Princess Trilogy (Book #1) by Jean Sasson

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PRINCESS - THE TRUE STORY OF LIFE INSIDE SAUDI ARABIA'S ROYAL FAMILY: Non-fiction, Biography Memoir, Religious.

AUTHOR(S): Ms. Jean Sasson worked for Dr. Nizar Feteih, the head of the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre. For the first two years shewas in charge of doctor's meetings, but later was promoted to the high-ranking position of Medical Affairs Coordinator, which basically meant she was Dr. Feteih's right hand. In 1978 she traveled to Saudi Arabia to work in the King Faisal Specialist Hospital in Riyadh where she met Peter Sasson, her future husband. They married in 1982 and Sasson left the hospital after four years of service, but the couple remained in Saudi Arabia until 1990.During their time in the Middle East, the Sassons made many friends, including members of the royal Al-Saud family, who visited the hospital. The most notable of these friendships was between Sasson and "Princess Sultana", the princess about whose life The Princess Trilogy tells. Sasson is currently based in Atlanta, Georgia.

Image Source: Jean Sasson

BEST SELLER(S): Princess Trilogy, Princess Sultana's Circle, Princess Sultana's Daughters, Princess, The Rape of Kuwait, Ester's Child, Mayada, Love in a Torn Land, Growing Up Bin Laden, For the Love of a Son and American Chick.

Read Swarnali's Review of the Same Book here!

SYNOPSIS (From Goodreads): Sultana is a Saudi Arabian princess, a woman born to fabulous, uncountable wealth. She has four mansions on three continents, her own private jet, glittering jewels, designer dresses galore. But in reality she lives in a gilded cage. She has no freedom, no control over her own life, no value but as a bearer of sons. Hidden behind her black floor-length veil, she is a prisoner, jailed by her father, her husband, her sons, and her country. Sultana is a member of the Saudi royal family, closely related to the king. For the sake of her daughters, she has decided to take the risk of speaking out about the life of women in her country, regardless of their rank. She must hide her identity for fear that the religious leaders in her country would call for her death to punish her honesty. Only a woman in her position could possibly hope to escape from being revealed and punished, despite her cloak and anonymity. Sultana tells of her own life, from her turbulent childhood to her arranged marriage - a happy one until her husband decided to displace her by taking a second wife - and of the lives of her sisters, her friends and her servants. Although they share affection, confidences and an easy camaraderie within the confines of the women's quarters, they also share a history of appalling oppression as everyday occurrences that in any other culture would be seen as shocking human rights violations; thirteen-year-old girls forced to marry men five times their age, young women killed by drowning, stoning, or isolation in the "women's room," a padded, windowless cell where women are confined with neither light nor conversation until death claims them. By speaking out, Sultana risks bringing the wrath of the Saudi establishment upon her head and the heads of her children. But by telling her story to Jean Sasson, Sultana has allowed us to see beyond the veils of this secret society, to the heart of a nation where sex, money, and power reign supreme.

EXCERPT: 

Ownership of my body and soul would soon pass from my father to a stranger I would call my husband, for Father had informed me I would be wed three months after my sixteenth birthday. I felt the chains of traditions wrap tightly around me; I had only six short months of freedom left to savor. I waited for my destiny to unfold, a child as helpless as an insect trapped in a wicked web not of its own making.

MSM Speaks: A friend recommended this one to me, as I was craving for something real to read. I started off with preconceived notions about Saudi Arabia and Middle Eastern countries. This was an eye opener in so many ways. It's the story of Princess Sultana, the youngest princess of the House of Al Sauds, who always, at some personal level, tries to resist the restricting shackles of certain Islamic traditions. She is the first one to defy her most pampered brother Ali by not giving in to his threats and tantrums. She also goes a step ahead to make his life miserable. Her tantrums and trickery are fun to read, revealing her fiery and unfettered spirit. 

As a part of her growing up, she sees her older sisters, especially Sara, who goes through a reckless marriage, with its horrible pains and atrocities, going through the turbulent times quietly. She feels like a trapped bird and manages to break some rules with her sharp tongue. She faces the loss of her mother along with certain stark realities when she becomes of a marriageable age. However, fortunately, she gets married to a man who loves and respects her. Princess Sultana regrets that she could not do much in the public domain, however, small small steps taken by her make for a positive change in the attitude of at least the Royals. Islamic traditions of halawa, abaya etc. are depicted in great detail. 

All in all, it makes for an emotional read, that touches you and takes you in a stride with Sultana's emotions. However the only issue that I had with the (auto)biography was that I did not feel satisfied with Sultana's ferociousness. I felt there was something incomplete or missing in the entire write up. But that's just my opinion and it should  not stop you from picking this one up. Princess gives a wonderful and real insight into the life of Saudi Arabian women. MSM Recommends!!

