Harem Girl: A Harem Girl?s Journal by M. Saalih
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Book Reviews of Harem Girl: A Harem Girl?s Journal
Book Review: unexpected
Summary: 5 Stars
....the gift of yourself...who knew the intricacies of a chosenlifestyle were so complicated. This was well writtenand thought out - actually believableBook Review: An Interesting Exercise in Orientalism
Summary: 4 Stars
The late Edward Said proposed in his theories of "Orientalism" that the Western world views the East through a filter of its own fantasies as a place of ruthless barbarism and luxurious sensuality, rather than as the complex and very human culture it actually is. While Said may at times be accused of oversimplifying his own view of the West, he does touch on some truths: "Exotic Love Secrets of the Orient" would almost certainly garner more sales in an American bookstore than would "Exotic Love Secrets of Topeka, Kansas."
"Harem Girl," complete with an eye-catching cover of an imaginary Arab slave market by Jean-Leon Gerome, gives us an interesting example of Orientalism. It purports to be the diary of one Mariyah/Sapphira, a disenchanted Muslim wife who concocts a plan to spend time in an Arabian slave harem, in which she becomes trapped and falls in love with her master. The story, of course, is first and foremost a way to describe life in the harem as a backdrop to a slave girl fantasy, with an emphasis on its sensual and sexual aspects. These are discussed in great detail, showing us that the author was diligent about her research. The writing is generally good as well, and the clever Forward and use of Arabic letters at the beginnings of the two main sections of the book are nice touches.
I had, however, two difficulties with "Harem Girl." First, because it is a Western sexual fantasy, it simply doesn't match up with actual Arab family behavior, which places a heavy emphasis on having children, and assigns status based on one's success in this regard. Sheik Ali's love of sex but disinterest in fathering a family until late in the book comes across as inauthentic for an Arab man of his time, as does the lack of interest in motherhood among the women of his harem. Other features of the sexual fantasy are also overemphasized: like many heroes in romance novels, Sheik Ali is filthy rich, meaning that Mariyah/Sapphira and the other slave girls get to spend a lot of time bathing and lounging around hoping to be called to the Sheik's bedroom that night for a good dose of that legendary and kinky oriental loving, but have few other duties or responsibilities. This is another misconception that can be seen in the paintings of harem life by Western artists of the 19th century, where attractive, fair-skinned women are shown lounging around nearly naked by the pool. The problem is that it's hard to find such characters interesting.
Which is the second difficulty with this book: it lacks tension. Life in the harem is too easy, lacking the backstabbing and intrigue commonly associated with the institution, and Mariyah/Sapphira's problems are not solved by her but instead by her handsome, rich Sheik. She displays a nice degree of independence and motivation to get herself into Sheik Ali's harem, but none whatsoever once she is there.
We must keep in mind, however, that the emphasis of this book is not anthropological or historical accuracy. It was written as a sexual fantasy for Western culture, and it is interesting in what it shows about that culture. Like all sexual fantasies it is quite specific in its target; it either will hit your button or it won't, much like Ann Rice's "Beauty" trilogy, John Norman's "Gor" series, or Karen Anne Mitchell's "The Usahar." So while I can't recommend "Harem Girl" as traditional literature, it does achieve its purpose as a fantasy. And if you are a fan of Edward Said and his views, I'd read it for that reason alone.
Book Review: cozy read
Summary: 4 Stars
This is a book I would read on a cold winter's night for pure entertainment. The premise of joining a harem for 4 months or so is too unbelieveable to even be entertained but as sheer fantasy it works. This insight into how a harem works and lives is very good, all feminists aside, but way too smooth. Only in a book could such as this happen but you know what ? Who cares, it is a well written book, very entertaining and didn't ruffle too many of my independant and feminists feathers. Now a steady diet of erotic,submissive fiction would make me crazy but this was fun and worth the money.Book Review: Harem Girl
Summary: 4 Stars
It's a really good book, and it was in perfect condition when I got it.
I could not put this book down, it has everything that makes a good book. It has intrigue, romance, suspense, and it is written so you can picture what is happening.
It is a very sexual book, some parts may even make you blush! hahaahah
Book Review: Not exceptional...
Summary: 3 Stars
This book was...ok. Definitely a beach read.
The back cover led me to believe that it would be an incredibly sexy and a delicious read. While it was sexy in some parts, it also lacked for believeable characters, had a tiresomely predictable plotline, and lacked for any real excitement. It was an easy and fast read however, good book for poolside or if you're sitting bored in an airport, pretty mindless.