Synopses & Reviews
Amira Badir, a young woman from a wealthy family in the Middle Eastern country of al-Remal, lives a life of luxury in opulent palaces. But repressive al-Remal discourages intelligence and initiative, so her life is also one of stark contrasts: wearing designer gowns at home, but never stepping outside without being swathed in black veils and accompanied by an escort.
Amira is not prepared for the sadistic savagery of her new husband, nor for the increasing control he exerts over her. Fearing for her safety, she escapes with her baby to start a new life in the United States. But her past--and her powerful husband--won't give her up easily. . . .
Review
"A spellbinding story of one woman's struggle to escape the gilded cage of the Middle Eastern aristocracy....I inhaled it!"
Cindy Adams, syndicated columnist
Review
"A compelling novel that boldly illuminates the different roles men and women play in the Middle East versus the West."
John Gray, bestselling author of Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus
Review
Praise for
Mirage
"A spellbinding story of one woman's struggle to escape the gilded cage of the Middle Eastern aristocracy....I inhaled it!" --Cindy Adams, syndicated columnist
"Khashoggi has written a truly compelling novel that boldly illuminates the different roles men and women play in the Middle East versus the West. Her characters act as windows to two sharply contrasted cultures, bringing them to life as only someone who has lived and felt them deeply could." --John Gray, author of the bestseller Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus
"Khashoggi, sister of wealthy financier Adnan Khashoggi and a product of a culture very like al-Remal's, is a natural-born storyteller who quickly engages her reader in a tale that is stylish, suspenseful, and entertaining." --Booklist (starred review)
"Breathless, larger-than-life...Khashoggi paints in glamorous and startling colors....Her depiction of the rarefied, claustrophobic lives of many privileged Arab women, as well as of the jet-set world of their families, adds depth and sparkle." --Publishers Weekly
Review
"Khashoggi is a natural-born storyteller who quickly engages her reader in a tale that is stylish, suspenseful, and entertaining."
Booklist (starred review)
Review
"A compelling novel that boldly illuminates the different roles men and women play in the Middle East versus the West."
Review
"The claustrophobic lives of privileged Arab women, as well as the jet-set world of their families, adds depth and sparkle."
Publishers Weekly
About the Author
Soheir Khashoggi was born in Alexandria, Egypt. A member of one of Saudi Arabia's most prominent families, she has used her influence to highlight the plight of women across the Arab world. She has participated in conferences worldwide and was a speaker at the international Women's World Forum Against Violence, an organization founded by Queen Sofia of Spain. Ms. Khashoggi has four daughters and lives in New York City.