The Girls of Riyadh by Rajaa Alsanea

This book is a truly 21st century phenomenon, originating from an email chain that was circulated in Saudi Arabia a few years ago by an anonymous young Saudi woman. The book opens with the bold invitation (or is it a dare?)..

“Ladies and Gentlemen, you are invited to be join me in one of the most explosive scandals and noisiest, wildest, all-night parties around. Your personal tour guide—that’s moi—will reveal to you a new world, a world closer than you might imagine. We all live in this world but do not really experience it, seeing only what we can tolerate and ignoring the rest.

“…to everyone out there who has got enough courage to read the naked truth laid out on the World Wide Web and resolve to accept that truth, with of course the essential patience to stay with me through this wild adventure.“

And it is a wild adventure indeed! Centering around the lives of four young Saudi women, this novel examines the unique trials facing their sex in this restrictive society and their poignant and occasionally bizarre attempts to cope with their reality.

This novel is a fast read, very accessible to even those unfamiliar with Middle Eastern culture. Much of this novel focuses on romantic mishaps, gender discrimination, and the questions of loyalty and identity within families.

Although somewhat cynical and depressing at points, the valuable insight this unique book brings to the plight of many Saudi women merits its popularity. I really enjoy the fact that it's very 'real'--it is not a simple, caricature-like depiction of Saudi-Women-Versus-The-Evil-Patriarchy. Instead, it honestly acknowledges the humanity and the complexity of Saudi society--flaws, bright moments, and all. I’d recommend it for sure.