My rating: 4/5
PRINCESS - THE TRUE STORY OF LIFE INSIDE SAUDI ARABIA'S ROYAL FAMILY @ Bantam Books (Transworld Publishers) (c) The Sasson Corporation 2004
ISBN 978-0-553-81695-2
flipkart price: 231/-INR

Flame - Nelofar Currimbhoy

FLAME : the story of my mother, Shahnaz Husain

ISBN - 978-93-5009-469-3
FIRST PUBLISHED - 2012
PAGES - 236
PUBLISHER - Hachette
GENRE -  Non-Fiction/Biography
BINDING - Paperback
SOURCE - Publishers

AUTHOR - Nelofar Currimbhoy

FL Speak - Almost every Indian women has heard of Shahnaz Husain. The glamorous Indian Diva who has revolutionized 'beauty' with Ayurveda. Therefore, its no big surprise knowing that she's well not all over the world.

Flame, is the tale of a young Shahnaz, its about her life, her trials, her undettering drive to succeed and yet stay rooted to her Indian origins. This book is written by her illustrious daughter, Nelofar, who is now the President of Shahnaz Herbals.

Its easy to appreciate someone who has achieved unparalled success in their lives. However, the path to that success is far lesser known. Shahnaz, youngest of 3 children born into a wealthy family in Hyderabad was a star student from the beginning. Her determination to succeed often resulted in being on top of things.

One of the scenes that made me cry was the death of her pet dog while Shahnaz was in a boarding school. Every Sunday, her father brought Jenny, their pet to meet Shahnaz. One such day, at a train station, while on their way to meet Shahnaz, Jenny was separated from Shahnaz's father. After hours of searching, Jenny was not to be found. A few months later, when Justice Beg was enjoying his walk in the Residency Gardens at Allahabad, he was shocked to see Jenny limping towards him. The poor dog made her way to the spot where they first met Shahnaz. Thin, limping and hurt, Jenny traveled months to this place and after finally meeting Shahnaz's father, shut her eyes forever.

Reading those lines, I couldn't stop crying and hugged my own dog.

Shahnaz's marriage at the age of 16 didn't douse the spark of liveliness in her and her husband went on the become her strength and constant guide in her success. As years passed, Neelofar became more than a daughter and they were soon best-friends. I loved reading Shahnaz's life story, her meetings with famous legendary Hollywood icon, Goldie Hawn to giving beauty advice to Indira Gandhi. M.F. Hussain even painted her when she was on her pinnacle of success.

Its a surreal journey of a vivacious Indian lady, who has showcased India into the world stage. Acknowledged as one of the brightest entrepreneurs by the President of the United States, Barack Obama, Shahnaz has been felicitated with the Padmashree award for her contribution to Ayurveda. Flame is a fascinating read through the eyes of her daughter and I'm glad to have seen it in her words.

Shahnaz Husain has made India proud. There is no doubt about that. Today, Shahnaz Herbals is run by three generations of the family and they are growing evermore.

My Rating - 5 stars

PRICE - INR 295/-

Behenji - A Political Biography of Mayawati

Author: Ajoy Bose
ISBN: 978-0670082018
Publishers: Penguin India
Binding: Hard cover
Pages: 264
Price: INR 499
Genre: Biography

UCV says: A book like this would never have found its way to my book shelf had my father-in-law not been clearing up his, and relieving it of some unworthy weight. Not that this book is unworthy, but it is definitely not a keepsake. It is no more than what it claims to be – a forthright political biography of Mayawati. Why I chose to read it? Because, doesn’t this juggernaut of a woman make one curious?

So Ajoy Bose, a seasoned journalist, ventures to write about the political life of this firebrand Dalit leader whose political overtures have generated frenetic media coverage over the past decade. Bose mentions in his introduction how the book took a long time coming, and how his friends and associates had scoffed at the idea of a book on Mayawati, who was looked down upon at the beginning of her career. But the book came to fruition around the time of Mayawati’s meteoric rise as a politician, and the author’s doubters shut up as did the politician’s detractors.

Bose begins his account with Mayawati’s humble beginnings in a Delhi slum – a shy, young girl from the lowly Chamar caste, whose greatest aspiration in life is to become an IAS officer. She believes, like all those belonging to the educated lower caste, that an IAS is the only way to social salvation. Though not brilliant, Mayawati chases the IAS dream with sheer hard work and determination. She is a young government school teacher with a law degree studying for her IAS exams on a winter night, when her life changes forever with the entry of her to-be mentor, Kanshi Ram.

                                                                                                            

After offering some background, Bose introduces us to the BAMCEF founder Kanshi Ram. He describes Ram as part ambitious leader and part visionary, who with his ability to forge alliances, moves rapidly up to power ladder. Ram sees in Mayawati an unlikely Dalit leader and thus begins that fiery relationship between mentor-protégé, which was the subject of much speculation.

The author documents the birth of the BSP, its political travails through the 90s, its many contradictory coalitions with political parties in a bid for power, and its coming of age as a major player in national politics. He records the BSP’s, especially Mayawati’s tussle with the Kalyan Singhs and Mulayam Singhs of UP’s Jungle Raj, the politician’s sometimes cunning and often brazen political ways, her astounding canvassing skills, and her single minded persuasion of the throne of UP. He mentions many an episode that showcase Mayawati’s exemplary courage as a Dalit and more so a woman in the oft-cruel male dominion of politics. While Bose tries hard to maintain his objective, journalistic stance, it is clear to see that he admires the woman. But that couldn’t get clearer than from the fact that he chose to write her biography. And that too at a time, when she wasn’t heralded as the country’s next possible prime minister.   

