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gemmamilne's review
4.0
This is a wonderfully thought-provoking glimpse into the lives, the minds and the realities of women living in Saudi Arabia.
Sutcliff interviews a hugely diverse array of women - from princesses to cleaners; from 15 year olds to 80 year olds; from housewives to engineers; from students to prisoners...each ‘chapter’ consisting of their accounts in their own (translated) words. Between each section, there’s an essay of sorts about the history, the politics and the culture of the country.
It’s obvious, but what struck me was the sheer diversity of thought - focused specifically on the abaya, the niqab, and the whole experience of guardianship. I think the narratives we tend to stumble upon in the West can be so absolutist and without nuance, so it was refreshing to read the spectrum of opinion all in one sitting.
Highly recommend.
Sutcliff interviews a hugely diverse array of women - from princesses to cleaners; from 15 year olds to 80 year olds; from housewives to engineers; from students to prisoners...each ‘chapter’ consisting of their accounts in their own (translated) words. Between each section, there’s an essay of sorts about the history, the politics and the culture of the country.
It’s obvious, but what struck me was the sheer diversity of thought - focused specifically on the abaya, the niqab, and the whole experience of guardianship. I think the narratives we tend to stumble upon in the West can be so absolutist and without nuance, so it was refreshing to read the spectrum of opinion all in one sitting.
Highly recommend.
hileahrious's review
4.0
A very eye-opening read, however frustrating it is to read some of the things these women say and think about their so-called freedoms. The diverse range of women portrayed through the interviews is remarkable, I have to express how grateful I am that someone like Sutcliff has the passion to make these stories known. An engaging read, quite literally I found myself talking back to these women! Highly recommended and you will definitely learn something.
colorfulleo92's review
4.0
It was very interesting to read about the women and their lives. I know very little about other cultures then my own. Want to read more books like this
albloomy's review
4.0
3.75 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
This was an enjoyable book and an interesting look at the lives of women in Saudi Arabia told through case studies. There was diversity of people included and the people interviewed seemed relatively forthcoming. I appreciated that there was representation of the LGBTIQA+ community and how that works in with the culture these people live within. It was compiled by a Western woman which was interesting from the perspective of explanatory notes for those unfamiliar with certain things but it would be interesting to see a similar book written from someone who grew up in and lives this culture.
This was an enjoyable book and an interesting look at the lives of women in Saudi Arabia told through case studies. There was diversity of people included and the people interviewed seemed relatively forthcoming. I appreciated that there was representation of the LGBTIQA+ community and how that works in with the culture these people live within. It was compiled by a Western woman which was interesting from the perspective of explanatory notes for those unfamiliar with certain things but it would be interesting to see a similar book written from someone who grew up in and lives this culture.
readwithshaazia's review
3.0
This book took me by surprise. Reading it was an exercise in confronting by own biases and prejudices, my idea of feminism, modernity and of Islam. I really enjoyed it and would have given it more stars if I wasn't so aware that the interviews were conducted and written up with a western gaze, which has its own limitations.
marshmalison's review against another edition
4.0
Solid 4, veering towards a 4.5. Nice collection of accounts from women in Saudi Arabia with some narrative from the academic who carried out the interviews. Definitely worth a read - and easy to dip in and out of.
mmefish's review against another edition
informative
medium-paced
3.5
Either should have been shorter or not focus on the same 5 or so questions.
filawless's review
informative
fast-paced
3.75
A really interesting insight to Saudi women and how they feel about their country, traditions and the perception the West has of it all. Written in advance of the removal of the driving ban for women it gives real insight into what these women think about the potential for change and how they feel it will impact their lives.