reading the facts of the case, I mentioned the books and the case to a friend, I was told that an article about the case had appeared in our own Guardian newspaper. After doing a bit of research, I was surprised to discover that the woman who had sued Ms. Sasson lives in my own country of England. (See The Guardian, Thursday, April 25, 1996.) I was even more startled to discover that Monika Adsani claims that our own beloved English writer, Deborah Moggach (author of 12 novels) had ALSO stolen her work! In the newspaper article, Ms. Moggach revealed that Ms. Adsani had called her numerous times, accusing HER of being a plagiarist! Ms. Moggach said, "It was a total nightmare. I have now moved and I hope she won't find me." (Ms. Moggach feels she has to HIDE from this character? What is going on here?)
With the questions raised by "California," I am even more intrigued to hear from the author. She most likely has a book to write about the ridiculous legal situation in America where obviously innocent people are targeted and attacked in the mad world of American legalities.
Most importantly, I am pleased to report to "California" and to other questioning readers that the facts of the case bear no resemblance to the suggestion of stolen manuscripts!
Furthermore, to respond to additional comments raised by "California:" I believe that Ms. Sasson IS a human rights activist. When I met her (only briefly) in London, it was perfectly plain that she truly cares about the issue of maltreated women and children. The woman in front of me in the line was in a conversation with Ms. Sasson whereby the author revealed some dangerous moments in her life when she was investigating abuses against women. Would anyone but an activist take such risks?
Let's not forget that the author lived in Saudi Arabia for many years, which gives her the authority that few historians can claim.
Who of us knows what facts the Princess and the author had to alter to make these shattering, yet heart warming books possible.
I for one, salute this writer. On the other hand, I beseech the author to tell us about her battle in the courts against an unpublished writer who admits to accusing more than one author for stealing her work. I am sure that will be an interesting read.
Ms. Sasson, let your devoted readers hear from you!