“Princess” offers a rare, unfiltered, glimpse into the lives of Saudi Arabian women. This is the story of Sultana, a Saudi princess with no power, as told by the American author Jean Sasson to protect her anonymity and her life. Hailing from a culture facing untold oppression of women, Sultana brings light to many aspects of her life and the lives of those around her. These include forced child marriage, assault, and the penalty of brutal death for minor indiscretions.

Sultana tells of her childhood, when she watched as her innocent brother was transformed into what more closely resembles a monster. The privileges lavished upon him and the extreme lack of discipline shaped him into one of many Saudi men who view women as servants or as tools to appease their sexual appetite. Yet fueled by the injustices at her brother’s hand, Sultana’s fiery spirit made her an advocate for women from a young age.

As a young woman, Sultana reaches puberty, denoting the time at which she must wear a black veil and abaya, or loose-fitting full length robe. During this time, Sultana watches as her friends face gruesome deaths for flirting with and allegedly seducing a group of rapists. She is forced to take a more quiet approach to advocacy.

After seeing her sister Sara’s forced marriage to an abusive elderly man come to an abrupt and unthinkable end, Sultana is determined to deter any prospective suitors of her own. However,  Sultana unexpectedly finds love. She marries Kareem, who seems to support women’s rights, but later shows his true colors. They have three children together, but when Kareem desires to take a second wife, Sultana leaves in secret with her children in the hopes that her husband will see the error of his ways.

“Princess” is a very well-written book, giving a voice to silenced stories. Jean Sasson does a fantastic job of telling Sultana’s story without picking a political side or condemning her country as a whole. Sultana remains immensely proud of her country and her heritage, and she desires better for her people. She is also keenly aware that she experiences privilege compared to the poor women of the country. She shares the stories of the less fortunate and the foreign workers to give a well-rounded look at Saudi Arabian life for the average woman. The book’s powerful words may be enough to move readers to tears and to action.

What may be considered a weakness by some is the discussion of the Muslim faith. “Princess” speaks to what Islam could be in comparison to what it presently is. Sultana claims that men twist the words of Mohammed to suit their needs, and makes it clear that she in no way believes her faith is at fault for her oppression. Our agreement is irrelevant, as it provides an opportunity to understand the thoughts and feelings of many Muslim women. I consider the discussion enlightening and crucial to understanding the context of this book, as well as the Muslim religion. Anyone working with or pursuing friendship with a Muslim may find this information useful.

“Princess” is a powerful story that reminds us as American readers to pray for our sisters suffering quietly across the globe. As Christians, we are called to care for the oppressed, yet we often act as though this responsibility ends at the borders of the United States. These stories are commonly shut within the borders of Saudi Arabia to avoid global political outrage, but perhaps that is required for the liberation of these women. Saudi women have tried to create change within their country, but they make little progress when they act at the risk of their lives within a highly oppressed society. Instead of fanning the flames within their daughters, mothers must snuff it out for their own safety. This book is a call to action, not simply to be closed and put down with a sigh at the end, but to drive us to take a stand for those who cannot.