Girls of Riyadh
Girls of Riyadh
Book Brief
286
Novel • Fiction
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia • 2000s
2005
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Girls of Riyadh by Rajaa Alsanea tells the story of four young women in Saudi Arabia navigating love and societal constraints. Gamrah, Sadeem, Michelle, and Lamees face cultural and personal challenges in their pursuit of happiness. The unnamed narrator shares their stories through a weekly newsletter, revealing their struggles and resilience without compromising their heritage.
Informative
Emotional
Romantic
Mysterious
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
21,090 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Girls of Riyadh by Rajaa Alsanea offers a compelling glimpse into the lives of four Saudi women navigating love, tradition, and modernity. Praised for its candid portrayal of a cloistered society and its engaging narrative style, the novel also faces criticism for occasionally veering into stereotypes and lacking depth in character development. MLA
Who Should Read Girls of Riyadh?
Readers who enjoy works like Sex and the City by Candace Bushnell or Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi will be captivated by Rajaa Alsanea's Girls of Riyadh. This novel’s candid exploration of love, friendship, and societal expectations in Saudi Arabia resonates with those interested in contemporary women's issues, cultural insights, and modern storytelling.
21,090 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Girls of Riyadh was initially published in Lebanon in 2005, as it faced hurdles in getting a release in Saudi Arabia due to its controversial content.
Rajaa Alsanea was in her twenties and pursuing dental studies when she wrote Girls of Riyadh, adding an authentic young voice to the cultural narratives she explored.
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The novel was compared to Sex and the City upon its release, as it explores the romantic lives and friendships of four young Saudi women, providing a glimpse into a rarely seen side of contemporary Saudi life.
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286
Novel • Fiction
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia • 2000s
2005
Adult
18+ years
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