Well, this book was way our of the normal reading I do and I have to say I liked it! I bought this book for Dad but since he is so ensconced with Churchill, I read it before he did. It is a fascinating look from an insiders view of Saudi Arabia.
The author (I think he is British) has either lived in or been a part of the kingdom for thirty years. In this writing, he depicts the nation in it's most recent years - beginning in the late 70's up to the publishing of this book in 2009 - which I believe is banned in Saudi. (I would be surprised if it isn't.) Lacey explains and peels back the layers of the culture, the beginnings of the jihadist ideology, and addresses the issues women face there even now. It is written in a rather personal style rather than an accounting of dates, facts and nameless figures. Instead he gives personal stories, details of interviews, photographs and important for me, a glossary of names and Arabic terms. There are so many citizens that want to turn the clock back to the time of Mohammed and this book helps explains the why and how as well as the consequences of that mission.
It is a very interesting read and I would recommend it.
The author (I think he is British) has either lived in or been a part of the kingdom for thirty years. In this writing, he depicts the nation in it's most recent years - beginning in the late 70's up to the publishing of this book in 2009 - which I believe is banned in Saudi. (I would be surprised if it isn't.) Lacey explains and peels back the layers of the culture, the beginnings of the jihadist ideology, and addresses the issues women face there even now. It is written in a rather personal style rather than an accounting of dates, facts and nameless figures. Instead he gives personal stories, details of interviews, photographs and important for me, a glossary of names and Arabic terms. There are so many citizens that want to turn the clock back to the time of Mohammed and this book helps explains the why and how as well as the consequences of that mission.
It is a very interesting read and I would recommend it.
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