A Woman of Egypt

By Jehan Sadat

Book Overview

In this passionate and heartfelt autobiography, Jehan Sadat tells of her life as a patriot, feminist, wife, and mother at the turbulent center of an ancient land.

Sharing her experiences of defying the strict Muslim traditions of her country, Jehan Sedat tells the intensely inspiring story of overcoming the expectations of others on the path to honor herself.

Marrying President Anwar Sadat, Jehan was the first wife of a Muslim leader to live in the public image, travel outside of the country on her own, and campaign for women's rights. After her husband was assassinated by right-wing fundamentalists and as a mother of four, she returned to university at age forty-one and received her PhD.

Now, here to share her story of resiliency and self-discovery, Jehan Sadat takes readers into her courageous world as she discusses her successes, struggles, and downfalls in Woman of Egypt.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0743237080
• ISBN13: 9780743237086
• Release Date: February 2002
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster
• Length: 480 Pages
• Weight: 1.73 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 6.3" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

An Extraordinary Woman . . .

Jehan Sadat is an extraordinary and courageous woman. I was amazed to read about all of the wonderful programs she created for her country, including cooperatives for women, educational facilities, communities for the disabled, and home communities for orphans. She served tirelessly on local political committees and charitable committees, including Egypt's version of the Red Cross. The fight for women's right to divorce and vote in elections was so important to her that she risked her own family relationships but constantly asking her husband (to his annoyance) to support her agenda until he gave in. Sadat accomplished all these things and much more while raising three children, pursuing a graduate degree in Arabic literature, and supporting her husband, president of Egypt. _A Woman of Egypt_ is not just about Sadat, however; the book discusses Egyptian politics, especially Egypt's relationship to Israel and the US. After reading Sadat's book, I've come to understand the complexities between US-Israel and Arab relations. Sadat is even-handed and fair in assessment of the political situations--she does not condemn her enemies just because they are her enemies. I found her to be an admirable woman and her husband to be an incredible man--the first Muslim leader to actively seek peace with Israel. My favorite line from the book is (paraphrased): They say my husband was ahead of his time, but how can a man who lived only for peace be ahead of his time?

A Woman of Egypt

I was living in Saudi Arabia with my husband for several years. Last summer, a German friend of mine gave me this book translated into German. I was completely captivated by the contents of which I knew very little and the interesting way Ms. Sadat wrote about her life. It was definitely a revelation to me how deeply rooted the problems in the Middle East between Egypt and Isreal were already at the time. Whether this my suggestion belongs into this review or not: I wished the book was made more public - I could not find it this past summer anywhere in a bookstore. (Competitive store)only showed the German title. Every American should read the book in order understand the unsurmountable problems between Jews and Arabs in the region to this day.As to Madame Sadat: What a courageous, dedicated women she was in a Muslim country, combining her deep faith with her progressive ideas.

Very Good Book

I've never wrote a review before but I thought A Woman of Egypt was so interesting that I couldn't resist. This book gives you an inside look at a lady who was constantly in the public eye in Egypt and wanted to see change. I thought it very courageous some of the things she did and tried to do in Egypt as the first lady. I believe Jehan Sadat spoke from her heart. You will find it hard to put this book down, I know I did! I have resided in Cairo for some years now and I can see what Jehan Sada was trying to do from a different light. Well done Mrs. Sadat!

A fascinating book

When I bought this bough I had no real idea about the life of a woman in the Moslem world; this book gave me an interesting insight. Furthermore, I think it is a fascinating book by a fascinating woman

Probably the best source of what Jehan Sadat did for Egypt.

As can be expected, this book is the best source for what Jehan Sadat did in Egypt before, during, and after Sadat's presidency. Well-written and interesting, this book details her life with and without Anwar Sadat from a unique point of view. Well worth reading. Please note- I am an engineer, not that interested in the Middle East, and even I could not stop reading