Despite her obscene display of wealth and power, it is hard not to admire Mayawati’s guts of steel. It is hard not to notice that even after Kanshi Ram passed away, she has borne the Dalit cause with vigour. It is harder still to not applaud her inverting of the caste pyramid by offering ‘protection’ to the Brahmins. Love her or hate her, the story of the making of Behenji is truly a remarkable one.

Rating: 3/5 

tuesday with Morrie by Mitch Albom

As you can see the cover says , "Bestseller that changed millions of lives". I, beign one of the last person seen reading autobiographies , agree to this. It might not have changed my life, but it indeed changed some of my thoughts.

This is one book that I have bought and gifted most number of times. And every time I read it, I feel I start a new page in ym life. I actually read it evey time I am in need of answers. It gives you a fresh approach and a wise perspective to any sphere and phase in your life.

Synopsis :

Maybe it was a grandparent, or a teacher, or a colleague.  Someone older, patient and wise, who understood you when you were young and searching, helped you see the world as a more profound place, gave you sound advice to help you make your way through it.

For Mitch Albom, that person was Morrie Schwartz, his college professor from nearly twenty years ago.

Maybe, like Mitch, you lost track of this mentor as you made your way, and the insights faded, and the world seemed colder.  Wouldn't you like to see that person again, ask the bigger questions that still haunt you, receive wisdom for your busy life today the way you once did when you were younger?

Mitch Albom had that second chance.  He rediscovered Morrie in the last months of the older man's life.  Knowing he was dying, Morrie visited with Mitch in his study every Tuesday, just as they used to back in college.  Their rekindled relationship turned into one final "class": lessons in how to live.

Tuesdays with Morrie is a magical chronicle of their time together, through which Mitch shares Morrie's lasting gift with the world.

 

Sample Front Page

Quotes from the book:

Sometimes you cannot believe what you see, you have to believe what you feel. And if you are ever going to have other people trust you, you must feel that you can trust them too-even when you are in the dark.

If you stayed at twenty-two, you'd always be as ignorant as you were at twenty-two. Aging is not just decay, you know. It's growth.

The culture we have does not make people feel good about themselves. And you have to be strong enough to say if the culture doesn't work, don't buy it.

"Death ends a life, not a relationship."

We should be looking at our potential, stretching ourselves into everything we can be come.


Need I say more ?  Just read it !

Ratings : 5/5

Other Details:
ISBN:  0751527378
ISBN-13:  9780751527377, 978-0751527377
Binding:  Paperback
Publishing Date:  12/01/98
Number of Pages:  210
Price : 170 @ flipkart

Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson

Steve Jobs
ISBN: 1451648537
First Published: 2011
Pages: 598 (excluding index)
Genre: Biography


Synopsis:
The extraordinary tale of one of the brilliant wizards of our times. Rich with product stories, Steve's personal struggles and his vision and idealism.


Excerpt:
“I will spend my last dying breath if I need to, and I will spend every penny of Apple’s $40 billion in the bank, to right this wrong,” Jobs said. “I’m going to destroy Android, because it’s a stolen product. I’m willing to go thermonuclear war on this.”


In a meeting with Eric Schmidt, who was the CEO of Google and Apple board member at that time, Steve Jobs told Schmidt that he wasn't interested in settling the lawsuit:


"I don't want your money. If you offer me $5 billion, I won't want it. I've got plenty of money. I want you to stop using our ideas in Android, that's all I want."

Nightflier Speaks:
My personal problem with biographies is they don't generate enough interest and seem to be rambling on about someone I barely know. In this case the person in question is a growing up idol and I have enjoyed his products thoroughly. Hence reading the biography seemed something obvious to me.


But the fact that it would happen after his demise was a bit of a shock. And that is why the entire reading experience felt very personal. Like losing someone you very well know. Considering how well known rather well rehearsed all anecdotes from his life are, in popular culture. 


And that was the biggest plus of this book. Despite knowing what is going to happen, Walter Isaacson presents Steve Job's story in a very lucid manner. Even if you are not a technology oriented person, the book will engage you at various levels, the amazing insights of Mr. Jobs being one of them. The writer claims that he tried his hard to not get influenced by Steve's RDF (reality distortion field). And his human portrayal of Steve Jobs proves that point. Also something I noted, even though Steve Jobs was a cruel manager, none of his co-workers/competitors/enemies speak ill of him. They seem to have accepted the genius with his flaws. That in itself explains quite a lot about the enigmatic person. 


Apart from that the rise-fall-rise of apple computers is a legend of our times. And every time you get to know some minute detail about it, or who was involved, it adds to the curiosity. Why Lisa failed, why Sculley drove Steve away, how buzz and woody the symbols of modern animation came to being, - like this there are various stories which will appeal to the product guy/girl in you.


All in all, a very very interesting read if you want to know what drove this genius, his grey shades and what made him work and how. Amazing story.


Rating: 4.5/5


Price: 479 (flipkart - pre-ordered)