I remember checking this book out from the library and didn't put it down until I had finished it. The author Jean Sasson flew to the Gulf when she heard about the Iraqi invasion and interviewed Kuwaiti refugees. This book is their stories and it is definitely an eye opener. When you see the fancy cars, designer bags and what looks like extravagant spending you would never have thought that at one time Kuwaiti citizens were "refugees."
Yes, they celebrate each year in February but does the new generation even know what the celebration is actually about? My hubby was there as a teenager and told me countless stories of survival and how the Kuwaiti citizens came together and supported each other which is something you don't see any more. These days there is an internal conflict amongst the citizens and everyone is fighting each other. What happened to the unity and tears shed when Kuwait was liberated?
This is Jean Sasson, the author of THE RAPE OF KUWAIT. What a time that was! I have had a number of big adventures in my life, but traveling to meet with the survivors of the invasion, and then 7 months later to travel into the country to meet with people who had survived the occupation was one of the most interesting times of my life! So glad that you managed to find this book. It's bee a while, but hopefully it will remind all of what happened to Kuwait in August 1990! Thanks, so much, Jean Sasson
ReplyDeleteOMG! So nice to meet you! My family and I have read almost all of your books! I love the Sultana stories and I read the Rape of Kuwait many years ago when I was looking for more Sultana books at the library and read that book as well. I'm not much of a book reader but I couldn't put those down once I started reading. If you ever want to visit Kuwait let me know and I can take you on a tour.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I do have plans to go to Kuwait next year. I'll let you know. Meanwhile, I enjoy your blog... Very good wishes to you and your family. NOTE: I just published my second book on Kuwait, but I'm not sure you should read it. It HAD to be graphic due to the subject matter, of the young girls and women kidnapped and raped & tortured by the Iraqi security forces in Kuwait. The title is YASMEENA'S CHOICE, but, still, I think you might not want to read it! It's fun checking in! Jean Sasson
ReplyDeleteNew book? Great! I'm not phased by graphic nature, I want to read everythin you put out. My sister's ex husband was kidnapped and he along with some mulla guys were forced to watch a girl being raped and those who turned their faces were shot, needless to say he was one of the only ones left standing. My husband was also here through the whole invasion and tells me some stories as well. Keep writing and we will keep reading! Do let me know when you plan to come to Kuwait maybe I can show you around and if you need anything just ask.
ReplyDeleteOh good. I always warn everyone though, just in case. I don't want to totally startle anyone! Let me know when you read YASMEENA'S CHOICE. The e-book is for sale everywhere on line. I want to know what you think of it! Thanks, and yes, of course, I'll let you know when I'm coming to Kuwait. I'm really looking forward to meeting up with some of the people I interviewed -- they were so sad and heart-broken then, and I'm hoping they have healed...
ReplyDeleteGreat! Have you ever read about the Kuwaiti and gulf children left behind by their Arab fathers? Would you ever consider writing a book about the children left behind? saudichildrenleftbehind.com kuwaitichildrenleftbehind qatarichildrenleftbehind are all sites dedicated to children left behind by their student fathers, the links are on my blog roll if your're interested.
ReplyDeleteI have not read about this subject much, other than Saudi children left behind. I will look on your links... Thanks, Jean
ReplyDeleteHello, "The Rape of Kuwait" is one of my favorite books by the fantastic author, Jean Sasson. I also wanted to recommend the author's newest book, "Yasmeena's Choice". Although it is not a follow-up to "The Rape of Kuwait" the topics are very similar.
ReplyDelete"Yasmeena's Choice" is also about the Gulf War. But this time the author concentrates on just one victim, Yasmeena. Yasmeena was a Lebanese flight attendant that was taken prisoner in Kuwait by the Iraqi military and held captive in a prison compound for women. The story is unlike anything I have ever read because the subject of war rape is very rarely discussed, especially in the Middle East.
I commend the author for writing this fascinating and truly ground-breaking book, "Yasmeena's Choice". This is one of my very favorite books that I have ever read because it is so gripping and thought-provoking. It is also the type of story that is haunting in its realism because the author is so graphic and detailed in writing this very important true story.
I have read the all the Princess Sultana books, Yasmeenas Choice, Mayada, and currently reading Love in a Torn Land. Love !!! I have all Jean Sassoon's books on Kindle and will read them. However, I absolutely want to read The Rape of Kuwait following Love in a Torn Land, but am unable to find it as eBook... kindle, Google, and Nook.... Not available. Any suggestions? Searching for it is how I stumbled onto this blog.
ReplyDeleteI found it on Amazon for an inexpensive price, I had checked it out of the library many years ago. You can also contact the author as she has contacted me and thanked me for the post. I will see if I can find it.
ReplyDeleteHi. Thanks for your reply. The book is available on Amazon, unfortunately not for Kindle/eBook. I was hoping to read it electronically but have exhausted my search and will order the book.
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