Product Description
"In this stunningly written book, a Western trained Muslim doctor brings alive what it means for a woman to live in the Saudi Kingdom. I've rarely experienced so vividly the shunning and shaming, racism and anti-Semitism, but the surprise is how Dr. Ahmed also finds tenderness at the tattered edges of extremism, and a life-changing pilgrimage back to her Muslim faith." - Gail Sheehy

The decisions that change your life are often the most impulsive ones.

Unexpectedly denied a visa to remain in the United States, Qanta Ahmed, a young British Muslim doctor, becomes an outcast in motion. On a whim, she accepts an exciting position in Saudi Arabia. This is not just a new job; this is a chance at adventure in an exotic land she thinks she understands, a place she hopes she will belong.

What she discovers is vastly different. The Kingdom is a world apart, a land of unparralled contrast. She finds rejection and scorn in the places she believed would most embrace her, but also humor, honesty, loyalty and love.

And for Qanta, more than anything, it is a land of opportunity. A place where she discovers what it takes for one woman to recreate herself in the land of invisible women. (20080801)

CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 4.5 based on 24 reviews)

Extremely interesting read!!

Reading this book really opened my eyes on life in "the kingdom" Very detailed and interesting perspective from the author's point of view.
For one who has only heard opinions and experiences of other's, a first hand account really made it worth my while reading this book. I would certainly recommend this to anyone interested in the culture, religion and life style discussed openly and in detail in this book.Surely a worthy purchase and read.
November 20, 2008

Recommned for Book Club

Dr Ahmed's personal memoir of her two years work in Riyad hospital made for a lively discussion in our book club.
Learnt a lot about Saudi Culture and was reminded once again about disparities that still exist between men and women. The author embraces the teachings and beauty of Islam but soon discovers the challenges facing her as a moderate muslim women in the land of Wahabism.

J Fernandes
November 20, 2008

Addictingly a Page turner

The intellect of this book draws you into a place of astuteness, dazed and still asking day ole questions Why?Women??
Beautifully written in such a way that forced me to take notes and seek the use of a dictionary. I wanted to know it all. I wanted to know every definition I was amazed.
As an international traveler, I'm currently stationed in Kuwait so this book also aided what I'm seeing in the Arab world, it answered all the curiousity and circumspects. Why the Arab world forces their religion on everyone especially in Saudi Arabia where the religious police has the power to invade sections of a female only restaurant just to ensure these women are completely veiled.
The call to prayer non-muslim alike muslim must obey the need for prayer, the only garment for women is black ...a sea of black must draped a woman from the crown of her head to the sole of her feet. No exceptions!
November 19, 2008

Insight into Saudi culture

Dr. Ahmed's memoirs of her years in Saudi Arabia are well captured in the book and was definitley an informative read for me and all members of my book club. I would highly recommend the book to people of all religious and ethnic backgrounds without age or gender bias because it describes a way of life in a land which is culturally an enigma to most of us. Discussing the book with the author at our book club meeting added a very unique perspective to the narration.
November 19, 2008

enjoyable read

I enjoyed reading this book. I was frustrated because the events described happened around 8 years ago. I'm curious what the situation in Saudi Arabia is like now - the same, better, or worse? I was also a bit perplexed by the author's fascination with female physical beauty, since from an ardent feminist's point of view this would be yet another pathetic submission to male dominance/control. So, the author - like Saudi Arabia - is a bit of a contradiction.
November 11, 2008

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