Shifting Sands: Life in Arabia with a Saudi Princess

Shifting Sands: Life in Arabia with a Saudi Princess
T.L. McCown
Leathers Publishing
ISBN: 1-58597-220-7
Non-Fiction, Memoir, Culture
Reviewed by Dr. Tami Brady

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.