― Jean Sasson, quote from Princess: A True Story of Life Behind the Veil in Saudi Arabia Irritated at his tone of permission, I told him I was not aware that my education was up for discussion.” Finally, he kissed me on the neck and said that I would continue my education once we returned to Riyadh. He seemed in utter shock that I thought of political issues and the state of the world. It was obvious that my husband was not accustomed to a woman with opinions of her own.

Not used to a woman interested in the greater scheme of things, he questioned me into the night to learn my thoughts on various matters. Just imagine what would happen in the Arab world a country the size of America would have a war a minute, with each man certain he had the only correct answer for the good of all! In our lands, men look no farther than their own noses for a solution. It appears impossible for large numbers of people to stay on a course of freedom for all when so many options are available. 'So few countries manage complete freedom for all their citizens without chaos this has been accomplished in this huge land.

I finally said: 'I believe this marvellous mixture of cultures has brought civilization closer to reality than in any other culture in history.' I was certain Kareem did not understand what I meant and I tried to explain. When he asked me why, I had difficulty in voicing what I felt in my heart. “In California, after weeks of meeting transported Americans from practically every state in the Union, I announced to Kareem that I liked these strange loud people, the Americans.

Princess by jean sasson summary