Jean Sasson: Unveiling Middle Eastern Stories to the World
Image credit: Librarywala
My journey with Jean Sasson started when my brother’s friend handed me the book, saying, “You’ve got to read this,” “Mayada, Daughter of Iraq.” That book was by Jean Sasson, and it opened up a whole new world for me.
Jean Sasson’s own story is as fascinating as the tales she tells. Born in 1950 in a small town in Alabama, U.S., Jean’s childhood was far removed from the Middle Eastern world she would later chronicle. Her passion for learning and adventure led her to a nursing career, but fate had other plans.
In 1978, Jean took a job as a hospital administrator in Saudi Arabia. Talk about a culture shock! But Jean was fascinated. She spent 12 years there, learning about the lives of Middle Eastern women. These experiences would later fuel her writing career.
Jean’s big break came in 1992 with her book “Princess: A True Story of Life Behind the Veil in Saudi Arabia.” It was a massive hit, translated into more than 40 languages. People couldn’t get enough of the inside scoop on royal life in Saudi Arabia.
But writing these books wasn’t always easy. Jean faced threats and criticism. Some people didn’t like her exposing secrets. Others questioned if her stories were real. But Jean stood her ground. She believed these stories needed to be told.
Over the years, Jean has written a ton of books. Here are some of the big ones:
- The Princess Trilogy (“Princess,” “Princess Sultana’s Daughters,” “Princess Sultana’s Circle”)
- “Mayada, Daughter of Iraq”
- “Love in a Torn Land”
- “Growing Up bin Laden”
- “Yasmeena’s Choice”
- “The Rape of Kuwait”
Each book tells a different story, but they all have one thing in common: they give a voice to women who often can’t speak for themselves.
Jean’s work has earned her fans all over the world. She’s been invited to speak at the UN and has won awards for her writing. But for Jean, the real reward is knowing her books have opened people’s eyes to different cultures.
Today, Jean continues to write and speak out for women’s rights. She’s like a bridge between cultures, helping people understand each other better.
Her journey from a small-town girl to an internationally acclaimed author serves as an inspiration to aspiring writers everywhere. It shows us that with curiosity, compassion, and courage, one person can indeed make a difference in the world.
Jean’s story reminds us that great literature has the power to bridge cultures, foster understanding, and change lives. As readers, we’re fortunate to have guides like Jean, leading us into worlds we might otherwise never know.
Bidisha Ghosh, Staff Reporter
