‘Girls of Riyadh’ is a novel by a young Saudi woman Rajaa Alsanea. The novel created quite a noise here in the Middle East. For me it was a chance reading. A friend of mine gave it to me even as I had several lying at home, waiting to be read.
Well to start with, the novel may not be a great piece of literature but has its own strengths. The writer took a rather bold subject (more for the society she talks about) and handled it rather well. Her style of writing will especially appeal to the younger net savvy lot of which she herself is a part. The chapters are short and written in form of emails, something which makes for easier reading and also serve as effective bookmarks.
The story revolves around four girls who in a way represent a different section of the Saudi society. It’s about the dreams of young women in a conservative society, role of women in a male dominated Islamic country, and the freedom to choose your own destiny. Sadeem Al-Horaimli, Gamrah Al-Qusmanji, Lamees Jeddawi, and Mashael Al-Abdulrahman (or Michelle) are the seldom unheard voices of a deeply religious nation. The novel talks freely of the girls’ trials and tribulations in the matters of love and marriage. Their own friendship forms the core of the novel.
Alsanea surely has stirred up the hornest’s nest with her view of the Saudi society, no wonder the book was promptly banned in the country. But she has done some service to her kind with this effort. This is what she wants her readers to see, “…little by little some of these women (in Saudi Arabia) are beginning to carve out their own way – not the Western way, but one that keeps what is good about the values of our religion and culture, while allowing for reform.” And hers is a voice of reason too!
On a rather different note, the novel for some reason reminded me of Chetan Bhagat’s style. Although he is a far better writer.
Being a first time effort from a 25 years old author, “Girls of Riyadh” is worth a read. I especially liked the chapter dealing with the classification of human populations based on different factors. As for it being a bestseller in the Middle East, it’s more to do with the subject.
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First of all, the book is not banned in KSA; i first saw this book at Jareer Book Store in Riyadh in January this year. So much for creating hype, so much more for misconstrued terms like “unheard voices in a deeply religious country” which makes me wonder whether this blog is a genuine Muslim voice or not. Having lived in KSA for 12 years, I would have used the term conservative instead but then again thats just me.
Dear Atif,
The book was banned in KSA immediately after its release, and this is what the book cover says (amazon too says the same). I didn’t ban it neither did I lift the ban. And I don’t see a problem in using a term “deeply religious.” A state run by the principles of religion qualifies well for it. And I meant no disrespect to the country when I said it.
As for a genuine Muslim voice, perhaps you could enlighten me with one!
Inam, it wasn’t clear from your review what was so controversial about the book. Could you please elaborate and maybe offer your opinion on the controversial subject? Thanks.
Dear Amit,
The author questioned the Saudi society on issues related to women’s lib, tribes, and the treatment of divorcees, which obviously didn’t go down well with some.
Actually two Saudi citizens filed a lawsuit against the author. According to it, the book is “an outrage to the norms of Saudi society. It encourages vice and also portrays the Kingdom’s female community as women who do not cover their faces and who appear publicly in an immodest way.” Incidentally the author wears hijab.
The case was later rejected!
Great book, I love it!
this book has no artistic nor novlilike value. It just shade lights on taboo area
many wants to discover.It represent saudi elite ladies with little to do
and more less to think about.As Saudi I wonder in the author got talent
or it all about gender.So sad to see how low muslim ideas and prospective
go.