Shifting Sands

By T.L. McCown

In her revealing memoir, the author shares insights into the Saudi Arabian culture which were previously hidden to the Western world. She was taken into the inner circle of the royal family and now... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1585972207
• ISBN13: 9781585972203
• Release Date: October 2003
• Publisher: Leathers Publishing
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 1.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.6" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

Shifting Sands

In Shifting Sands: Life in Arabia with a Saudi Princess, the author recalls her experiences while living in Saudi Arabia. The author and her husband are Christian Americans but had always wanted to experience life in Saudi Arabia. With the Gulf War looming, it seemed as though the couple would never realize their dream. Nonetheless, in March 1991, the couple began their adventure that lasted ten years. Initially, the author experienced horrible culture shock: living in a country where she did not speak the language, where she had no friends, where she had nothing to do all day, where there were stringent rules for women, and where her religious beliefs were illegal. At first, the author was completely overwhelmed and miserable. However, slowly she adjusted and eventually thrived in her new surroundings. She made some deep friendships, got a job that she adored, and had some truly amazing experiences that few individuals are privileged to experience. Shifting Sands: Life in Arabia with a Saudi Princess is a touching story that illustrates that despite our cultural differences we all treasure the same things: family, friends, and a sense of worth. Moreover, the author gives us a glimpse into a world that few Westerners could even imagine let alone experience. Her story leaves the reader with new understanding and perhaps even a deeper respect for those of other cultures and beliefs. This is an important message, especially in these troubled times, when we tend to lump all Muslims together as terrorists and religious fanatics.

A deeply personal viewpoint of the intersection between vastly different cultures and the bridges to

Written twelve years after the fact, Shifting Sands: Life in Arabia with a Saudi Princess is the memoir of T.L. McCown, who shared a deep friendship with a princess in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for ten years. The experiences of two women from vastly different backgrounds in a nation divided between centuries old traditions and the ongoing press of modern globalization. Terrorism and pressure from Islamic religious police are ominous shadows over both women's lives, and the dream of bringing more independence in a nation where women are, among other things, legally forbidden to drive, is a difficult one to pursue. The ups and downs of their long journey are recounted in this personal and touching recollection of good times shared, and a sober reflection that what ultimately split true friends apart was not the dictates of world or religion, but rather utterly unforeseen circumstances. A deeply personal viewpoint of the intersection between vastly different cultures and the bridges to be built between both.

A deeply personal viewpoint of the intersection between vastly different cultures and the bridges to

Written twelve years after the fact, Shifting Sands: Life in Arabia with a Saudi Princess is the memoir of T.L. McCown, who shared a deep friendship with a princess in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for ten years. The experiences of two women from vastly different backgrounds in a nation divided between centuries old traditions and the ongoing press of modern globalization. Terrorism and pressure from Islamic religious police are ominous shadows over both women's lives, and the dream of bringing more independence in a nation where women are, among other things, legally forbidden to drive, is a difficult one to pursue. The ups and downs of their long journey are recounted in this personal and touching recollection of good times shared, and a sober reflection that what ultimately split true friends apart was not the dictates of world or religious, but rather utterly unforeseen circumstances. A deeply personal viewpoint of the intersection between vastly different cultures and the bridges to be built between both.

A spellbinding must-read

Shifting Sands is a spellbinding must-read for anyone who wants to understand the culture of Saudi Arabia (and who doesn't, after the events of Sept. 11?) This book resonated with me personally since my husband lives and works in Saudi Arabia. The author provided vivid descriptions of what it would be like to live on a company compound in Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia (one chapter is called "Extreme Boredom" - say no more!) The book allowed me to relive the joys and frustrations of visiting Saudi Arabia. The joys: sunshine, extremely hospitable people, beautiful architecture, exotic shopping, mouthwatering foods. The frustrations: The list is long. Women have no rights there. Women cannot drive, and they face harassment from religious police if they do not cover themselves with the black abaya. (The author had several frightening run-ins with religious police regarding her failure to cover her hair with a headscarf.) I was thrilled to learn that the author, risking her own safety, had advanced the cause of women's rights there by opening a clandestine school for women. T.L. McCown's writing also reminded me of the utter frustration of trying to visit shops and restaurants when they close multiple times a day for prayer time. Frustration, however, turns to fear with the growing threat of terrorism. McCown lived in Saudi Arabia during the June 26, 1996 bombing of Khobar Towers, a place where she had taught public speaking to military personnel just two months previous. She describes in vivid detail how she fought to keep her family safe with the prospect of terrorism looming right outside her doors. In conclusion, this book has one major flaw. For 354 pages, the author successfully foreshadows the demise of her extraordinary relationship with a Saudi princess and the need for the author's family to eventually leave Saudi Arabia. In the end, the author never explains precisely why any of this happened! The last sentence seems to imply that the author is working on a sequel. Still, to come to the end of a book and have it drop off the end of a cliff with no proper conclusion is extremely irritating.

Interesting

T.L. McCown did a great job of revealing life in Saudi to the reader. It amazes me the life the royal lead. I still can't get over the camping trip they took! I reccomend this to anyone!