Patricia W. (flutterbug) reviewed Inside the Kingdom: My Life in Saudi Arabia on + 34 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 6
Fascinating book about the life of Carmen Bin Laden, who was married to one of Osama Bin Laden's 56 brothers and lived in Saudi Arabia until her daughters started school and she realized what kind of life they would have as women and decided to get out. Details what life is like for women living in Saudi Arabia in our day and age. Truly shocking and frightening. Totally mesmerizing, for women and for men.
Lisa R. (lisarichards) reviewed Inside the Kingdom: My Life in Saudi Arabia on + 9 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 6
This was an interesting look inside the Ben Ladin clan, but I couldn't help getting a little irritated with Carmen Bin Ladin. She complains about how oppressed these women are and yet she stayed with her husband for years and years. She whined about the unattractively decorated little suburban-type houses, though I would say it was a pretty high-end suburb from the photo of their backyard. She comes off as a bit of a gold-digger since she talks a lot about the large allowances the ladies had to buy expensive clothes and other baubles. The book left me still wondering; what's it REALLY like living "Inside the Kingdom"? Ultimately, a slightly unsatisfying read.
Helpful Score: 5
Carmen gives us a glimpse into what it's like to be a woman in Saudi Arabia, a country where the man reigns supreme and the woman has no rights and is kept dependent....what it's like to raise daughters there and wanting so much more for them. She tells us about the religious laws that must be strictly followed, such as praying 5 times per day, strict reading of the Koran, not being allowed to talk to men, books and media as contraband, and must be covered in an aabaya at all times when outside of the home. She tells of the booming industry and growth in the middle east in the 1970's.....and small steps forward for women.... only to have them taken quickly away by Ayatollah Komeini who invaded Saudi. If readers are hoping to get alot of information in regards to her former brother in law, Osama, then this book is not for them. While she does tell about him briefly, this books main focus is what it's like to be a foreign woman living in an oppressive country. Carmen's style of writing keeps the reader interested and it's a relatively fast read.
Anna S. (Bustercaesarmom) reviewed Inside the Kingdom: My Life in Saudi Arabia on + 68 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
Her brother-in-law may well be the world's most well-known terrorist, but she is a mother who only wants a safe life for her daughters. This memoir shares examples of middle Eastern life, and how it has changed in only a few decades. A very good read that helps readers understand how quickly things can change, both for one person, and for a whole country.
Helpful Score: 2
This is an excellent book to learn about women in Saudi culture. I was fascinated to read about what happens when you get entrenched in their world. I read it and let several people at work read it and everyone loved it. Would highly recommend it.
